Odd E36 vent issue

[kdevitt]

Have a slightly odd one - no amount of googling has resolved it. The bowden cable for the vent direction knob will only click into place one way at each end. When I removed it to fit the new dash, it was working fine. When I reconnected it after fitting the new dash, the controls were flipped.

So in the image below, having it on the window demister setting would actually have the vents active between the face / feet settings.



The vent knob itself also only fits on one way - and at this stage its getting irritating. Anyone have something similar happen in the past? I'm presuming I need to get all the dash out again and flip something in behind it, but don't want to go ripping it apart if there's a simpler solution.

[Venom]

Have a slightly odd one - no amount of googling has resolved it. The bowden cable for the vent direction knob will only click into place one way at each end. When I removed it to fit the new dash, it was working fine. When I reconnected it after fitting the new dash, the controls were flipped.

So in the image below, having it on the window demister setting would actually have the vents active between the face / feet settings.



The vent knob itself also only fits on one way - and at this stage its getting irritating. Anyone have something similar happen in the past? I'm presuming I need to get all the dash out again and flip something in behind it, but don't want to go ripping it apart if there's a simpler solution.

You're 100% correct on what you're saying. Can only imagine it's more than annoying. I've had the whole thing out before and I'm trying to remember what I did. Not much help at the minute but I'll come back to you on it if I can recall.

[JohnC]

Think I have the same issue on the new car.

Previous owner had the dash apart of fit an original radio and probably did the same.

[Venom]

Ken, I'm just packaging up one of these full units for someone and a thought occurred. Are you missing the clear plastic locking plate behind the front where the knobs sit? Realoem seems to be down so I can't post a link.

[kdevitt]

Ken, I'm just packaging up one of these full units for someone and a thought occurred. Are you missing the clear plastic locking plate behind the front where the knobs sit? Realoem seems to be down so I can't post a link.

Good thinking - I might very well be - I'm buying a new faceplate and will have a goo while its off.