Notices
86-95 Trucks & 4Runners 2nd/3rd gen pickups, and 1st/2nd gen 4Runners with IFS

defroster is cold air, side vents are hot?? help

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Nov 17, 2011 | 05:20 AM
  #1  
sherminator866's Avatar
Thread Starter
Registered User
 
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 66
Likes: 0
defroster is cold air, side vents are hot?? help

so i got my heat fixed, and now when i use the defroster the air is cold that comes out while the two side vents are hot air. when i switch to face vents the center is cool and the sides are still warm. this is really strange and it sucks because i cant defrost my window!

any ideas on what the heck is going on???

thanks guys

94 pickup 22re 4x4
Reply
Old Nov 17, 2011 | 06:25 AM
  #2  
TNRabbit's Avatar
Contributing Member
 
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 4,787
Likes: 36
From: TENN Native Languishing in Virginia
There's a diversion flap deep inside the ductwork that probably isn't working. Happens frequently with old ducting under the dash.
Reply
Old Nov 17, 2011 | 07:02 AM
  #3  
sherminator866's Avatar
Thread Starter
Registered User
 
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 66
Likes: 0
is there any easy ways to check/fix this or do i need to tear apart the dash? and do you know where abouts it could be located?
thanks i will deff check into this.
Reply
Old Nov 17, 2011 | 07:06 AM
  #4  
sherminator866's Avatar
Thread Starter
Registered User
 
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 66
Likes: 0
would this still be the problem even if i can still change the settings and they work? or is there a different flap for letting engine air in? could it be the flap that circulates or lets in outside air not working?
Reply
Old Nov 17, 2011 | 09:38 AM
  #5  
tj884Rdlx's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,458
Likes: 5
From: ATL!
there's a diagram in the FSM that shows the internals of the ductwork, and the multiple flaps that control airflow. sounds like a cable has disconnected from one of the flaps.

you should be able to get to it by just removing the glovebox, but it depends if the cable has just popped loose, or if some plastic tabs have broken inside.

also, confirm ALL the cables are connected at the control sliders right behind the dash. it's not all done by one cable.

check the FSM, available on NC TTORA's website if you don't have a copy already.

here's a shortcut for ya, since i knew right where it was:
http://ncttora.com/fsm/1990-1995_4Rn...c/descript.pdf

Last edited by tj884Rdlx; Nov 17, 2011 at 09:44 AM.
Reply
Old Nov 17, 2011 | 10:08 AM
  #6  
sherminator866's Avatar
Thread Starter
Registered User
 
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 66
Likes: 0
just went out and checked it, and it seems like every adjustment moves a cable and i can hear different flaps opening and closing too. if some of the heat is hot, do these flaps you guys are talking about control HEAT or just air flow and where its headed. because only the center vents(middle 2 face and defrost) are cold. so even if a flap was unhooked shouldnt it still be hot at different vents? if that makes sense.
im not doubting anything you guys are saying just trying to comprehend exactly whats been said. i just dont understand how if only the flap to control direction is unhooked how does that control temperature of the air?
thanks and sorry im kinda lost here.
Reply
Old Nov 17, 2011 | 10:11 AM
  #7  
sherminator866's Avatar
Thread Starter
Registered User
 
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 66
Likes: 0
so after taking a closer look at the diagram givin, the only flap that could affect anything would be the air mix damper? and it looks to be directly behind the radio area?
Reply
Old Nov 17, 2011 | 10:27 AM
  #8  
sherminator866's Avatar
Thread Starter
Registered User
 
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 66
Likes: 0
i jsut checked and the air mix damper WAS unhooked and i think it was only about 1/2 way maybe. so i adjusted it by hand because the cable is all f'd up. so do you guys think that was causing so much temp change? hope this helps.

thanks guys a ton!
Reply
Old Nov 17, 2011 | 11:29 AM
  #9  
peow130's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 3,887
Likes: 16
From: Spokane, WA
well, turn on your heater and find out. if it's fixed, then problem solved.
Reply
Old Nov 18, 2011 | 06:31 AM
  #10  
WetDogSmell's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
From: La Grande, OR
The Air-Mix Dampener switch will cause cold air (while driving) to flow though the windshield vents, depending on the temperature outside anyway. If you can close the toggle it should fix your problem.
If the switch is only half-way it would also cause cold air (fresh air) to flow through the windshield vents, by mixing cabin air with outside air.
Reply
Old Nov 18, 2011 | 07:45 AM
  #11  
sherminator866's Avatar
Thread Starter
Registered User
 
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 66
Likes: 0
yes, it did fix the problem. i was able to move the switch by and and it was not even half way. the cable was hooked up fine, but the sleeve was unhooked causing the whole cable and sleeve to move instead of just the cable. thanks guys for the help. my 3 year old will appreciate it when it gets a little colder.
Reply
Old Nov 18, 2011 | 10:25 AM
  #12  
peow130's Avatar
Registered User
 
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 3,887
Likes: 16
From: Spokane, WA
Maybe try a junkyard when it gets warm for a cable, or check the dealership. Oreillys and napa might have one, but it's a shot in the dark.
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
bigjstang
86-95 Trucks & 4Runners
21
Jun 2, 2025 03:56 PM
MO transplant
86-95 Trucks & 4Runners
10
Apr 23, 2023 11:58 AM
Doug4320
86-95 Trucks & 4Runners
19
Mar 24, 2018 10:11 PM
Avenged
95.5-2004 Tacomas & 96-2002 4Runners
4
Jul 9, 2015 07:55 AM
elwood73
86-95 Trucks & 4Runners
0
Jul 5, 2015 07:07 AM




All times are GMT -8. The time now is 03:19 PM.