97 Malibu. Seized heater control. How do I replace?

[nuck]

My control for shifting from vent to defrost etc is pretty much pooched. I need pliers to change the setting, the knob just strips. The control for the heat range and the one for fan speed work fine, but I imagine the whole piece has to be replaced. I would like to remove the head or control unit. How do I get it out?

[gapboi210]

Pop the trim piece around the ignition off. That's the piece that says off-acc-on-start. The plastic that surrounds the stereo and ac control pop off use care and go slow otherwise it will crack. I reccomend using something like a thin plastic scraper. There are screws on both sides of the control unit, remove those and slide the unit out. Disconect the harness from the rear. The exact opposite to replace it. I have seen some cheap controls on E-bay but after shipping and handling, it may be the same to go to the dealer.

[richtazz]

I work for an AC Delco dist in Flint, MI. We carry your control unit, and we do ship UPS. I can sell you one for $84.99 + shipping. All I need is to know if your car has the electric rear defogger or not. Our toll free number is 1(800) 852-6933, ask for Rich. We accept visa or Mastercard and shipping UPS gound should cost less than $10. Dealer retail on that part is almost $170.

[gapboi210]

Hey tazz,

I heard that they have not redesigned whatever is wrong with those control units, so it is just a matter of time beofre they go out if you replace it with a new one. Is this true?