Ventilation selector knob

[seani]

On my pre-2000 renault laguna the left hand knob on the a/c panel that controls the direction of the heating/ventilation (cabin, floor, de-mist etc.) has stopped turning.

You can sort of twist it a bit - but it never snaps into place. Luckily it's stuck on de-mist.

I wonder if anyone had had this fault - and could suggest a quick fix? Are we talking about a new heating matrix?

Any help much appreciated... Sean

[annamieg]

I'm having the same problem with my 1998 model. The temp selector knob (right next to it) shows the same symptoms. I've fiddled around but it seems the only way to get in there / fix it would be to basically strip that piece off of the dash, but the question is HOW? I don't see any fasteners so I assume there must be hidden clips somewhere.

[seani]

My basic message is don't go there.

To gain access to the rear side of the heating controls fascia you have to undo ALL the plastic console starting around the hand brake, on to the gear stick, moving up through ash tray, past the radio and onwards and upwards. Believe me: however careful you are there's always some piece of plastic that snaps off - and you can never get it all back together as tightly as it used to be (so now I have a rattling/buzz from the cockpit console as well!!).

I did all this and got there, I found that the cable connected to the knob had a big kink in it (presumably because it has either snapped or become detached from the other end).

Now 'the other end' (on RH drive models) is, of course, not behind the glove box as it would be in a french car (that would be bad enough), but is located in one of the most inaccessible places behind the steering wheel. In fact you can't get at it without taking the steering wheel and air bag off and virtually dismantling all the plastic around the speedometer etc.

Perhaps that explains why the Renault dealer wanted 160 pounds to fix it. Not worth it in my view - but you pays your money and takes your choice!

Sean

[annamieg]

Thanks for the prompt reply. I agree with you - seems better to just leave it as it is. I can live with the (sort of) cool air on the windscreen for the moment. I've put in a couple of car radios in my time and damn, that was hard enough getting all the plastic off and then, as you mentioned, back on with as few squeeks and rattles as possible. Come the winter I'll see how it goes and then maybe take her in to a dealer. I think I'd much rather part with $250 than spend days with frustration and backache trying to fix it myself.