A/C - Temperature Knob Hard to Turn
No: TSB-055-003DATE: December, 2005
MODEL: See below
SUBJECT:
HEATER TEMPERATURE DIAL
HARD TO TURN
This TSB supercedes TSB-04-55-003, issued March, 2004, to add new heater blend door replacement procedures and information, and to update the affected vehicles.
PURPOSE
The heater temperature dial on some affected vehicles may be difficult to turn. This is caused by the heater air blend door link and lever binding, or a dirty and/or damaged blend door gear track preventing the door from moving freely.
To prevent this condition, install a new, improved heater blend door as described in this bulletin.
If a customer complains that the heater temperature dial is difficult to turn:
^ Install the new, improved heater blend door (listed in the PARTS INFORMATION section of this bulletin).
^ For 2002-2003 models only, if the vehicle has NOT already had the heater air blend link and lever replaced as described in TSB-04-55-003, replace the heater air blend link and lever.
On vehicles that do not have a blower motor housing filter already installed as original equipment, install a filter to the top of the blower motor housing, to prevent entry of dirt and debris.
AFFECTED VEHICLES
2002-on Lancer and Lancer Evolution
2003-on Outlander
PROCEDURE
1. Remove the heater case from the vehicle as follows. Refer to Group 55 in the service manual.
a. Discharge and recover the refrigerant.
b. Clamp the heater inlet and outlet hoses near the bulkhead and remove the hoses from the heater core pipes.
c. Disconnect the A/C pipes and remove the expansion valve block.
d. Remove the instrument panel. Refer to Group 52A in the service manual.
e. Remove the heater case assembly.
2. Remove the seal from the case and discard it.
3. Use a flat-blade screwdriver to pry off the clip.
4. Remove the connector.
Do not remove the fin temperature sensors from the evaporator. If a sensor location is changed, compressor failure may result.
Do not remove the fin temperature sensors from the evaporator. If a sensor location is changed, compressor failure may result.
5. Remove the temperature control linkages and gear.
6. Position the heater case on the bench with the control linkage gear side facing down.
7. Open the case. Remove and discard the blend door assembly. Do not remove the mode doors.
8. Install the new blend door (provided in the heater blend door kit listed in the PARTS INFORMATION section of this bulletin). Use the location pins on the door to align it properly.
9. Move the blend door all the way to the left. Then install the gear.
10. 2002-2003 MODELS ONLY
If the vehicle has NOT already had the heater blend link and lever replaced as described in TSB-04-55-003:
Use the heater air blend link and lever kit listed in the PARTS INFORMATION section of this bulletin.
Apply a small amount of grease to the slot in the new door link, and to the gearteeth on the new lever.
Install the new link and lever to the heater box.
11. Adjust the gear so that the raised dot on the gear is aligned with the notch in the blend door as shown.
IMPORTANT:
The raised dot on the gear for the door track must be aligned with the notch in the door lever to achieve proper timing. If the link and lever are not installed properly, binding will result.
12. Install the new seal provided in the heater blend door kit.
13. Reassemble the case. Use all of the screws provided in the kit, as there may be one or more broken case tabs. Be sure that there are no gaps after reassembly.
14. Reinstall the heater case and expansion valve block. Reconnect the hoses and pipes. Reinstall the instrument panel.
15. On vehicles that do not have a blower motor housing filter already installed as original equipment, install a blower motor housing filter as follows:
a. Remove the glove box lid.
b. Use a knife to cut a section from the top of the blower motor housing, along the perforated lines as shown.
c. Install the filter with the air flow directional arrow pointing down.
d. Secure the filter with two 5X14 self-tapping screws listed in the PARTS INFORMATION section of this bulletin.
PARTS INFORMATION
Use the Genuine Mitsubishi Parts listed.
WARRANTY INFORMATION
Special Warranty Information: On vehicles that do not have a blower motor housing filter already installed as original equipment, the filter installation described in this TSB should only be done on a customer complaint basis and may be claimed as part of this HVAC system warranty repair. However, future replacements of these installed filters are considered a customer maintenance expense just like any other vehicle filter (oil, air, fuel, etc.).
On vehicles with blower motor housing filters already installed as original equipment, filter replacement is considered a not warrantable customer maintenance item.