The temperature control knob

[nedinwc]

I think is broken. I have no clue how this works, a cable to something in the engine? Sorry for my ignorance, but when I turn the knob from hot to cold, I feel no drag, so I'm assuming it is not connected. My reason is based on the fact that my AC only works on the "max AC" position. If I set the AC/heat selector to "AC", I get high heat. Ditto on all the other settings. I can't turn the temp down. So, consequently, I cannot get straight air flow w/o heat.

[MAKG]

There was never any cable on a '97. It's vacuum controlled. And your vacuum is leaking.

[nedinwc]

Thanks for the reply. Oh vacuum, I miss the days of pullys, gears and cables. Nice mechanical stuff.

[fastpakr]

Vacuum based systems with no moving cables can be extremely reliable, especially in an environment where nothing gets touched like behind the dash.

[MAKG]

I'll trade you my 1972 Chevy for your 1997 Ranger.

It has heater cables. They are next to impossible to keep from binding. To the point of breaking the levers (LMC sells replacements cheap...I wonder why). Vacuum can't bind.

[nedinwc]

Was hoping it was the actuator switch. Tried that, not it. Was told by my local shop it's the door on the heater box, there is a hex bolt on the hinge that is most likely stripped out. In order to replace it, the entire dash has to be removed, an 8 hour job to replace a $12. part. They said it would run a bit over $700.00. Bummer.

[martin]

there's a step by step writeup on how to remove the dash to change the heater rad somewhere on this site. I know you are not trying to change the heater core but it's in the same area and requires the same amount of work, might want to change it at the same time. you could save yourself some cash.