Ventilation Controls

[DarkSpork]

A month or so after I had bought my car the ventilation knob had frozen (literally) and snapped when I tried to turn it (the knob that broke is the one to switch to floor, defrost, vent, etc.). So I've been dealing with it for about 6 months and now seems to be a good time to get it fixed.Over this time I have consulted 3 different dealerships about the issue:1. A technician at the dealer I purchased the vehicle from said that when these vehicles are manufactured the colder climates are not really accounted for and its likely that the lubricants used simply were not designed to handle this climate thus the seizure. He recommended I try the local Chevrolet dealer or local Pontiac dealer for service as this dealership is not a GM dealership.2. I inquired with the local Chevrolet dealer and he quoted me $175 for the part and $75 labor (1 hour).3. I inquired with the local Pontiac/Honda/Buick/Cadillac dealer when I took my car in for the window recall and the technician quoted $165 for part and 1.5 hours labor (same rate) explaining that he would like to see if the console uses mechanical linkage or is electronically controlled (he also mentioned something about vacuum control) because if the linkage is bunched up that may have caused the issue and he wouldn't want the issue to re-form. Sounded reasonable to me.My question is: does anybody know if the climate control is electronically controlled or does it use mechanical linkage (or maybe this vacuum control he mentioned)? Also, has anybody else had this problem?

[zionzr2]

Why couldn't the tech look up that information before you even bring it in?

[joatmon]

It's a mechanical linkage for the temperature and direction controls.It's electrical for fan speed and recirc on/off.I don't think anyone has reported breaking that part before. Usually the only problems are with light bulbs being out or intermittent.

[DarkSpork]

Quote, originally posted by joatmon »It's a mechanical linkage for the temperature and direction controls.It's electrical for fan speed and recirc on/off.I don't think anyone has reported breaking that part before. Usually the only problems are with light bulbs being out or intermittent.I guess its fun to be first? If it does indeed use mechanical linkage then I'll take it to the Pontiac dealer, the technician seemed more knowledgeable.