HVAC knob won't turn to all settings

[Jacob]

I took apart the HVAC panel to replace a bulb and put everything back together but now the knob on the left that selects where the air comes out won't turn to all the settings. The three stops on the far right work as they should so the knob is positioned correctly but it won't turn any farther left. I took the panel off again and took a look at the cable that the knob pulls on, but it goes off inside the dash. Before I start tearing things apart, does anyone have any ideas?

[keithvibe]

I had this very issue when i replaced the head unit. there is a cable that runs up to the "blank" button next to the headunit. That cable needs to turn freely. Mine was binding up a bit because it was jambed up with some wires. Once i unjambed it, I didn't have an issue anymore and I was able to turn the hvac knobs all the way.

[ColonelPanic]

I had that happen when I tried to change the bulbs when I had my Vibe... I dropped the bulb and it fell into the HVAC control housing. Is it possible something might have fallen in there?The cable can also get out of adjustment very easy if you're messing around with the controls. If you stick your head under the dash on the driver's side you can see the cable where it attaches to the thingy that diverts the air to the various ducts. You might try adjusting that cable (just unlatch the cable from its clip and push it forward or pull it back and clip it back down.) You might try disconnecting that end of the cable and turn the knob see which end of the cable the problem lies.

[Jacob]

Good suggestions, I'll check it out.

[Blanco_Diablo]

I'm having the same issue, it is very annoying...plus half of my HVAC lights are burnt out Guess I'll address it all at once.

[Jacob]

Quote, originally posted by Blanco_Diablo »I'm having the same issue, it is very annoying...plus half of my HVAC lights are burnt out Guess I'll address it all at once.I don't know how it is on 2008's but on my 2004 it was ridiculous how difficult those bulbs are to replace. I had to pull off both center panels and take out the head unit to be able to fit my hand in.

[Wolfman213]

lol, try replacing it with leds which are polarized!!! You think you have it going the right way then a little slip of the bulb then you gotta figure it out all over again!! That was probably one of my most difficult things that I have done on the Vibe so far. Even more of a PITA than installing the projectors!!!

[ColonelPanic]

Incandescent FAIL. Why anyone still uses bulbs for automotive backlighting applications I'll never understand. Throw a few LED's in there and they'll probably outlive the car! They should have at least made it so they could be changed easily, I broke tons of stuff trying to get to them.