Replacing the heater control unit in dash 71 Charger

[mbc0724]

Anyone done this lately? Wondering if I have to remove the instrument cluster face plate (Rallye cluster) to get to the screws, or can it be removed from under the dash without doing that? Non-AC car.

Thanks.

 

[QuickBpBp]

Non A/C makes it easier. If I remember correctly it can be done from the back but it's easier to lower the steering column, undo the radio bracket and carefully pull the gauges forward with the bezel to gain access to the 2 bolts that hold the controller in place then you can see easily to get to the switch wiring and cables.... You can then lower the controller down from behind the dash frame..

 

[Nacho-RT74]

Two 3/8 nuts on each side and one 1/4 screw around switches area

Remove heater valve cable and vacuum lines.

Everything can be made under the dash with cluster in place. Depending on your flexibility and tools available can be a easy or harder job.

Small 1/4” drive ratchet with extensions, or flex will make it.

The trickiest is the 1/4” hex screw for the rear holding bracket due the harness being around.

Another 1/4” screw Can be removed from heater control too, keeping the bracket attached to cluster, but that could make harder to reinstall with bracket being in place. So IMHO, better keep the bracket attached to heater control. On this I think is a matter of preference on what to deal with.

 

[QuickBpBp]

Everything can be made under the dash with cluster in place. Depending on your flexibility and tools available can be an easy or harder job.

Well described. Exactly this as we are all older these days working upside down jammed between the seat and kick panel with stuff falling in your face makes for an unpleasant job working blindly but it can be done…Those little clips on the cables are a bitch to get off sometimes. While it’s been along time now and these days for me doing dash stuff like this but working upright make it’s easier even though it’s more involved my back thanks me…

 

[Nacho-RT74]

The main reason I would try to still make it from underneath the dash is because car is becoming also older, and every time you get anything dissasembled, it could get also broken along the process LOL

 

[QuickBpBp]

The main reason I would try to still make it from underneath the dash is because car is becoming also older, and every time you get anything dissasembled, it could get also broken along the process LOL

Agree breaking stuff is always possible. If going from under neath and it's a bucket seat car I would at least pull the driver seat out so it's easier on the body to lay on your back and get in there comfortably.... Those jobs are not fun even when you are young and agile.

 

[mbc0724]

Two 3/8 nuts on each side and one 1/4 screw around switches area

Remove heater valve cable and vacuum lines.

Everything can be made under the dash with cluster in place. Depending on your flexibility and tools available can be a easy or harder job.

Small 1/4” drive ratchet with extensions, or flex will make it.

The trickiest is the 1/4” hex screw for the rear holding bracket due the harness being around.

Another 1/4” screw Can be removed from heater control too, keeping the bracket attached to cluster, but that could make harder to reinstall with bracket being in place. So IMHO, better keep the bracket attached to heater control. On this I think is a matter of preference on what to deal with.

View attachment 1767104

Fantastic--thank you all! Great photo!

 

[gary h]

Thanks, I need to replace mine soon.

 

[Nacho-RT74]

Fantastic--thank you all! Great photo!

Not mine. I just searched on web the pic and circled the related nuts and screw