HVAC controls

[98outbackpdx]

i am having an intermittent problem that is occurring more frequently than not with my HVAC controls. when it is about 50*F outside i can change the vent selection and the lights below the switches work. if it is colder or warmer outside it is stuck in what ever position it is in and the lights below the vent control buttons are not lit up. when the little lights are lit up recirculate does work and i can change which vents blow air. the A/C light lights up when it is warm enough outside and the A/C works as does the heat. it is really annoying when it starts raining and i cannot change the selection and the window gets fogged up. does this sound like a part that needs to be replaced or taken apart and cleaned? any help would be appreciated.

[Huffer]

What vehicle?

[98outbackpdx]

it is for the '98 outback.

[harrymaneuvers]

I have a similar issue. It seems like there is a varied delay when switching from lets say floor vents to upper vents. Or from defrost to upper vents. Sometime it switches immediatly, other times it takes over 5 minutes to switch. To the point where I would forget about it and then all of a sudden I will hear the upper vents start to blow and be like "oh yea, i forgot that I pushed that button a while ago".

I can unpress and repress the buttons all I want but it doesnt seem to make a difference... it switches when it wants to switch.

[98outbackpdx]

update! it is some wires under my dash, i had the problem before that if you kick around the foot well area the IP would not light up and you would have to cycle the lights to get them to work. you kick them around enough i got it to switch. also i thought my interior lights weren't working (i still don't) so i cycled the headlights on and off 3 times and then the HVAC controls now work, for now. so it is some wire(s) under the dash that is the problem.

[silver_s13]

I have a seemingly stupid question for you all. Is the HVAC control panel supposed to light up on a 96 OBW? Mine has never done so since I have had it. The only lights that work on it is the red indicator for vent position buttons. I wouldnt think it was meant for it to be completely blacked out at night but wanted your input.

[harrymaneuvers]

yea the actual pictures with arrows on the bottoms actually are supposed to light up green.


Search around on here and you will find the DIY to change them... It isnt too hard at all.

[Baddog]

http://legacygt.com/forums/showthread.p ... 26408.html (http://legacygt.com/forums/showthread.php/change-heater-control-lights-95-99-legacy-26408.html)

[98outbackpdx]

well my car must be PMSing because the cycling of the lights is not working anymore. i really think it is something under the dash but i am not good with electrics and do not have the money to pay the dealer to look at it for me.

[Quest]

My 96 Legacy does the same thing. I discovered that it is linkage that is either getting hung up/needs grease or the actuator motor is just tired. If you look above your gas pedal>a little to the right, you will see some white linkage coming from a box. Looks like a half round cam with a slot in the center where another plastic piece slides. On mine it just takes a little tap and then it moves to the selected position. I havent fixed it yet. I hope it just requires some grease. Anybody know if there is a preferred type to use on plastic?

[peter]

I have a seemingly stupid question for you all. Is the HVAC control panel supposed to light up on a 96 OBW? Mine has never done so since I have had it. The only lights that work on it is the red indicator for vent position buttons. I wouldnt think it was meant for it to be completely blacked out at night but wanted your input.

haha same here. For as long as I have has this car none of those lights worked and I didnt know they were supposed to until I saw it mentioned on the forum somewhere