Dodge dash heater controls

2000 DODGE DAKOTA
120,000 MILES • V8 • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
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88SCOTT
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I need to replace the heater/AC/fan/climate control switch unit. How the heck do I remove the old one from the dash? And install the new unit?
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May 10, 2011 at 8:09 PM
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CARADIODOC
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Did you look at the new one? You'll see that it snaps in. Pry it out on the bottom with a small flat blade screwdriver.
May 10, 2011 at 8:17 PM
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88SCOTT
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I don't think it pops out. I got the new one here. And it looks like it mounts from behind the dash. Here is a photo of the new unit from the back. It looks like it has mounting holes on both the top and bottom.
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May 10, 2011 at 8:23 PM
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88SCOTT
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here is another angle photo of the unit.
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May 10, 2011 at 8:28 PM
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CARADIODOC
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You're right. The older ones I remember popped out very easily. Sorry about that. The closest service manual I have is for a 2001 Dakota and that shows a still different part but it mounts the same as yours. It specifies removing the instrument cluster bezel, (no mention of removing the entire cluster), then removing the dash panel to get to the screws behind the control panel. Normally most of that dash panel snaps into place but look around the bottom first for black philips-head screws. You'll have to move the shift lever down to get it out of the way.
May 10, 2011 at 8:37 PM