DIY HELP: replacing/fixing auto heat cable

[Marlon Targa 86]

Hey guys,

I have a 1986 Targa with Autoheat, rotary knob on the center console in between the seats.

Question: the cable pulling the heat exchanger valves (butterfly valves) is not moving very well. I'm worried I might burn the servo or break the servo rod connectors (again).

Any advice on how to tackle a replacement? I'm particularly interested to know how to insert a new cable through the sleeves. And how to access the cable. Is it under/in the e-brake housing?

Thanks!

MT86

[Bob Kontak]

Here is a link with some discussion.

Heater cables in an 87

[Flat6pac]

what wasnt mentioned, while working on it, inside the box is a rod with plastic ends that snap on the ball and lock. The old ones get brittle and break.
This is the part number for the connectors 999.168.021.40

Bruce

[cgibson67]

I did this earlier this winter. Best to access the cable by removing the passenger seat and pulling the ebrake housing. Once the housing is out, you'll clearly be able to see the cable. I assume you've verified that the resistance isn't coming from the butterfly valves? Try pulling the sleeves off the cables under the car --they are just crimped on -- if the cable moves better that is the problem. My cable was fine, sleeves were shot. Definetely fix before you wear out the servo turning a cheap fix into a pricey one!!

Good luck.

Originally Posted by Marlon Targa 86

Hey guys,

I have a 1986 Targa with Autoheat, rotary knob on the center console in between the seats.

Question: the cable pulling the heat exchanger valves (butterfly valves) is not moving very well. I'm worried I might burn the servo or break the servo rod connectors (again).

Any advice on how to tackle a replacement? I'm particularly interested to know how to insert a new cable through the sleeves. And how to access the cable. Is it under/in the e-brake housing?

Thanks!

MT86

[Marlon Targa 86]

Originally Posted by cgibson67

Try pulling the sleeves off the cables under the car --they are just crimped on -- if the cable moves better that is the problem.

Could you elaborate on that please: how do i get to the sleeves?

Marlon

[cgibson67]

Originally Posted by Marlon Targa 86

Could you elaborate on that please: how do i get to the sleeves?

Marlon

They are on the section of cable that goes from the tunnel to the butterfly valves. Once you're under the car you can't miss them.