1991 Plymouth Mini Van "Cold" (problem solved)

[alderman]

I have a 1991 Plymouth mini van, the heater control cable seems stiff and froze up. I replaced the heater control unit but still can't get the cable to free up. I have tried WD-40 and it won't budge. Anyone know where the other end of it connects? I can't find it in the engine compartment, is it inside the dash? It's getting cold hear and I won't be using the van till next spring for the boat, but wife says fix it or the boat gets the boot out of the garage and the van takes over the warm spot for the winter.<br />Thanks for all replies<br />Ray

 

[jimr]

Re: 1991 Plymouth Mini Van "Cold" (problem solved)

I will look at my inlaws this weekend to be sure and get back to you if no one else knows. I'm thinking it is behind the dash on the passanger side behind the glove box. there might be something in there blocking the mode door.

 

[alderman]

Re: 1991 Plymouth Mini Van "Cold" (problem solved)

Thanks for the reply Jim, I think you are right since it seems to be headed in that direction. I will check this weekend. Gotta save the space in the garage for the boat.<br />Ray

 

[rwise]

Re: 1991 Plymouth Mini Van "Cold" (problem solved)

I think you'll find it goes under the dash to "flapper" door and all it does is move the door to let air bypass the heater core. Not like the older cars where it controlled the flow of heated coolant. If you can get the glove box out easily then oull it and look behind it, you may just find where it goes. Not real sure on yours, but my 84 dodge truck the glove box is plastic and when open you can pull down on the back side of it enuf (enough) to pull it out and have a look see. sounds as though there may be something inside the heat/air assembly, mine was full of leaves, and a real pain to pull and clean!<br />Good luck<br />Richard

 

[alderman]

Re: 1991 Plymouth Mini Van "Cold" (problem solved)

Thanks, Richard I'am going to try and tackle it tommarow. I had plans for maybe one more fishing trip, but working spoils that. Fix van,(1st make wife happy) Then decarb and fog engines for winter. Thanks Again<br />Ray

 

[jimr]

Re: 1991 Plymouth Mini Van "Cold" (problem solved)

i just got back from inlaws and looked at their van(93). there is a vacuum operated heat valve out under the hood about in the middle. if you don't have heat check there for vacuum when someone moves the lever.you might have a cable operated valve.

 

[alderman]

Re: 1991 Plymouth Mini Van "Cold" (problem solved)

Spent over 2 hours yesterday getting the easy part of the dash out. Your correct Jim it looks like it is going to the glove compartment but make a u-turn and goes back to center of dash, almost directely behind radio. After taking dash down as far as I felt like I should I could see where it connects to something at the fire wall. It apears to be almost at the same point as the heater control valve in the engine compartment. You can see it but no way to get to it. The heater control valve looks like it operates with battery, has wire running to it on drivers side and linkage on the other. The valve seems to be working, when I disconnect the cable from the control box and force it to move by hand I get heat all the way out and cold air all the in. <br />Could the heater control valve be the culpert? If it's not I see no way to access the other end of the cable other then tear the dash down to the point of heater core replacement. <br />Sorry for the long post, this thing has me stumped, not like the old 60's and 70's cars I grew up with.<br />Thanks Again<br />Ray

 

[jimr]

Re: 1991 Plymouth Mini Van "Cold" (problem solved)

ok I just went out to my shop and just happen to have a chilton manual that covers 81-91 chryslers. per the book (pretty vague)<br />disconnect the temp control cable from the bottom of the heater/ac unit and unclip the cable from the left side of heat distribution duct.(i'm not sure if its just a cable retainer or the other end of cable)<br /> i would pull the radio and you might be able to see it and make sure the vacuum lines are hooked up right and check the heat valve to make sure its working. if it gets too cold before you get it fixed you can always wire the valve open

 

[alderman]

Re: 1991 Plymouth Mini Van "Cold" (problem solved)

Thanks Jim, I'll try that next chance I get. I am going to replace the heater control valve at the same time. I can't belive the heater control valve will have anything to do with freeing up the cable. I don't think the cable is binding I think what it is hooked to the problem. Even with the radio removed all you can do is see where the cable connects at the firewall. Still can't get to it to do anything. I'll let you know what happens, be a day or two.<br />Thanks again<br />Ray

 

[alderman]

Re: 1991 Plymouth Mini Van "Cold" (problem solved)

Well after much time and trouble I have found out this is a common problem on chrysler mini vans. Seems the real culpret is the door that is inclosed withen the housing. Chrysler has a tsb out on the problem but I have not been able to come up with a copy. I have been told you need to drill a small hole somewhere in the duct work that allows you access to the door inside and spray that with lube. Anyone heard of this? If so where is the hole drilled a photo would be great.<br />Thanks for any and all help.<br />Ray

 

[alderman]

Re: 1991 Plymouth Mini Van "Cold" (problem solved)

Well after much tinkering, cussing and other necessary things finally solved the problem. Seems it is common in chrysler mini vans up to 1999. When you take the bottom half of the dash off just directely above the gas pedel on the bottom of the heat/ac duct is a small extension about 5/16 long. This is the bottom henge of the air mix door, seems it is also the lowest part on the system. Over time it get rust from ac unit and makes the door vary hard to open and close with the cable. Drill a 3/32 hole (or for what ever size spray nozel you have) and lube it good.<br />I used G-96 gun treatment and it worked great in a matter of a few minuets the cable freed up and everything started working fine.<br />I'am sure some of you have this type of vehicle, I was told by a retired dodge wrench that it's not a matter of if only when it freezes up.<br />Ray<br /><br />Edit: BTW the van now resides outside in the freezing rain and boat and both motors now in warm garage where they belong.

 

[ndemge]

Re: 1991 Plymouth Mini Van "Cold" (problem solved)

glad you got it working <br /><br />my '88 hasn't done this yet, but it still isn't broke in yet, only 222,000 miles

 

[jimr]

Re: 1991 Plymouth Mini Van "Cold" (problem solved)

cool glad it was a cheap fix for you

 

[alderman]

Re: 1991 Plymouth Mini Van "Cold" (problem solved)

Jim, thank you,you got me started on the right track. It just took awhile to run this critter to a hole.<br />Ndemge, you right not broke in yet, but you better keep on keeping on or I'll catch you sure.<br />I am at 199,000k and I bought this one second hand, still runs like a top at 23 mpg on highway and not burning any oil. In the summer it's all mine on weekends it important job of pulling boat.<br />Ray<br /><br />Edit: Jim btw where is cushing Ok ? any where near Tonkawa? used to have some relation down that way.<br />Ray

 

[jimr]

Re: 1991 Plymouth Mini Van "Cold" (problem solved)

if you look at the map we are about half way between Tulsa and Oklahoma City 24 miles to Stillwater

 

[alderman]

Re: 1991 Plymouth Mini Van "Cold" (problem solved)

Jim, thanks I think that is close to tonkawa. My e-mail is rayb0943@att.net, drop me a line and I'll send you some names.<br />Ray

 

[Realgun]

Re: 1991 Plymouth Mini Van "Cold" (problem solved)

Glad you fixed your problem with the Plymouth Van. My wife had 1 of those 91 Voyager with the 3.0 motor and 4 speed automatic. Purchased at 75,000. Ate 2 fuel pumps(95,000)and (111,000) a tranny(90,000) and a rear wiper motor(120,000).<br />Yes I changed the fuel filter, when we bought it and all 4 shocks, tires, tranny flush, oil, sparkplugs, air filter breather Timing belt. Serentine belt. etc. <br />It was the Biggest POS we ever had. <br />I changed to oil and all fluids as recommended.<br />At 175,000 mile the tranny started to leak like a sieve. 1 qt every mile and the engine was begining to smoke. The Dealer took it away and we were so happy. Will never ever buy a chrysler product.