In my 97' 4Runner the heater has not been working for some time (blows cold air). Both hoses going thru the firewall get hot when the heater knob is on heat. Water valve works fine, A/C also works fine and there's no problem with the thermostat.
Yesterday I was checking under the dash (passenger side) and by chance I found this white plastic mechanism (blend door?) with a little knob. I moved the knob to the other position, heard some vent doors opening, and Voila, like magic, hot air started flowing thru vents. My questions:
1) What is the function of this mechanism? especially since the regular heater control knob on the dashboard can now successfully control the hot/cold air thru the vents.
2) What controls this mechanism (surely one isn't expected to go under the dash to manually move it).
3) Is it ok keep it in this new position, or would I get into other problems.
Appreciate any help!
Yesterday I was checking under the dash (passenger side) and by chance I found this white plastic mechanism (blend door?) with a little knob. I moved the knob to the other position, heard some vent doors opening, and Voila, like magic, hot air started flowing thru vents. My questions:
1) What is the function of this mechanism? especially since the regular heater control knob on the dashboard can now successfully control the hot/cold air thru the vents.
2) What controls this mechanism (surely one isn't expected to go under the dash to manually move it).
3) Is it ok keep it in this new position, or would I get into other problems.
Appreciate any help!
