4 replies to this topic

[andy_b]

Hi all,

I've got a problem with my heater temp control in that when I try to push it in (towards the dash for hot air) it springs back out again. I've had a quick look and I'm not sure whether the cable itself if broken? Going into the back of the knob is a metal cylinder which in turn leads to the cable. To me the outer cable (the spiralled bit around the inner wire) should be clamped into something but it isnt? Is the cabe broken or has it just popped out of the metal cylinder?

Hope that makes some sort of sense?

[Bungle]

does the valve on the head move ?

[WiredbyWilson]

I have an "as new" cable if you neeed to replace it. But sounds like something is seized.

[andy_b]

If I stick my hand up under the dash and hold the outer sheeth then the heater valve moves OK, if I don't hold the outer sheath then it just bends/moves instead of moving the inner wire.

[dklawson]

This sounds like the type of control cable used on my older car. I would have thought that newer Minis used a different design.

I have fixed this problem on another British car of mine but not the Mini. What I found was that the spiral sheath of the cable had come away from the diecast head that attached to the dashboard. I removed the complete cable and saw that the sheath was supposed to be crimped in place. I measured the diameter of the sheath (all vinyl on its OD removed) and drilled the diecast head out to that diameter. I applied epoxy to the OD of the sheath and re-inserted it in the diecast head. Before the glue set I used a pair of hex jaw crimpers (like you'd use on coaxial cables) and re-swaged the end of the head to firmly hold onto the sheath.

That may sound like a lot of work but it really wasn't. It may not be cost effective for you though if you have to go buy epoxy, drill bits, and crimp pliers. In that case, fitting a complete new cable will be both cheaper and faster.