Hello all,

 

I think there is a problem with the air conditioner switch in my wagon. Sometimes the AC feels like its on (lower temp than ambient...and that certain AC smell (less humidity?)) when the switch isn't on. Most recently the indicator light on the switch burned out, so I can't tell the status other than the position of the button, which I don't completely trust. Given that I live in Minnesota, it could be on all winter without me knowing it!

 

Is it easy to take apart the panel and fix the indicator light/button so that I will be certain it is on/off? Is there any bulletins guidance on this?

 

Any guidance would be greatly appreciated.

 

Don

Be aware the the AC is always on when the selector is in the defrosting position. This might explain why you feel its on whether or not the button is pressed.

 

Also, at stand still, you should be able to "hear" if the AC on. The compressor and Fan will turn on intermitently making noise and also causing a slight dip in RPM.

 

If you need info on how to take your dash appart let me know I've just replaced my radio on the 2000 so had to go through this...

 

Seb

Seb,

 

Thanks for the reply, but I don't know it is true for my wagon that the AC is always on in the defrost/defog position. My owner's manual says that I have to manually turn on the AC. Are you positive that this is the case? It would explain a lot, but not everything.

 

Is taking apart the panel a complicated task? I want to get a handle of how involved it is before I undertake it.

 

Don

Seb,

 

Thanks for the reply, but I don't know it is true for my wagon that the AC is always on in the defrost/defog position. My owner's manual says that I have to manually turn on the AC. Are you positive that this is the case? It would explain a lot, but not everything.

 

Is taking apart the panel a complicated task? I want to get a handle of how involved it is before I undertake it.

 

Don

 

On my 2000 Legacy Wagon L (Canadian) I am 100% sure. Although if it is in the feet/defrost position, then I have to manually turn it on just like your manual says.

 

The dash is not too complicated to take appart. You have to start from the shifter. You pull around the stick shift and the piece will pop out. This will reveal two screws at the bottom of the dash. Remove these and also the two screws hidden in the top of the ashtray. The little bin will be free to remove and so will the metal ashtray holder. Then it is a matter of pulling everything out carefully. I worked from bottom to top then left to right. I had to pull a bit hard to get the part where the cupholder is out. After that you'll have access to all the console modules and be able to unscrew them and pull em out.

 

Seb