dashboard A/C on the fritz

Thanks for the info j-d

The Blend Door Actuator is mounted on the passenger side END of the HVAC Cabinet. As Klutch mentioned, behind the Glove Box. Our 2002 E450 has an SRS Air Bag where a Glove Box might be. We have a knee pad below that runs below the dashboard, from about the top of the doghouse downward. It comes off easily then there's a sheet metal backing piece that also comes off easily. Reach in, palm facing driver side. You'll feel the outboard end of the HVAC cabinet and that square box I pictured on the end of it, parallel to your vertical palm.

I found ours by touch, nothing removed to access the area, and I was inside the coach kneeling between the seats.



Spot you're looking for will be above, behind (forward of) and to the right of that pipe-like assembly. That pic is from another project.

ernie1 wrote:
klutchdust: How old are you? You stated that you worked for thirty years on refrigerated containers but on another site you stated that you "wrenched "all your life. Was that on refrigerated containers or on automobiles. I thought when you said that you wrenched all your life that it was in reference to automobiles. Was it just shipping containers?

What's your point. Your question is creepy....

klutchdust: How old are you? You stated that you worked for thirty years on refrigerated containers but on another site you stated that you "wrenched "all your life. Was that on refrigerated containers or on automobiles. I thought when you said that you wrenched all your life that it was in reference to automobiles. Was it just shipping containers?

Not that anyone is likely to be buring refridgerant, but "Chemical hazards R134a vapours decompose when exposed to high temperatures with the formation of toxic and irritating compounds such as hydrofluoric acid, carbon monoxide and carbonyl fluoride."

ernie1 wrote:
klutchdust- I picked up this info while I was attending classes in Mechanical Engineering Technology in which I majored and got my college degree. I worked for two years as an ac tech repairing and installing auto ac units. What info I stated is very common knowledge in the industry. Don't take my word for it, check it out yourself.

Actually after leaving the ac repair trade I acquired another college degree and became a public health inspector for 30 years. People would call our office and complain of burning eyes and shortness of breath. Found out their ac systems were leaking refrigerant which is colorless and odorless, and the gas fired heating system was burning the refrigerant and turning it into a toxic gas which is heavier than and settles on the floor. This is mustard gas!

Check the MSDS on R134a, it's not flammable. Now back to the original poster. It is safe and easy to install refrigeration gauges on your vehicle without fear of armageddon occurring in your neighborhood. One thing about engineers, they always simplify everything.(eyes rolling)

klutchdust- I picked up this info while I was attending classes in Mechanical Engineering Technology in which I majored and got my college degree. I worked for two years as an ac tech repairing and installing auto ac units. What info I stated is very common knowledge in the industry. Don't take my word for it, check it out yourself.

Actually after leaving the ac repair trade I acquired another college degree and became a public health inspector for 30 years. People would call our office and complain of burning eyes and shortness of breath. Found out their ac systems were leaking refrigerant which is colorless and odorless, and the gas fired heating system was burning the refrigerant and turning it into a toxic gas which is heavier than and settles on the floor. This is mustard gas!

ernie1 wrote:
I know, I wasn't going to comment further but here goes. Sudden release of refrigerant will freeze and burn your skin especially your eyes. Releasing refrigerant in an atmosphere where there is combustion occuring like your engine running or a person smoking a cigarette can produce a byproduct called mustard gas. Ever hear of that? If enough refrigerant is released, in a closed environment like a garage, one can become asphyxiated. It's enough to worry me.

Well I asked you that question for a reason. Having worked with sea going refrigerated shipping containers for over thirty years with a crew of sometimes 25 men I have never experienced nor heard of anyone being injured by the scenarios you presented. Having worked in some brutal outdoor situations using 230/460 motors we managed to come out of it unscathed. Not sure where your information came from or who told you that but sounds a bit dramatic. Sure, maybe those things could happen , I haven't seen it.

Installing and removing gauges will directly expose one to the refrigerant especially if it is not handled correctly and refrigerant comes blowing out at 350-400psi which is NOT an unusual condition.

I know, I wasn't going to comment further but here goes. Sudden release of refrigerant will freeze and burn your skin especially your eyes. Releasing refrigerant in an atmosphere where there is combustion occuring like your engine running or a person smoking a cigarette can produce a byproduct called mustard gas. Ever hear of that? If enough refrigerant is released, in a closed environment like a garage, one can become asphyxiated. It's enough to worry me.