How to reconnect heater control cable

[BMW0299]

My heat/cold control cable is loose, apparently disconnected from the heater valve in the firewall. I can feel the end of it. Is there an easy way to reconnect it? I hope. I couldn't find anything doing a search.

[gwb72tii]

My heat/cold control cable is loose, apparently disconnected from the heater valve in the firewall. I can feel the end of it. Is there an easy way to reconnect it? I hope. I couldn't find anything doing a search.

the end of the cable goes thru a small hole in a bolt that is secured with a nut and lock washer.

i going to say it would be blind luck to get the cable end back thru the hole

the only other way is to remove your center console and drop the heater box.

and that means you might as well refurbish the heater box while its out

and that means you might as well.........................

[M3M3]

it is possible to do without taking everything apart. i did it last month. had wife on drivers side of car with flashlight looking through grill guiding me as i blindly moved the cable with the one hand i could jam in there. wasn't fun, but only took about 15min.

[Jerzy]

It must be connected correctly or the valve won't open and close properly.

The open/closed positions of the valve control lever -

Another view of the valve -

You do have tiny hands and nimble fingers, right?

[c.d.iesel]

good hands

cordination

patience

good light

tiny tools 1/4 drive socket or stubby wrench set

AND # 1 PRECAUTION ! DO NOT EXERT MUCH FORCE

AGAINST THE WATER VALVE BECAUSE YOU WILL BREAK

THE BRITTLE PLASTIC MOUNTING EAR THAT HOLDS THE VALVE

IN PLACE. THE WATER HOSES CAN STILL HOLD THE VALVE

INPLACE - BUT IT'S A WARNING

[BMW0299]

You guys are awesome. Thanks for all your help, including pictures. I will try it. -Raine

[Mike Self]

from the control arm on the valve and the cable end didn't snap off...

1. Carefully note the arm's positon in relation to the valve and the setting on the dash control. It's possible to install wrong 3 ways, and correctly only one.

2. Unbolt the control arm from the valve (don't forget to note the arm's position and the control lever's position)

3. loosen the pinch bolt and reinsert the cable thru the hole in the bolt; tighten.

4. Reinstall the arm back on the valve the same way you removed it--be sure you didn't inadvertently move the lever whilst wresting with the cable .

Good luck.

mike

[cxzsaq]

it is possible to do without taking everything apart. i did it last month. had wife on drivers side of car with flashlight looking through grill guiding me as i blindly moved the cable with the one hand i could jam in there. wasn't fun, but only took about 15min.

please do this again and have this recorded on video. i am willing to do a pg version to edit out all the "bleeps". nevermind...ill just kill the sound all together.

: )