Vent selector not functioning...

Does anyone know how the vent selector operates? I just bought a 2002 Tacoma and air only comes out of the driver and passenger vents. Nothing comes out of the center vents and when I switch to defrost or any other position, nothing changes. I know in some cars its vaccum controlled and was wondering if thats the case with th Tacomas. I did a search and it seems like this has happened to other people, but no solution is ever written or commented. Any help??

 

Follow the vac lines. If they lead to the passenger compartment, it's vacuum driven. Look for leaks and faulty vac motors. Check for obstructions in the air box too.

 

Thanks. I'll try to do some surgery on it this weekend. Any other ideas of why this happens? or what else I should check?

 

Some of them are electric motor driven. Check fuses and connections, and if its getting power.

 

Also just to note, i had the EXACT same problem, and after many recommendations i was told it was a faulty blower motor which is stored directly behind the glove box. I replaced the blower motor and it did NOT fix the problem. So i just said the hell with it and till this day i still only get ventilation out of the passenger and driver vents....

 

Why would the blower cause the vents not to change position? They're independant functions. Sounds like you need to do more investigating.

 

^Sorry didnt clarify, the center vents don't do anything. Nothing comes out of them regardless of the position they are in.

 

I get something out of them definitely when on straight head flow

 

Funny thing happened this morning. I decided to try and switch the vent selector around a few times and it landed on the defrost. Turned the fans up and it started working. Then I moved it to see if it would work at every position and only some worked, but then got stuck again. I was able to get it back to working on the defrost position and left it there because to me, that will be the most important position. I ordered a replacement control panel on ebay thinking the one I had is screwy with the electronics so we'll see if thats the case. I'm just stoked I have defrost now.

 

Guys, I just had the lower dash apart installing a cruise control kit and I noticed the HVAC vent motor, it's situated on the driver's side, to the right of the gas pedal. This is what closes and opens the passages to route the air through your truck. I would try taking your lower dash trim off and moving your selector on the HVAC controls between the different settings to see if it's moving appropriately.

It could also be the HVAC control unit, as stated above. Check fuses first, then take a look at the motor. If it seems to be working, check your ducting to the center vents. They may have become dislodged somehow... just a thought.

 

^Great info thanks! I'll try them,

 

I am having the same problem with the vent selector switch not working. I get air out the bottom and the sides, but not the top or center.
Did you ever get your vent selector fixed? If so, how?
Thanks.
-mike-