96' Accord - that stupid a/c knob keeps cracking.

Apparently this is a well known issue with Accord a/c temperature
control knob.

The knob turns a cable which is connected to some sort of valve to mix
the hot air from the heater to control the a/c temperature. Since the
valve/cable assembly is getting so sticky that it requires a lot of
force to turn it which cause the knob to crack into two halves. I have
gone through several knobs already and now I have a small 'metal'
crescent wrench to turn the shaft. (May be Honda should give you a free
crescent wrench with each car purchased).

Now the question: Is there a way to make this assembly back to virgin
state? Is it the cable needing some grease or the valve needed to be
replaced or cleaned?

Thank you,

 

If you disconnect the cable under the dash (central, above SRS), you
can push the heat control lever yourself and determine whether it is
the cable which is sticky or the lever on the heater control unit. My
guess is the cable, in which case it's probably easiest to replace it.

Al

 

actually on this car a solid meta wire is used as opposed to a cable..cables
are good at pulling but are not generally good for pushing things..this knob
pushes and pulls the door and valve assembly... Mine is also hard to turn
and I have only had to purchase 1 new knob.. I have not yet investigated why
it might be that way. When I was under the dash I saw where the wire
connects buteverything was greased and free moving..perhaps I might take the
dash apart and check the knob assembly and replace the burnt out bulbs while
I am there.

 

Stop forcing the knob!, there is simple adjustment for this here:
http://www.honda.co.uk/owner/AccordManual/index.html