cmarsala

Yup, you read it rite. When I push the front vents button it blows from the
defrost, when I push the defrost, air comes from the dash vents. All the modes work in opposite order.

I am stumped. Any ideas as to why this is?

98_CivicDX

Are you absolutely positive about this?

I know on my '98 DX, if I push the defrost button or the defrost/feet button, the two outer most vents will blow, as well. I assumed this was for window defogging.

cmarsala

Yes I am positive. It's my daughters' car and she is ripping me a new one to get it fixed.
Anyone?????

ezone

Did this happen all of a sudden?

I'd suspect a bad mode control motor, then test accordingly to prove or disprove it, before throwing any parts at it.




Or, just to shut the kid up, make new labels for all the buttons... (This could be a fix!)

Mark R

My son's '96 civic had the same problem. His car's blower diverter is electronic. The controlling mechanism is under the dash on the driver's side near the center of the car. there is a lever attached to a motor shaft that changes the baffle positions when the motor turns. The lever was off by 180 degrees, which probably happened when it was serviced in the past. Just remove the nut that holds the lever onto the knurled shaft and remount it 180 degrees from its previous position. Replace the washers and nut and, voila, the air blows from where the switch says it should.

444rose

The last poster is absolutely correct...I had this issue since I bought the car 9 years ago, still own it and dealt with this idiotic problem. to further add some detail to the last post: you must get into a very awkward position and get your head under the dashboard on the drivers side, bring a flash light, an 8mm open end wrench, a screw driver (flat blade medium) a 1/4" drive ratchet w/an mm deep socket and it wouldn't hurt to bring a telescoping magnet. Now,


1: start the car and push the defrost button and when the air is blowing in your face, shut the car, do not press any other buttons.
2. remove the rod from the actuator by spring the plastic retainer to allow the rod to slide out exposing the 8mm nut
3. remove the 8mm nut with the wrench or socket, use the magnet now to suck off the 2 washers then using the screwdriver, pry off the arm that pushes the rod you removed from the splined shaft,
4. replace the arm on the splined shaft facing the 5 o'clock position exactly
5 carefully place the flat washer, then lock washer then nut while holding it in position, use the 8mm wrench to snug it down into the splines, tighten now with the ratchet tighten it down
6. put the rod back into position on the actuator arm and rotate retainer till it clips on the rod


That's it folks, you will be happy to see that the air comes from where it supposed too.


Good Luck!