Defogger Heater problems of the 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer

The contact owns a 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer. The contact stated that the heater control malfunctioned, causing the heating system to remain activated. As a result, the window became foggy. The contact referenced TSB action number: 10006466 (visibility) and called the manufacturer. The manufacturer stated due to the vehicle being out of warranty they would not cover the cost. The failure mileage was 74,500. Updated 03/18/lj the consumer stated the heater /ac controls were flawed by design and caused a bind up of the controls not allowing the correct direction of airflow to clear the windows. Updated 03/21/14.

Since the day I purchased the car,the knob for the ac/ heater was hard to turn. Then about 2yrs ago I cant turn it without the car being parked. It took all my strength to turn. Most of the time I wouldn't use my heat. Then one night my windshield was fogged up. I tried driving with the windows down. But I had to stop to turn the heat on for the defroster. Driving across a bridge with fogged up windows is scary. When I turned the knob it broke off. I have tried to get used parts for it but it is a very common problem for these cars. And the dealers what between $700 and $900 to fix the problem with their cars.

The consumer experienced sudden acceleration . The consumer stated that when applying the brakes, the vehicle accelerated. The consumer contacted the manufacturer, who also was at a loss for an explanation as to why this defect occurred. The accelerator pedal would stick, the heater controls would bind up when turned on and at times the accelerator pedal would go to the floor.

Heater selector from hot to cold does not work properly. After a short time, did not work at all; bent cable. Purchased new cable, bent new cable. Found problem to be not in knob, but in the actual lever/gear the cable turns. Estimate it needs a new heater core (best guess from service shop).