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'06 Forester Heater/Mode Cables Deform

13 messages,  Last post on Dec 06, 2012 at 1:11 PM

You are in the Subaru Forester Maintenance & Repair Forum.

What is this discussion about? Subaru Forester, Heating / Cooling, SUV

Messages Page 2 of 2

#8 of 13 Re: '06 Forester Heater/Mode Cables Deform [pulphook] by saralee2002

Dec 05, 2012 (9:51 pm)

Replying to: pulphook (Feb 03, 2012 2:10 pm)
This sounds very much like the problem I currently have. But I'm being quoted close to $700 to repair. This is from a 'reputable' Subie repair shop, but it seems a bit steep. The mechanic did mention that in the extreme cold we have here in AK it is pretty common problem. The cable gets rigid and stressed when the car is started in harsh temperatures.

#9 of 13 Re: '06 Forester Heater/Mode Cables Deform [saralee2002] by xwesx

Dec 05, 2012 (11:43 pm)

Replying to: saralee2002 (Dec 05, 2012 9:51 pm)
It is not uncommon to have cable issues in Alaska during cold weather, for sure. I always make a point to set my HVAC to how I want it running when I next start the car so that I don't have to make any adjustments until the car's interior is reasonably heated up (the HVAC components will tend to warm faster than the general cabin due to direct contact with the warm air).
 
For me, that means ensuring the system is set on defrost/footwell split with fan speed at '2'. I wouldn't even think about changing that setting with the temperature at -20 to -30 (or lower) like we've been having in Fairbanks for the last week and a half!
 
So far, I've owned four Subaru vehicles (not of the second gen Forester, though), all of which have lived outside, with no cable problems. (Is this the part where I knock on wood? )
 
$700 does sound spendy, yet it does take some time to dig into the stuff packed behind the dash.

#10 of 13 Re: '06 Forester Heater/Mode Cables Deform [xwesx] by pulphook

Dec 06, 2012 (7:57 am)

Replying to: xwesx (Dec 05, 2012 11:43 pm)
Here's my experience with this OEM heater cable ass'y problem. SOA CHANGED the spec and manufacture of all the heater cables starting with the 2005 Foresters. In our 2006 the broken/deformed cables were first replaced with the OEM set from a dealer......THEY ALSO DEFORMED/BENT/STOPPED FUNCTIONING. Our non-dealer A.S.E. Subaru mechanic here recommended that we get an older set from used parts a.k.a. "junk yard". The cables in this set from an 04 or 03 Forester were thicker, durable, and exactly matched the OEM set on our 2006 except for the thicker cables.
Conclusion ? The SOA beancounters decided to save a few $$$ on decreasing the quality and reliability of the heater set cables in the 2005-2006 models. The "older" set works perfectly.
Note: dealer says: "we've never had that problem." Customer says: " the check is in the mail", and...." I will love you in the morning dear."

#11 of 13 Re: '06 Forester Heater/Mode Cables Deform [pulphook] by saedave

Dec 06, 2012 (8:18 am)

Replying to: pulphook (Dec 06, 2012 7:57 am)
Our non-dealer A.S.E. Subaru mechanic here recommended that we get an older set from used parts a.k.a. "junk yard". The cables in this set from an 04 or 03 Forester were thicker, durable, and exactly matched the OEM set on our 2006 except for the thicker cables.
Conclusion ? The SOA beancounters decided to save a few $$$ on decreasing the quality and reliability of the heater set cables in the 2005-2006 models.
 
It would have been the weight watchers, not the bean counters. Every ounce of extra weight is being removed to improve fuel economy. There may have been no decrease in cost. Expect many more such weight reductions in new models.

#12 of 13 Re: '06 Forester Heater/Mode Cables Deform [saedave] by pulphook

Dec 06, 2012 (8:39 am)

Replying to: saedave (Dec 06, 2012 8:18 am)
NO.
Weight of a full set of cable ass'y weight including knobs is less than a couple of pounds. Decreasing the thickness and material quality of cables of less than 12" for each cannot be a weight decision on a vehicle weight or "fuel economy". Give us a break: SOA wanted to save a buck.
Now if it is weight, the poundage of the hood for example has been lightened by near 1/2 from the 2001 Forester to the 2006. Now that's a weight consideration for fuel savings.
In any product, the CFO rules.

#13 of 13 Re: '06 Forester Heater/Mode Cables Deform [pulphook] by saedave

Dec 06, 2012 (1:11 pm)

Replying to: pulphook (Dec 06, 2012 8:39 am)
Even windshield thickness and carpet padding is decreasing for weight reasons. The new, very thin, transparent back bumper abrasion cover is another example.
 
Certainly cost is also very important: We are Subaru rather than Audi buyers.
 
Audi , for example,went too far on early model year 1974 Fox models' window crank mechanisms and had to retrofit heavier and sturdier versions. My new 1974 Audi Fox was one of those getting the fix.

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