Manual air circulation knob jammed in my Alto; Any DIY fix possible?

Is there any DIY fix possible or better leave it to the authorized service center?

BHPian ravin93 recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Hi all,

I have Maruti Alto Lxi. For the last maybe a year or so, I never touched the air circulation knob which is a horizontal knob on the dashboard. It remained in Internal Circulation. The other option is fresh air from outside.

Now it has jammed. I tried pushing it hard to the right but it does not move much. If I push it harder it might break something inside. Is there any DIY fix possible or I better leave it to the authorized service center?

There’s no immediate problem. It can continue to remain on the Internal option. Just my OCD that everything in my car must be in perfectly working condition.

Any guidance would be great. Thanks

Here's what BHPian Geo_Ipe had to say on the matter:

Most likely a mechanical issue. However, you may need to open the centre console to get to the rear of these knobs and sliders.

I wouldn't recommend a DIY. Take your Alto to an FNG or local AC specialist. An authorised service centre may not be required.

If it makes you feel any better, in my 2005 Scorpio, only the fan blower speed knob works. All other knobs and sliders have been frozen for a very long time!

Here's what BHPian NomadSK had to say on the matter:

This is mechanically actuated flaps, your best friend in such scenarios is WD-40, just put the nozzle in the horizontal crevice and spray a bit inside to see if it does the trick. Spray and leave it for some time and then try to see if the knob moves.

At the most, you might get WD smell in the cabin for a few days even if it doesn’t work.

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