sure there is a fix. all you have to do is re-flow a solder joint on the back of the cluster. took me almost 10 seconds to fix. there are plenty of threads on it here...

 

You are right Floppyjoe, there is a fix, and I have tried it and it works. That post was 4 months ago, before I knew about the fix. Thanks for the input though....

 

Whats cheaper and easier?

A. Buy the correct solder tools and learn how to "reflow a solder joint" on the back of the cluster; or

B. Buy a used low mileage newer model cluster from a salvage and replace my original; or

C. Other. If so, please explain.

 

Definately easier and cheaper to fix it. Radio Shack has soldering irons for about $25. Or take it to someone that has a soldering iron and knows how to solder. Even if you give them $20, you are still getting it done cheaper.

 

johnsons004 could you please tell me where that one screw is located that will save you that time before I tear apart the L?? Thanks

 

My 97 F150 definetly has a broken blend door. I am looking for an easy way in. Sawsall or somthing.. good info on the airbag and doing the core at the same time.. I have 84k on it. Thanks new user.

 

There is no easy way in. I'm half way through the procedure. Under the dash are the vent tubes that run the width of the cab. I never knew there could be so many plastic pieces in the dash! The bed of my pickup is filled with plastic and I still had to put the main dash piece on the floor of the garage. Cutting is not really an option as you might cut any number of wiring harnesses.

 

I have replaced the blend door and heater core and am finally ready to reassemble the dash. Here's a few pictures I took along the way.

https://www.f150online.com/galleries...w.cfm?num=7272

 

Great Pics!