Will this heater control cable fit my Vanagon?

Yes! This heater control cable is designed to fit all 1983-91 watercooled Vanagon models, no matter if you have a 2WD or 4WD, automatic or manual, or any trim level including camper and weekender versions. It replaces the cable for the second lever from the top on your climate control panel. You only need one per vehicle.

Is this heater cable difficult to install, and do I need any other parts?

Installing the heater control cable is straightforward for most DIY Vanagon owners—it's a direct replacement and comes with the outer housing. We recommend taking your time and referencing GoWesty's article on the Vanagon Ventilation system for a smooth installation. For best results and easier future maintenance, consider replacing related heater components at the same time, like the Heater Valve, Heater Core Hoses, Dash Fan Resistor, or a Heater Box Foam Reseal Kit.

How durable is this heater control cable and will it improve my heater's performance?

This quality aftermarket heater control cable is built to last and comes highly rated by fellow Vanagon owners. Replacing a worn-out or sticky cable will help you get smooth, reliable control over your van's heater and ventilation system, making it easier to warm up the cabin and keep your temperature just right. Regularly checking and replacing old cables is a practical way to maintain good heater performance in your Vanagon.

Heater Control Cable [Vanagon] | 251-265-473A

Name: Heater Control Cable [Vanagon]
SKU: 251-265-473A
Price: 23.95 USD
Availability: InStock

Black automotive cable with metal ends on white background, replacement part

Heater Control Cable [Vanagon]

Product:	251-265-473A
Works With:	1983-1991
Manufacturer:	Quality Aftermarket
Availability:	Low Stock

$23.95

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This is the heater control cable (watercooled engine only) that is operated by the second lever from the top on your climate control panel. This rigid wire cable includes the outer cable housing, and measures 920mm. One required per vehicle.

Fits: 1983-91 Vanagon

Install note: If you are taking your dash apart, there are many other items you'll want to replace at the same time, namely the Heater Valve, the Heater Core Hoses, the Dash Fan Resistor, the and the Heater Box Foam Reseal Kit.

Read our article on the Vanagon Ventilation system!

5 stars: 11 (92%)
4 stars: 1 (8%)
3 stars: 0 (0%)
2 stars: 0 (0%)
1 star: 0 (0%)

Cable was slightly shorter than what was installed. I'm not sure the one in the van was correct. Had to slightly modify the one "hook" on the cable end to fit. All around, good quality and SMOOTH operation.

Looks just like the original. Can’t say more till I install it

It works. However, I found that by shortening the cable by 1/2 an inch, thus allowing more housing to protrude from the clamp at the control lever, reduces the tendency for the cable to buckle.

Good Product

Nice

👍

Pain to get to, but glad to have the right part

On jobs that are a pain, it’s always nice to know you at least have the correct part, so you know it fits. A bit of a lesson in patience, but worked like a charm.

Heater cable

Product came exactly as described and on time

fit well

Wasn't sure about an aftermarket cable for the heater, but it fit and it works.

Perfect fit

I went ahead and changed mine while working on the heater box. I'll keep the OG for a back up, but doubt I'll ever need to.

Multi purpose cable

We had ordered this for the heater control as described and it fit perfect, while we were behind the dash we had noticed the Defrost cable was also damaged. That cable isn't available anywhere we could find but we realized we could make this same cable fit. We ordered another, cut to size and now both cables work perfectly again.