Toyota Repair: AC temp control knob

Question
I have a 2005 Toyota Highlander which has 170k miles.  For the last couple of years, the knob that is supposed to change the temperature for the AC does not work.  If you keep turning it to the left or right, it will eventually change but lately, it is not changing at all.  Any help/guidance you could offer would be greatly appreciated.  I took it to the Toyota dealer and was told the whole panel behind the control knobs needs to be replaced which is about $600.  Is that true or do you know of any other options?


Ben

Answer
Hello, have you checked that control knob ids not loose, if it feels loose pull it off and tighten the mounting nut, the nut completes a ground circuit, if loose for too long the bad ground can burn out the control panel assembly, so if tightening it doesn't work then the panel needs to be replaced.