Same thing happened to me,
    Easy repair, take off the dash cover (don't worry you wont break it),
remove the four screws, unplug the dash lights, speedo and tack cables
(simple just go slow) place the dash in a safe place.  look over and in and
there you will see the kinked cable.  Be careful to not over straighten the
cable, flex the lever back and forth, reassemble and whalla your done.  1/2
hour job at most.  Don't fear this repair is easy compared to pulling the
oil pump.... good luck

Dave
Duluth MN
87 Syncro Westy 187K

----- Original Message -----

I just got my 85 Transporter out of winter storage. The temperature control
for the front heater (middle lever of the three levers, is stuck in the
right (hot) position. When I try to move it to the left (cold) it won't go
very far before encountering a springy resistance - feels like a cable is
kinked or obstructed in some way.

Anyone had this happen - can tell me what the fix is. The idea of going in
behind the dash scares me. I've seen so many cases where even professionals
open up a dash to fix one thing and succeed - but 2 or 3 other things don't
work afterward. Guidance/advice would be appreciated.

Alan
Ottawa Canada
'85 Transporter converted to Wesfalia