Good Afternoon:

I have a 2001 Honda Prelude (base model). The cables that attach to the climate control button have seized up and I would like to fix it myself. The first time this happened, I took it to the dealership and it cost $100 for them to tell me what i already knew, and reattach the cable. They said if it happened again, they would have to replace parts and it would get very expensive. Well, it worked well for less than a week, and now it's not working again (only cold air blows out). I have more time than money right now, and I've done basic things to my car before. Also, I have assistance available to me since my dad was a drag racer who did most of the work on his car himself.
Anyway, I read the information about how to remove the dash and I was wondering if I do indeed need to remove the whole dashboard to reach the cables? The information stated that one should plan on it taking about half a day, but when I took my car in to the dealership, it took one tech approximately one hour to (supposedly) remove the dash and reattach the cable(s). I have no qualms about doing this myself, but I want to make sure that I'm not doing it the hard way either.

Also, would you recommend my buying one of those Helms manuals I've seen discussed here before? I like my car, but as it's not new anymore, it's getting more expensive to be maintain it (not that it was every inexpensive, but repairs are becoming more frequent). The last time I brought it in for an oil change, they told me I will need to replace the oil pressure switch and seal adapter, as well as the valve cover gasket and head plug at the end of the cam, at a cost of $150 each (parts and labor). I can't afford this, but I can't afford not to.

I'd appreciate any advice. Thank you.

 

Read this thread on prelude power, and it will answer all of your questions
http://www.************.com/forums/s...d.php?t=314015