Climate Control No Vacuum

Tiny
BUBBA GEORGE
  • MEMBER
  • 1993 DODGE DAKOTA
  • 3.9L
  • 6 CYL
  • 135,000 MILES
I have the Sport Edition and lost the vacuum for the climate control. I tried tracing the vacuum lines but got lost. My truck has the round vacuum reservoir with one line going to a T, from there it goes to a port on the drivers side and passengers side. I originally looked at the one on the driver's side. It had a rubber connector with a very small hard black plastic tube coming out and bent 90 degree with green heat shrink at the bend. When I went to remove it, it pretty much disintegrated. It went straight to the reservoir unless I missed something. I put a one piece tube to replace it. The vacuum line comes out of the firewall on the passenger side and goes into the fender well with no idea where it comes out. The diagram under the hood doesn't match what I see. Very confused and would like
Sunday, August 3rd, 2025 AT 6:00 PM

7 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,137 POSTS
Yep, you are correct the vacuum line (small plastic tube) goes to the HVAC system which helps it operate. There is a vacuum reservoir that is part of the system so that needs to be attached to the intake manifold. Here is a guide to help

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/air-vents-stay-in-the-defrost-position

If you can upload a short video or use images in your response I can help walk you through the repair.
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Monday, August 4th, 2025 AT 12:51 PM
Tiny
BUBBA GEORGE
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
I see the small black line coming out. On that side of the reservoir their seem to be several other components. I assume those components should be hooked to that reservoir line. Now the problem comes in finding the black plastic tubing and fittings. I believe it's 1/8 inch OD. Thanks for any help and suggestions!
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Thursday, August 14th, 2025 AT 4:59 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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  • 54,137 POSTS
Yes, you can get 1/8 vacuum line at the auto parts store or Amazon. If you upload an image of what you are seeing I can help with the repairs.
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Friday, August 15th, 2025 AT 11:46 AM
Tiny
BUBBA GEORGE
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Sorry I haven't replied sooner but I had to order The 3/16 online. I will plumb that first with a T for the 1/8 going to the firewall and send you a picture. What scares me is connecting the 1/8, not much there out of the firewall.
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Wednesday, August 20th, 2025 AT 8:22 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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  • 54,137 POSTS
Yep, I hear ya, most of the time the line is okay closer to the firewall the better condition it is in. If not you will need to run the new line inside the car to feed the HVAC system.
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Wednesday, August 20th, 2025 AT 10:03 AM
Tiny
BUBBA GEORGE
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Well. I got it working today with help from you, Thanks! It got a little scary trying to hook something to what was left and then going to the 3/16th line. Not many fittings that I could find to make it a little easier. I had some clear hose that I used. Hope it last awhile. At 82 I don't want to go through that again. Thanks for all your help.
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Thursday, August 21st, 2025 AT 1:21 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,137 POSTS
Yep, nice work, use 2CarPros anytime, we are here to help. Please tell a friend.
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Friday, August 22nd, 2025 AT 8:29 AM

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