When I've got the temp control valve open, in any position, my entire dashboard gets mighty hot. This occurs no matter where the duct controls are set; floor, defrost, both or neither.

The panel surrounding the controls is bowing inward! There's a gap of nearly one quarter of an inch, just above the ashtray. The ignition switch (and keys) are almost too hot to touch! It's difficult to rotate the headlight switch--whenever I've been using the heater. With the temp control valve all the way off, everything looks and feels normal. I've owned the beast for almost four years; this is the first winter that I've noticed the issue.

What on Earth is causing this? I've had the hush panels and console sides off to check for a cracked or loose piece of ducting...but everything appears to be intact. The airflow is strong; the temperature is great--but it seems to me that something ain't right.

Any ideas hugely appreciated,

Brendan.