oquela

I just got my a/c high pressure hose replaced (it was clearly leaking based on the dye) and one day later, no a/c. I took it back to the shop, and they said it was an electrical problem, probably the a/c switch sending a faulty ground to the compressor. It lights up, but the switch is bad. I believe them, since I had issues with the switch working intermittently from way before.

They wanted 75 bucks just to remove it and tell me accurately what the issue is (either the whole climate control unit, or just the a/c switch)

I've seen that part on ebay that I can get for under 75 bucks. It includes a heater cable. How do I go about replacing this whole piece? I don't even know where the heater cable goes connected (yeah, it goes to the heater, but where is it?) The guy at the shop said it's a pain, since it's accessed from the rear. I've checked online/youtube, but there doesn't seem to be any clear explanation on how to replace this part.

I'm not averse to working under the dash, but I kind of need a heads up as to how to take it apart (what to pull/push on, what to disconnect, etc.)

Any help would be appreciated.

Former User

Replacing the heater control panel is not very difficult.

When you press the A/C button, does the condenser fan run? Does the compressor clutch engage?

oquela

The system blows cold only intermittently. I have to play with the a/c button about 5-10x sometimes. There are no leaks in the system now. I don't know if the condensor fan/clutch engages, but when it's blowing, it sounds different (idles slightly lower)

Former User

If either the condenser fan runs or the compressor clutch engages when the A/C won't blow cold air, the heater control panel is fine.

On the other hand, if the A/C blows cold air constantly rather than intermittently after grounding the Blu/Red wire at the rear of the heater control panel, then the heater control panel is likely toast.

Former User

oquela

Thanks RonJ@HT,
This was what I needed. I'm thinking the whole control panel is toast, since the single button isn't replaceable by itself.

Helpful info! I'd rather spend the $$ on buying the whole control panel unit from ebay, swapping it in, then paying for the a/c shop to tell me it's broken, and then having me buy a brand new unit (I was told it was about 400) from the dealer because it's "dealer only

Thanks again!