Is it possible to replace the auto HVAC Controller?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 497
Likes: 156
Is it possible to replace the auto HVAC Controller?
I hate the automatic HVAC controls in my '02 Z06. It works, and it's not dim. It's just a pain in the butt. If it turn it Off, the next time I try to turn it on, it will default to a different setting. I can't seem to get it to just turn on the dash vent fans without triggering the A/C or changing over to the defrost/floor setting. So I find myself driving down the road pressing Mode over and over again trying to get back to what it was set to before I turned it Off. Then I have to turn A/C off as well. This is frustrating, and dangerous because I'm distracted fighting with my climate controls while moving.
Am I just too stupid to use this? I don't want auto anything. I just want a normal HVAC controller with ***** and buttons that work normally. I rented an old Impala a year ago and was like, "OMG look! A normal climate control system that just does what you set it to! Why can't my Vette have this?" Can I retrofit a normal HVAC controller (non-auto) into my C5? Is there a writeup for this?
Apologies if there are already threads on this... I've searched here and Googled for this, plus checked the stickies but didn't see anything.
Am I just too stupid to use this? I don't want auto anything. I just want a normal HVAC controller with ***** and buttons that work normally. I rented an old Impala a year ago and was like, "OMG look! A normal climate control system that just does what you set it to! Why can't my Vette have this?" Can I retrofit a normal HVAC controller (non-auto) into my C5? Is there a writeup for this?
Apologies if there are already threads on this... I've searched here and Googled for this, plus checked the stickies but didn't see anything.
Last edited by Torque Obsessed; Jan 7, 2014 at 06:06 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 940
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From: Lake Villa IL
I know on my 04 coupe if I sent the HVAC to upper and lower vents and turn the auto function off, it will stay that way until I turn the auto function back on again. I to got tried of it turning the ac on when not needed.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 497
Likes: 156
Hmm. Maybe mine is broken? My auto function stays off, but if I have it set to upper/lower vents and turn it Off, I can't figure out how to turn it back on again without changing settings. How do you turn yours back On? Press up on the fan toggle? This could be user error on my part.
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If I recally correctly, that's the way mine works. I'll have to check to be sure.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2006
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From: Kannapolis NC
Try setting it where you want it and hold down the memory button on the door for a few seconds. Next time it's wrong, just press the same button momentarily. The whole idea of the auto function is to set the temp you want and let it move the fan and functions to match conditions.
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I live in Florida and I drive a convertible. My biggest fear is that the unit won't work the 3 times I use it every year. 
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2008
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From: Northern VA
Mine is dimming,.............and the AC light blinks and won't stay on.
I am not sure if this is a larger problem. All I care about now is whether the heat works and keeps the front windshield clear.
What is the best way to approach this issue and test whether the AC is working properly ?
I am not sure if this is a larger problem. All I care about now is whether the heat works and keeps the front windshield clear.
What is the best way to approach this issue and test whether the AC is working properly ?
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
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From: Longview Texas
Mine is dimming,.............and the AC light blinks and won't stay on.
I am not sure if this is a larger problem. All I care about now is whether the heat works and keeps the front windshield clear.
What is the best way to approach this issue and test whether the AC is working properly ?
I am not sure if this is a larger problem. All I care about now is whether the heat works and keeps the front windshield clear.
What is the best way to approach this issue and test whether the AC is working properly ?
If the AC light is blinking, it could be because the outside temp is to low (below 38 deg), or the system could be low on Freon.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 969
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From: Northern VA
I just assumed it would work on defrost with the heat on to aid in clearing ice on the front windshield.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2003
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From: Near Jacksonville Fl.
Try setting it where you want it and hold down the memory button on the door for a few seconds. Next time it's wrong, just press the same button momentarily. The whole idea of the auto function is to set the temp you want and let it move the fan and functions to match conditions.
Yep, it's explained in the owners manual.
Race Director
Joined: May 2012
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From: Phoenix area, AZ
With all of the problems people have with the electronic controls I'm glad that mine has the manual controls.
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2008
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From: Orange Park, Florida
The A/C is supposed to run when the defrosters are on. The purpose is to remove moisture from the air. Most cars do that. Your Air Conditioner evaporator acts as a dehumidifier.
Drifting
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