Repaired HVAC Unit
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Nov 2020
Posts: 19
Likes: 7
From: Parker CO
Repaired HVAC Unit
I'm new to this forum, just purchased my C5 a few months ago. When I first drove my 2000 Coupe, I noticed the HVAC unit lights were out. This forum was amazing in providing me with the information to make decisions on how I would resolve the issue. Not only were there threads regarding my problem, but lot's of "You Tube" videos that helped me think through my options. I went back and forth regarding sending my unit out for repairs and learning to solder (and repairing the unit myself). Ultimately, a forum member (Sean_emory) provided me with the solution that was cost efficient and time efficient! I sent my unit out to "Automotive Circuit Solutions". For $80, and shipping, the control display was repaired and all lights replaced with LED bulbs. They received the unit at 12:43 PM on a Tuesday, and had it repaired / back in the mail at 3:40 PM that same day. WOW - It's working great now!
I couldn't be happier to be a Forum member, and hope someday I'm part of someone's solution like so many of you were for me (Special THANKS to Sean_emory). Now that my HVAC lights work, on to my next research - I'd like to improve the sound a little. Will be exploring Z06 CAT Backs and other options! FYI - I love this car
I couldn't be happier to be a Forum member, and hope someday I'm part of someone's solution like so many of you were for me (Special THANKS to Sean_emory). Now that my HVAC lights work, on to my next research - I'd like to improve the sound a little. Will be exploring Z06 CAT Backs and other options! FYI - I love this car
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 2,046
Likes: 34
From: TX
My 2¢, you should’ve tried the repair yourself. I just did mine 2 weeks ago. Couldn’t have been more straightforward and simple. You already had the hard work done with the actual removal of the unit. Wouldn’t have been much more work to unscrew 4 screws and heating up a solder iron. Glad your happy either way!
Administrator
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 368,641
Likes: 24,870
From: In a parallel universe. Currently own 2014 Stingray Coupe.
C7 of the Year - Modified Finalist 2021
MO Events Coordinator
St. Jude Co-Organizer
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '26
NCM Sinkhole Donor
CI 5, 8 & 11 Veteran
Just another example of why this forum is so good - tons of valuable info is available to help keep your car in too shape.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Nov 2020
Posts: 19
Likes: 7
From: Parker CO
I used Automotive Circuit Solutions. Hopefully this link will work, their website explains the process well. Lots of excellent U-Tube videos on how to take the unit out of the vehicle.
1997-2004 Corvette C5 Climate Control Display Repair + LED Upgrade – Automotive Circuit Solutions
1997-2004 Corvette C5 Climate Control Display Repair + LED Upgrade – Automotive Circuit Solutions
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
5 Best & 5 Worst Corvette Daily Drivers
Joe Kucinski
The Headlights of Every Corvette Generation Explained
Joe Kucinski
5 Best & 5 Most Overrated Corvette Track Packages of All Time!
Joe Kucinski
Every 2027 Corvette Engine Explained
Joe Kucinski
Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette
Verdad Gallardo
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
Banned Scam/Spammer
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 4,004
Likes: 3,929
From: Philadelphia PA (Birthplace of the USA, UNESCO World Heritage City)
I had mine done for around $50 via a reputable seller on ebay (for anyone currently looking to get this repair done):
https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_fro...acat=0&_sop=15
https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_fro...acat=0&_sop=15
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 5,646
Likes: 3,338
From: Virginia
2021 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
St. Jude Donor '21-'22
I'm so glad that you've had a good experience. We're happy to have you here on the forum. Since you mentioned that your next project is to improve the sound, you may want to search the exhaust bypass mod. This is the cheapest way to make a noticeable difference. This option will also have absolutely no drone. It's not as dramatic a difference as some options, but depending on how loud you want it, it could be a great option for you.
Racer
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 361
Likes: 87
From: Morristown, NJ
Just for the people who are trying to do this on their own I wanted to share what happened to me. It was my first time learning to solder and I got the dim light display fixed but had lots of trouble removing and replacing the small bulbs. I fried the circuit board somehow and it was unrepairable.
When I sent it out to be fixed they thought it was alright But the fan speed bars and “EXT” were not visible. And also the unit would not shut the lights off after the car was turned off. I think it’s worth it for a professional to make the repair with a warranty unless you’re experienced. And I’m just sharing my experience with this company that they were professional with fast turn around. And they actually have customer service and are a real company. Answered the phone every time I called and were friendly.
When I sent it out to be fixed they thought it was alright But the fan speed bars and “EXT” were not visible. And also the unit would not shut the lights off after the car was turned off. I think it’s worth it for a professional to make the repair with a warranty unless you’re experienced. And I’m just sharing my experience with this company that they were professional with fast turn around. And they actually have customer service and are a real company. Answered the phone every time I called and were friendly.
Last edited by Sean_emory; Jan 26, 2021 at 06:53 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 12,864
Likes: 4,670
I have the same situation as you, except my EXT and fan bars work. I fixed the dim display, and it works great. But I had no luck with the bulbs, which I'm sure you know is the hardest part of the job. I checked all 14 new lights I installed for continuity before soldering, and all tested good. But of the 14 I soldered in, maybe 2 still work. I did have 2 of the 14 working before I "fixed" it. But hardly any light comes from the unit at all. I'll pull it again, and see what's up. I'm concerned something was cooked on the board even before I messed with it, and may still be, hence the bad lighting.......