Replacing AC Dual Climate Control Head Unit
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 156
Likes: 0
From: Port St. Lucie FL
Replacing AC Dual Climate Control Head Unit
Monday.
The one on my 1998 Coupe is so darn dim I can not see/read it to set anything.
I have been reading this forum and understand that it is a common problem. Is the new unit better than the 1998 version or will I be having this problem again in a year of two?
Thanks in Advance
Jim in Amarillo, TX
PS I am also having the air temperature sensor replaced because it was off by at least 6 degrees and many times alot more than that.
The one on my 1998 Coupe is so darn dim I can not see/read it to set anything.
I have been reading this forum and understand that it is a common problem. Is the new unit better than the 1998 version or will I be having this problem again in a year of two?
Thanks in Advance
Jim in Amarillo, TX
PS I am also having the air temperature sensor replaced because it was off by at least 6 degrees and many times alot more than that.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 1,871
Likes: 247
From: Weatherford TX
From what I have heard, it is the 98 and 99 MY heard units that have the dimming failure problem. Think they redesigned the display for 2000 and later. So a new one from GM should be good. My 99 had 3 units put in before they got one that has lasted since 2001. Easy to install.
Pro
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 730
Likes: 45
From: kansas city mo.
dimming unit
[QUOTE=kenrobb]From what I have heard, it is the 98 and 99 MY heard units that have the dimming failure problem. Think they redesigned the display for 2000 and later. So a new one from GM should be good. My 99 had 3 units put in before they got one that has lasted since 2001. Easy to install.[/QUOTE
Kenrobb, How easy is it to intall? Also how much was the cost? I have a 2000 and it does the same thing.
Kenrobb, How easy is it to intall? Also how much was the cost? I have a 2000 and it does the same thing.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 17,901
Likes: 18
From: Elko, Nevada
Yep. 
Mine on my 98', the unit went bad in Spring of 02'.
Warranty covered the entire deal. I now have had the new unit
trouble free for over 2-years. Talk about strange though, the
unit never actually stopped working, you just couldn't see what
controls you had on or what the heck the temp was inside and out.
Figures, with GM you would have to replace the entire unit when
really just the LED readout goes bad.
Mine on my 98', the unit went bad in Spring of 02'. Warranty covered the entire deal. I now have had the new unit
trouble free for over 2-years. Talk about strange though, the
unit never actually stopped working, you just couldn't see what
controls you had on or what the heck the temp was inside and out.
Figures, with GM you would have to replace the entire unit when
really just the LED readout goes bad.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 1,871
Likes: 247
From: Weatherford TX
Shop manual shows the replacement in pretty good detail. Have to remove the center console door and then the console itself. Couple of hidden screws only part that might be bad. There is a link somewhere to the procedure, maybe someone can find it. GMpartsdirect.com has cheapest price on new one but s/h a bit high. some are sold on the C5 parts for sale section.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 156
Likes: 0
From: Port St. Lucie FL
Just got back from the dealer..
and the price jumped to 671.00 (but heck that is what my warranty is for with a zero deductable I might add 
He ask if I could leave it overnight (the entire console was already taken apart and he gave me the old head unit) while the part came in and I said sure just so long as you replace the outside air temperature sensor for free. He said sure. I told him the part was already in the passenger seat
Purerock105 that is exactly what mine did today. I drove it in and it was totally dark. For the first time ever I could not see a thing. I could not have picked a better day to do this.
Jim in Amarillo, TX
He ask if I could leave it overnight (the entire console was already taken apart and he gave me the old head unit) while the part came in and I said sure just so long as you replace the outside air temperature sensor for free. He said sure. I told him the part was already in the passenger seat Purerock105 that is exactly what mine did today. I drove it in and it was totally dark. For the first time ever I could not see a thing. I could not have picked a better day to do this.
Jim in Amarillo, TX
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Instructor
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 226
Likes: 3
From: Tampa FL
My dual A/C unit went bad on my '99 (faded lighting, failing controls) and luckily I just got it replaced under warranty. I recently saw one sold on Ebay for about $190...so, keep an eye out there. Might want to check out some salvage yards for one and do a self install.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 156
Likes: 0
From: Port St. Lucie FL
Juiced
I would never pay that either, but I sure don't mind that my extended warranty did. That is what I bought it for.
I have to old head unit at home if anybody wants it. Just pay the postage and it is yours, but remember the display is totally blank. Maybe someone can tinker with it and replace the light.
email me at jimbosee5@excite.com if you want this unit.
Jim in Amarillo, TX
I would never pay that either, but I sure don't mind that my extended warranty did. That is what I bought it for.
I have to old head unit at home if anybody wants it. Just pay the postage and it is yours, but remember the display is totally blank. Maybe someone can tinker with it and replace the light.
email me at jimbosee5@excite.com if you want this unit.
Jim in Amarillo, TX
