Removing The Climate Control Module

[greatride]

I am having trouble removing the connection to the climate control module in my 2003 Ultra. There is no slack in the wiring to the unit. I have purchased a rebuilt module. I am willing to destroy the old one just so that it can be removed. If I remove the face of the unit, will I be able to disconnect the power connection? I have removed the dash facia and losened the radio, but there is still not enough room to work. What is the trick to removing the connection?

 

[2007LucerneCXL]

Looked at Chilton and it appears that the harness comes out with the unit to be disconnected. Here's a diagram but it may be the harness is held in the back, not sure as no additional information on removing it.

 

[greatride]

Thank You Lucerne CXL. The Chilton diagram is not entirely accurate. It shows a pretty long lead in to the module. The actual lead in is so short that the module can barely be turned 90 degrees! You have to love GM engineering! There is absolutely no way to pull the module out more than about 2 inches! I have considered removing the radio for more work space, but I am afraid to lose the radio code. So, at this point, I am considering crushing the old module just to get to the connector. I am also hesitant to do this because I may not be able to get to the connector! It is no wonder that people buy foreign cars.

 

[2007LucerneCXL]

As mentioned that diagram may not be accurate but it shows up on a couple sites. While I can't say on your vehicle for sure, some other GM harnesses are tape to one another which during assembly makes it easier but for the rest of the world is a pain. Hopefully you will get it resolved.

 

[G-280175]

Thanks, wiil put a strong light in the opening and take a look. I think GM does not want you to fix your car, just buy a new one! This is the way BMW operates. Have owned 4, and will not buy another.

 

[G-464132]

Thank you 2007 Lucerne, will put a strong light in the opening and take a look to see if the lead in is hung up in there.

 

[bigsky]

I am having trouble removing the connection to the climate control module in my 2003 Ultra. There is no slack in the wiring to the unit. I have purchased a rebuilt module. I am willing to destroy the old one just so that it can be removed. If I remove the face of the unit, will I be able to disconnect the power connection? I have removed the dash facia and losened the radio, but there is still not enough room to work. What is the trick to removing the connection?

Try to first take the radio all the way out. This can be a bear as well to keep working slack in the harness so you can squeeze and unhook the connector.

This then helps in getting access to more slack for the climate module. There should be more slack available than you seem to be getting.

 

[LARRY70GS]

I am having trouble removing the connection to the climate control module in my 2003 Ultra. There is no slack in the wiring to the unit. I have purchased a rebuilt module. I am willing to destroy the old one just so that it can be removed. If I remove the face of the unit, will I be able to disconnect the power connection? I have removed the dash facia and losened the radio, but there is still not enough room to work. What is the trick to removing the connection?

The plug that goes into the back of the unit has a small tab that you press to release it, and then it pulls straight out. You'll need to feel for that tab. It's usually on the top or bottom of the plug. The plug will snap into the replacement CC unit.

 

[greatride]

Thanks to all who replied on the module. As I was moving the climate module, a blue tab on the top of the plug popped off and disappeared into the dash, never to be found again! The plug still will not disconnect. Is there another tab that needs to be released? There is just no working room to get a hand in the opening. I hesitate to do too much pulling on the wiring for fear of breaking some connecting wire. Several of you indicated that there should be more slack than I have

 

[greatride]

As to removiing the radio, there is not enough slack in the connector wire to allow me to get behind and disconnect. Am I safe to gently pull on this wiring? Seems like the wiring is hung up somewhere, Thanks to all who responded.

 

[greatride]

Finally removed the climate control module. The key is the cream color retainer on the bottom of the plug. You do not press it down into the module, you pry the tab away from the module. There is a small ridge on the module and you must pry the tab. Once that was discovered, it popped loose for removal.

 

[Alan 55]

Finally removed the climate control module. The key is the cream color retainer on the bottom of the plug. You do not press it down into the module, you pry the tab away from the module. There is a small ridge on the module and you must pry the tab. Once that was discovered, it popped loose for removal.

Thank you for letting us know. I may need to do this project for myself at some future time. When time permits could you tell us where you found the rebuilt module for climate control and how it is working?

 

[G-888324]

I ordered my module from ebay, the seller was eurotrans21. The cost was $129.80 +$13.90 shipping; when the smoke cleared $155.00. These units are claimed to be totally rebuilt and I tend to believe it. Seller has much positive feedback. The unit appears to be functioning perfectly, but I just installed it, so I don't know yet how it performs. My old module appeared to be working properly, but the lighted display was blank which really bothered me. Be sure and pry gently on that tab on the bottom of the connector to pop it loose. There is a video on Google with a very complete discussion on removing the dash trim so pay attention to it; about 35 min. long. I did need to remove the dash fascia to be able to loosen the radio for working room. Not hard, job took about 1 hour if you stick with it, took me about 2 because I discovered the tab issue by accident. Good luck with your project.

 

[greatride]

I just completed the install of my climate control module and it appears to be working fine, but I have not driven the car very far yet. I purchased it on ebay, the seller was "eurotrans21", he seems to have many positive feedbacks. Cost when the smoke cleared was $155.00. My old unit worked, but the display had blanked out and it bothered me. The replacement job took about 2 hours, but really should have taken about an hour, but I wrestled with removing the connector and discovered how to do it by accident. A couple of videos tell you to do it by depressing the light colored tab on the underside of the connector. The connector is removed by prying up slightly on the tab, not depressing it, because there is a very small ridge on the module and the tab locks over it. There is an excellent video on google demonstrating how do do how to do the entire job, it is about 33 minutes: pay close attention and work slowly. The instructor is kind of quirky. Search" Park Avenue climate control module removal" and it will come up. I did need to remove the dash fascia to access the radio so that I could move it around to create more working room. There is just not much working room and you will be able to express this with some colorful language! Good luck with your own project. You might need to order some 7mm GM screws from ebay as you might lose a couple in the dash, never again to be seen.

 

[bigsky]

My old unit worked, but the display had blanked out...

This can (probably) be fixed...!

There are 2 or 3 resistors that need re-soldering. The heat from the bottom of the radio is the cause of the problem.

 

[greatride]

Thanks bigsky. I thought about repairing my module, but ended up buying a rebuilt for several reasons. 1) my eyes are not as good as they used to be, 2) my hand is not as steady as it used to be, and 3) I never was any good at soldering. As Dirty Harry said: "A man has GOT to know his limitations".

 

[BuickGirlFromMars]

Ive got my original out of my 98 and Im going to send it in for refurbish and replace bad backlighting the service can be had for 40 ish on ebay. I need a new front plastic cover which im hoping they do, and then put it in my 99. and then the one in my 99 will be done the same and put into whatever one i get next(assuming it has CJ2 and is a 97-05)

 

[G-42577]

Hello BuickGirl. good luck on that refurbish. I did not see that vendor doing the job at 40, hope it works out for you. May have some questions on my power seat; will post in the near future.

 

[BuickBill2003]

I have used a Ebay dashrepairguy seller to rebuild several. He had stood by his work and repaired one after a year. 45 Dollars

 

[Regal HVAC Repair Needed]

I have used a Ebay dashrepairguy seller to rebuild several. He had stood by his work and repaired one after a year. 45 Dollars

Please provide Ebay repair guy info