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Replacing Your Climate Control Unit in Four Easy Steps

A damaged climate control unit contributes to an extremely unpleasant ride both to the driver and the passengers. If a climate control unit is busted, the driver and passenger vents will only blow warm air even if the controls are set at the minimum temperature. This is precisely why it has to be replaced as soon as possible. As a matter of fact, you can even do the replacement all by yourself. Even the most inexperienced owner can have it installed in less than an hour. Following are four easy steps to guide you through the process.

Required skill level: Novice

Needed tools and materials

  • New climate control unit
  • Ratchet set
  • Socket set

    • Preparing for the replacement

    To get things started, park the vehicle in a safe and level place. You also need to cool the car down if it has been used previously. Once cool, pop the hood and disconnect the battery from the negative wiring.

    Accessing the climate control unit

    Sit on the driver's seat and locate the climate control unit at the dashboard. Pull the plastic trims surrounding the control unit. These trims have metal retaining clips. Once you pull the trims, you would also need to pull the clips out of the retaining holes. You will now have complete access to the climate control unit.

    Removing the climate control unit

    There will be bolts that secure the position of the climate control unit. There are usually four bolts. Using the socket and ratchet sets, remove the bolts. Once the bolts are removed, you can freely pull the faulty climate control unit out of the dashboard. However, there will be wire harnesses connected to the rear part of the climate control unit. Take note of the positions of the wire harnesses and have these unplugged from the control unit.

    Installing the new climate control unit

    Dispose of the old climate control unit and have the new one ready. Plug the wiring harnesses into the new climate control unit. Push it into the dashboard and secure its position using the bolts, ratchet, and socket sets. Place the plastic trim back into its place and push them into the dash. Give your new climate control unit a test.

    Climate Control Unit Articles

    • 11 January 2013

      Which Between Programa and AC Delco Has the Better Climate Control Unit?

      The climate control unit helps in having a luxurious ride for the driver and passengers. It monitors and maintains a preferred level of temperature to make the interiors of the vehicle comfortable to its passengers. A bad climate control unit can give a very unpleasant and frustrating drive, so it should be replaced as soon as possible. To help you in looking for the best one, we have tested Programa and AC Delco-two of the top climate control unit brands. Following are the results.

      Price

      If you have gone through various online auto parts stores, you will notice the big difference between the price points of the two brands. Most units from AC Delco are priced below $100, which is already a good range for a climate control unit. The case is not the same for Programa, however, as it is quite difficult to find a climate control unit under the brand priced below $100. In this aspect, AC Delco takes the prize.

      WINNER: AC Delco


      Appearance

      With regard the appearance, Programa takes the crown at the very first glance. Its climate control unit is designed with buttons, giving it a high-end and luxurious air that fits well with any compatible make and model. AC Delco, on the other hand, has simple knob controllers that are a bit common on climate control units. In this regard, Programa and its edgy look win.

      WINNER: Programa


      Performance

      We have tested the two climate control units with our BMW M3. Both work very well without any hitch. AC Delco is specifically designed to work the same way as a stock part, and it does just that. The Programa climate control unit, on the other hand, is made under European standards that rarely disappoint. In this instance, both may be considered winners.

      WINNER: Both


      The verdict

      With the different aspects mentioned above, it all boils down to price or appearance since both offer the same level of reliable performance. If you are up to giving the interiors of your vehicle a plush look, Programa will work just fine. However, if you are working on a budget, AC Delco is the perfect choice for you.

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