crazeazn

this thread is so great, almost 99% threads are about speed. here everybody iss oooo ahhhing about auto climate. awesome!

lkfoster

Looking at the EPC it looks like there's a few differences beyond the control panels that probably rule out an easy change-over. The digital panel is option 581, Automatic AC, while the OEM US analog panel is option 580, AC. Differences include a solar sensor, a recirc carbon filter, and a number of housings and wiring harness'.

FrankW

press and hold REST and you should be able to bring up that secret manual we have on our pre-facelift climate control too.

i was just about to ask what that switch was in the 3rd pic. nice setup for V1

RW C55

Here's the P/N of my climate control: A 203 830 32 85
and the price is $340 USD shipped (I'm in Vancouver, Canada)
It is a simpe plug-play swap.

After about an hour drive today, here are some observations:

1. The digital screen matches the audio screen a lot better than the original one.

2. All the buttons illuminates when pressed, however I don't know if the charcoal filter and rest function work. Base on previous threads on this topic, I dont think the charcoal filter works. Can anybody tell me what'd happen when the REST function is turned on?

3. A few members who have done this mod said that the fan direction control on the passenger side doesnt work, however, I found out that it DOES work under one circumstance: when you turn the AUTO function on, then you turn the direction control on the passenger side, it will control the fan direction of both driver and passenger side. However if you turn the one at driver side, it will override the passenger side one and the passenger side will not work until you press auto again.

4. I just went to my garage and tried the secret menu mentioned above, and its quite a cool feature. I did a quick search and found some partial list of the functions. Does any one have a complete list?

6. I noticed that there's a spot on screen that says "MAX", however when i switched the fan speed to the highest, the "MAX" wouldn't illuminate.

5. There's an issue with this mod tho. It raises the chance of getting into an accident. I noticed that during my 1 hour drive today, I looked down every few minutes- almost ran a red light. Whoever wants to do this mod should aware of this.

BF_JC230

When was your car built? Mine was built on 11/31/04...

I can not see options like the charcoal filter working unless it was installed and the system totally upgraded - I would think you only have the standard paper filter located by the battery...which itself seems to have been upgraded with a charcoal or fine filter coating...

REST is for when you have the car off in the winter and you want to use the block water to keep heating the cabin. Pressing REST while you run into a store or make a trip, leave some one in the car utilizes the cars water and heat to maintain (up to 20 minutes or a half hour) some comfortable heat in the cabin.

Thanks,
Jake

RW C55

So that means the REST function would work without keys in ignition?

FrankW

yes, press REST and the a/c vent will blow the remain of the cold or warm air for certain period (forgot how long) and if you are leaving the car for quick 5min or so it'll keep the inside cool or warm.

press it while the ignition on will turn the a/c compressor off. at least it's the case for 01-04 since we don't have the individual OFF button

RW C55

Unfortunately.. the REST function does not work

hokusbenz

spr

I say we organize a group buy! I'm more than willing to do so and already have been in contact. I'll send the email inquiring today.

BTW I assume there is a way to change it from centigrade to Farenheit in the hidden menus or by coding???

lkfoster

I'd be interested too.

I'd also like to know a few more things about the install;

-Do you need the dealer to recode anything or can degrees F/C be set by the "secret menu"?

-What is involved in removing the panel?

RW C55

A t20 driver is all you need.

SteveAustin

I like the the Thermatic stock climate control, I hate buttons that don't work like (Rest). I guess it's part of having OCD. I think it definitely looks fresh, man, but there's something cool about stock dials.

BF_JC230

After doing a little reading...I don't have the CD with me...REST has to be STAR coded...

Thanks,

I hope it works out...if you want / need it...
Jake

spr

I just installed mine. Where can I find info on the climate menu and how to navigate and what does what in it?? Thanks.

RW C55

Here

spr

cool I'll check that out in a bit. BTW i found out the hidden command menu toggling Press OK + 7 + mute for 5 sec.

I can't figure out the engineering mode keys though anyone know from there? I tried many and they didn't get me there.

lkfoster

Any problems with getting most of the things to work and read in the correct temperature units?

spr

It was plug and play like RW had with his. Mine was already set to Farenheit so I didn't have to do anything. I need to have it version coded for the REST function to work, but overall unless I am mistaken and I hope RW chimes in, it seems like it does a MUCH better job at actually controlling the temp, e.g. it actually works! haha.

crazeazn

spr, where did u get yours?

spr

I got the last one from the same guy, BenzNL. There are no more. I'll post some pics later today with the F shown. Oh yeah Thanks to Steve and his Wife who put up with my emails

spr

RW, btw I tried getting the pass side to work independtly and it seemingly didn't maybe that's also a version coding thing.

lkfoster

Independent operation side to side isn't possible, the Climatronic system has dual actuators for the different vent positions, the US-spec HVAC has only single actuators for both sides.

spr

Really? but RW with the Canadian spec has it? What are the other differences? US v. a fully equiped 581 optioned car? That stinks! Still worth it for the MUCH better temperature control.

RW C55

sorry if i didnt say it clearly.. my passenger side control didnt worl "independently".. it was able to control the fan direction for both driver and passenger side with the method i mentioned above.