Manual AC to Auto Climate Control Mod

Hi Again. I wondered if anyone had done this modification before changing the Manual Ac Dash panel to the Auto climate control one. I know probably the auto part will not function but maybe the dials and controls will do. Has anyone tried or attempted this?


 

I suspect it will be a non starter. The manual controls appear to have connecting cables which open and shut vents/valves. The automatic unit probably uses servo valves directly on the heater unit, I suspect it will be unlikely to re-use the same cables, but it might do.

The manual/auto heater control is a complete unit which includes the air vents above the controls.

Robin

In case you are interested the auto ac heater control unit is Suzuki part number 39510-77R00-DH4 and appears to be about $400 if you can find one in stock.

Robin

That is quite interesting 

I was wondering the same thing since I always wanted a manual transmission in a Jimny, but my country doesnt import GLX with MT. 

The dealership's answer to your question was "You cannot change a/c to auto climate control since the car is equipped with numerous sensors apart from the climate control panel, and it won't work without a complete setup".
I did a bit of research myself though and (sadly) that statement seems right. If you look at the rear side of the auto climate unit, there are only two pins: one for emergency light and the other for the climate "brain". However the a/c unit panel has multiple wires and pins that each control its parts (deflectors, temperature etc). So I guess we'll have to live with what we have there.

nicka.k wrote:

The dealership's answer to your question was "You cannot change a/c to auto climate control since the car is equipped with numerous sensors apart from the climate control panel, and it won't work without a complete setup".
I did a bit of research myself though and (sadly) that statement seems right. 

Yes and no.  You certainly can install the auto climate control in a manual control car.  The catch is that it is not as simple as just replacing the panel, as your research shows.  

The dealer quote contradicts itself, but the latter half is correct: one has to install the "complete setup."  And that can certainly be done.

But you will be doing it 100% on your own.  The dealer won't even provide any guidance -- because they have none to offer, as dealers don't do this kind of work and aren't interested in it.  A dealer service manager or parts desk guy will always tell you that installing X option on a car that didn't have it originally will not work, because if they told you it might work and then it didn't, who gets blamed?

The upshot is: by all means, take the time and trouble to install an auto AC system if you are dying to have it.  But recognize that you'll have to do it yourself, and it will involve probably a substantial effort and not one for beginners.

There are easier lo-trim-to-hi-trim upgrades that anyone can do: simple bolt-ons like leather steering wheels, heated mirrors, or touchscreen stereo, or somewhat more advanced projects like headlight washers or heated seats.  Rebuilding the dash and entire ventilation system is rather ambitious, and the folks who would be capable of it would not have "ask the dealer" as step one.  Gotta walk before you can run.

Doing upgrades is fun, and doing them so that they are indistinguishable from "factory" is a great way to learn a lot about how your car is made.  I encourage everyone to learn how to do this.  But, for your own sanity (and bank balance), start with some smaller projects first to build those skills.