AC button cannot be turned off on 2019 Explorer.

[Studly]

Posting this in the more general Explorer forum because I didn't get any replies in the PIU Explorer forum.

My son recently bought a 2019 Explorer, it's actually the police version but the manual climate control seems the same as the stock Explorer. On the front (top) climate controls, he can not get the AC button to turn off. It stays lit and keeps running no matter if he toggles that AC button or what other buttons he touches. The only way to shut it off is to turn the power button off, but once you turn it back on, the AC is still on and lit. He can get the heat to go on, but the AC still stays on and is lit when the heat dial is turned to the right. The Max AC button will not go on neither.

I've attached a photo of what his climate controls look like, although on his, the AC button is constantly lit.

Read through some earlier threads on this and other related forums and tried what they recommended: disconnecting the battery for 30 minutes and reconnecting. That had no effect. Also made sure the AC button isn't stuck while depressed. At least visually it doesn't appear that way and he pushed all 4 corners of the AC button in case it was just a corner that was stuck, but nothing changed.

Anyone else have this issue? Any ideas on what else to try?

TIA for any help or advice you can provide!

 

[peterk9]

I wonder if it could be a bad HVAC control module?
Are you able to see if there are any trouble codes set?

Peter

 

[Studly]

I wonder if it could be a bad HVAC control module?
Are you able to see if there are any trouble codes set?

Peter

Thanks for the reply. No check engine lights or codes are showing up on the dashboard. Is that what you mean?

 

[peterk9]

Thanks for the reply. No check engine lights or codes are showing up on the dashboard. Is that what you mean?

No the DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Codes) have to be read by plugging in a OBD2 code reader into the port designed for it.

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwiiipK45rb_AhVIlYkEHTOKAH8QwqsBegQIBhAG&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DBeZd4gBuL28&usg=AOvVaw0lG1WL-nZcsTfepLUKZwNY&cshid=1686334826311254

Peter

 

[Studly]

No the DTC (Diagnostic Trouble Codes) have to be read by plugging in a OBD2 code reader into the port designed for it.

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwiiipK45rb_AhVIlYkEHTOKAH8QwqsBegQIBhAG&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DBeZd4gBuL28&usg=AOvVaw0lG1WL-nZcsTfepLUKZwNY&cshid=1686334826311254

Peter

Thanks, that's helpful to know. I do have an OBD2 reader, but unfortunately my son and his Explorer are a few states away. Maybe I can have him go to an auto store and they'll check for error codes? Or is it not that easy to find with whatever scanner they have at the auto stores?

 

[peterk9]

Thanks, that's helpful to know. I do have an OBD2 reader, but unfortunately my son and his Explorer and a few states away. Maybe I can have him go to an auto store and they'll check for error codes? Or is it not that easy to find with whatever scanner they have at the auto stores?

I have read a few posts that mentioned some automotive stores will do a check for free.

Peter

 

[Studly]

I have read a few posts that mentioned some automotive stores will do a check for free.

Peter

Thanks for the tip. Worth a try to check for error codes. If it is a bad HVAC control module, are those expensive to replace? Is it an easy DIY job or something you have to bring it into a shop to get fixed?

 

[peterk9]

Have a look at this and in particular the "reset" procedure and see if it works. Can he still control the blower motor speed?

Google Search

Peter

 

[Studly]

Have a look at this and in particular the "reset" procedure and see if it works. Can he still control the blower motor speed?

Google Search

Peter

Thanks! Yeah, the fan speeds work.