Anyone ever converted over to Electronic HVAC controls?

[thebeast86]

I did post his on the emergency forum but I figured that hardly anyone saw it so I decieded to post again.

Has anyone ever converted their manual HVAC controls to electronic HVAC controls. I am going to do mine here in a couple weeks but I am looking to see if anyone has done is to an Explorer. I have read the write-ups on doing it to a Ranger.

I raided a 98 Limited for parts last weekend and I have everything I need as far as I know. Three sensors, control head, blend door thingie, vacuum harness, wiring pigtails, various screws and other parts.

Any neat tips from anyone that has done it to their Explorer?

Thanks!

 

[ExplorerDMB]

I've never heard of anyone putting electronic controls in - seems neat though. Also, why would your post qualify for an emergency?

-Drew

 

[BrooklynBay]

It was posted on the other forum known as the "emergency forum" that goes up when this website is down.

 

[410Fortune]

I was ot aware there were two different types of HVAC controls?
I was under the impression all 98 trucks had the same vacuum actuated HVAC controls, even if the switches are different??? I assume you are talking about the digital temp controls and what not?

I would still not call this manual, manual to me = levers and cables like my 88 uses.
Vacuum solenoids are still electronically controlled.

Can you explain what you are talking about a bit more? I am curious to see, maybe add some pictures?

 

[thebeast86]

I am planning on doing this project this weekend. The digital temp controls do use the same vacuum lines as the manual knobs. From all the reseach that I have done it is as simple as adding the three sensors, the digital control head, the fan speed controller, and the Automatic version of the blend door actuator.

I am planning on doing a write up type deal for this install. I already have the parts...I just have to find time to tear apart my dash, run some wires, and go.

I will snap some pics of the parts here and post them shortly.

I'll keep you posted.

 

[V8BoatBuilder]

I am planning on doing this project this weekend. The digital temp controls do use the same vacuum lines as the manual knobs. From all the reseach that I have done it is as simple as adding the three sensors, the digital control head, the fan speed controller, and the Automatic version of the blend door actuator.

I am planning on doing a write up type deal for this install. I already have the parts...I just have to find time to tear apart my dash, run some wires, and go.

I will snap some pics of the parts here and post them shortly.

I'll keep you posted.

Technically, the "manual" controls are electronic, but what you are looking to add is the "automatic" controls. Ford calls it the "EATC."

A well detailed writeup was done by a user "N3ELZ" who had a Ranger, which uses the same climate control system. It's very doable, I will be doing it shortly as I have all the parts.

DO A SEARCH FOR HIS THREAD.

Edit, I've done your homework for you. http://www.cardomain.com/ride/296394/14

 

[thebeast86]

Yeah I have been using his thread and have done plenty of searches.

I haven't started because I can't find anyone that has done it in an Explorer. I have rear air in my XLT now and can't find the wiring diagrams for mine. I need to know what color wires the rear blower relay uses. That is the only thing stopping me.

All the rest of my wires match. The fan controller wires match the 95-2000 Ranger colors so I know I don't need any more relays.

I've made my harness up as neat as I can. Now it is just putting it all in the truck. I have already installed my sensors and ran the wires. I just have to swap out the fan speed controller, EATC blend door thingy, the the control head...then add wires..and hopefully it all works.

I already bench tested the sucker and all my parts are good.

I do have pictures I just haven't had time to upload yet.

I've searched up and down but can't find any threads about someone doing the conversion in an Explorer. Anyone have any wire diagrams for a 98. I have the service CD...but I am NOT good at reading electrical diagrams. So if someone can translate for me

I guess I should have said that I have searched and what not...my bad.

 

[410Fortune]

sweet lets see it!