A/c Control Head

Basshawg · August 25, 2009

I have Manual dual climate controls in my 2006 silveradoon the dash, and was wondering if i could change it out with a 2003 digital control head in the dash, from my 03 1500hd

bill190 · August 25, 2009

I always say you can do anything you want, the only problem is how much is it going to cost?

And I suspect you could spend a young fortune on this plan...

That is because these days electronic gizmos on vehicles are computers which talk to each other. i.e. software. These are on local area networks. They will send diagnostic information. And send information about turning on the A/C compressor to other computer modules. Perhaps dimming the lights at night on the unit. Etc.

Basically the A/C computer module needs to talk back and forth to the other computer modules.

And the software needs to be compatible as well as the electrical connections.

I would say you could do this IF the A/C system on the older vehicle was the same exact system which would be installed on the newer vehicle. All the same exact part numbers.

Sometimes to install these things, the other computers on the vehicle need to be reprogrammed to be told that unit is installed. And ONLY factory options and associated units for that year/model of vehicle will be allowed to be entered as installed options.

Anyway to do this, you would need a GM Factory Service Manual set for the newer vehicle to see what all is involved with the A/C system. All the components involved, wiring harnesses, electrical actuators for the dampers, etc.

On newer electronic systems, there may be a HVAC control module, blower motor control processor, 4 electric actuators (to control hot/cold, defrost/floor/vents, fresh/recirculate, left/right), ambient light sensors (heat load), 6 air temperature sensors, and the HVAC control module sends computer data to the powertrain control module to turn on/off the A/C compressor which is connected to it as well as some of the pressure sensors.

Basshawg · August 25, 2009

all that for just changing the head units in the dash?

bossier62guy · August 25, 2009

all that for just changing the head units in the dash?

It's been asked before and the usual answer is NO....too many other things involved w/ the electronic version.

bill190 · August 25, 2009

all that for just changing the head units in the dash?

Everything connects to everything else!

I guess you could say this would be like replacing a desktop radio with a surround sound component stereo system. The desktop radio is all in one box. The component stereo has all sorts of separate things, amp, CD player, DVD, 6 speakers, etc.