Auto Hvac

[usmcfiredog]

Hey all I know it is probably expensive to do but that doesn't really bother me too much. I want to upgrade my HVAC to the auto HVAC with passenger controls and just need to know exactly what parts that I need to order. I really want this option please don't try to say its over rated or anything like that I just need parts and/or part numbers to help me do this mod. Someone out there please help.

[bill190]

I hope you are not the one who is overseas and was having problems with the local GM dealer...

 

That is because all the newer vehicles have "modules" which are "computers" and these are all tied together on "local area networks".

 

And in some cases, these modules need the correct software and settings to work properly. And a GM dealer would need to do this part...

 

Sort of like connecting a new mouse with a scroll button to your computer. You also need to install the software and adjust the settings to get it to work properly. Just plugging in the wire does not cut it.

 

Anyway you can get the parts and connect them, however you would probably need to rely on a GM dealer to install/setup the software needed. And would need someone there who knew how to do this.

 

What I would do is first find out if this is/was an option for your vehicle. If it was not an option, then you might not be able to get the software installed by the dealer. Their computer might balk and say "not an option, no way!"

 

Then next get a factory service manual set for your vehicle (3 or 4 books). Then read all about how the Auto HVAC works, which components are needed, and where they are located. Also all the wiring harnesses. This would need to be an option for your vehicle to be in the books. (Vehicle manufacturers have in the past come out with "separate" service manuals for certain things, so be sure auto HVAC is in the books you are buying and not in some separate book.)

 

The wiring harnesses are very important, because all this stuff is on local area networks and special wiring is used for each "module" to communicate with each other. In some cases this network wire may be "twisted pair" or "shielded" wire. Basically the network communications works at high speed and regular wire will not cut it. And modules will be in the middle of a chain of other modules. If the connection is broken at a point, communications to other modules down the line would not be possible and a lot of stuff would stop working.

 

Basically if a new vehicle network goes down, the vehicle is not going to start or run. EVERYTHING is on these networks!

 

So very important to get the correct factory wiring harnesses and install them correctly.

 

Then run this by a GM tech who knows about the software for the auto HVAC and find out if you can install this "off the shelf" and your vehicle would still run. Or if something would need to be programmed at the time of installation. (So you could drive it to the dealer to get the software updated.) Also read in the factory service manual about replacing any HVAC modules and perhaps it will mention software or settings required after installation?

 

Basically learn all you can about this before proceeding.

 

Then just go to the parts counter with your checkbook and order away!

 

This sounds like a neat project. I would be VERY interested to see pictures and hear updates about how you are doing with this. Problems, etc.

 

Also people should be able to install updates like this. They want to and GM certainly needs the money! So maybe you could try contacting GM for a bit of help?

 

BTW I installed factory A/C in a car I have. Everybody said impossible, but I did it! I had a lot of fun doing it too...

[usmcfiredog]

I hope you are not the one who is overseas and was having problems with the local GM dealer...

 

That is because all the newer vehicles have "modules" which are "computers" and these are all tied together on "local area networks".

 

And in some cases, these modules need the correct software and settings to work properly. And a GM dealer would need to do this part...

 

Sort of like connecting a new mouse with a scroll button to your computer. You also need to install the software and adjust the settings to get it to work properly. Just plugging in the wire does not cut it.

 

Anyway you can get the parts and connect them, however you would probably need to rely on a GM dealer to install/setup the software needed. And would need someone there who knew how to do this.

 

What I would do is first find out if this is/was an option for your vehicle. If it was not an option, then you might not be able to get the software installed by the dealer. Their computer might balk and say "not an option, no way!"

 

Then next get a factory service manual set for your vehicle (3 or 4 books). Then read all about how the Auto HVAC works, which components are needed, and where they are located. Also all the wiring harnesses. This would need to be an option for your vehicle to be in the books. (Vehicle manufacturers have in the past come out with "separate" service manuals for certain things, so be sure auto HVAC is in the books you are buying and not in some separate book.)

 

The wiring harnesses are very important, because all this stuff is on local area networks and special wiring is used for each "module" to communicate with each other. In some cases this network wire may be "twisted pair" or "shielded" wire. Basically the network communications works at high speed and regular wire will not cut it. And modules will be in the middle of a chain of other modules. If the connection is broken at a point, communications to other modules down the line would not be possible and a lot of stuff would stop working.

 

Basically if a new vehicle network goes down, the vehicle is not going to start or run. EVERYTHING is on these networks!

 

So very important to get the correct factory wiring harnesses and install them correctly.

 

Then run this by a GM tech who knows about the software for the auto HVAC and find out if you can install this "off the shelf" and your vehicle would still run. Or if something would need to be programmed at the time of installation. (So you could drive it to the dealer to get the software updated.) Also read in the factory service manual about replacing any HVAC modules and perhaps it will mention software or settings required after installation?

 

Basically learn all you can about this before proceeding.

 

Then just go to the parts counter with your checkbook and order away!

 

This sounds like a neat project. I would be VERY interested to see pictures and hear updates about how you are doing with this. Problems, etc.

 

Also people should be able to install updates like this. They want to and GM certainly needs the money! So maybe you could try contacting GM for a bit of help?

 

BTW I installed factory A/C in a car I have. Everybody said impossible, but I did it! I had a lot of fun doing it too...

 

I am not the guy you are thinking of and I know all about the GM2 tool and reprogramming and everything. I just need a list of parts needed thats all.