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Discussion starter · #21 ·
The saga of the inoperative HVAC control panel lights continues!

So far, I've replaced the unit itself with two different panels and no lights! Last visit to the dealer, I had them diagnose the issue and they came back with a defective HVAC module.

Now that I have an FSM, I see that trouble shooting doesn't go beyond simply declaring the module bad and calling for a replacement? which obviously IS NOT the answer. There are no schematics per se that I can use to run down where the power or control signal is being lost.

I can't believe that someone else hasn't had the same issue. I wonder if they left a ground off somewhere when they replaced the engine??

Don
 
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#22 ·
If all the rest of your dash system lights function, I'd look at a bad wire or connector to the module. Yes you'll need a wiring diagram to do this, or a lot of patience. I know that this is frustrating. Keep up the good fight.
 
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Discussion starter · #25 ·
Tom:

Thanks for the offer. I'm gonna have to put Carlisle on my bucket list and get over there in the next year or two.

I finally got a response from another Gen 2 owner saying that his HVAC lights along with the lights for his heated seats didn't work. The cure in his case was replacing the cluster which is my fear.

We all know the technology these days is far more advanced in even the Gen 2 D's. The cluster in the Gen 2 controls quite a few things unlike years back when the speedo, tach, and gauges were a clump of mechanical components with some light bulbs thrown in! I shudder to think how much more complex it is in the Gen 3 models.

I have a a follow up appointment at the local stealer tomorrow to delve further into this. Not going to spend too much time at $98 an hour and just hoping they'll find a simple solution like a programming error.

Don
 
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#26 ·
Why not try to take the cluster out completely and re-installing it, basically a hard restart of the cluster?
As I posted before, the Gen 3 will be controlled by a TIPM module under the dash. This is basically a complete operating system for everything other than the Powertrain module. The 2 interact with each other though they're 2 separate systems.
When the TIPM failed in my wife's car, the headlights came on in a default mode, brake lights worked, no turn signals, and no wipers but the car ran perfect. No repair of the TIPM, it had to be replaced as a complete unit.
Steve
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#27 ·
I can't get the wiring diagram to post (some kind of Chrysler security thing or maybe I don't know how to use a computer) but in the 20 wire connector, pin#14 (orange/gray wire) is the light/dimming control.

It's common for the HVAC to fail in such a way that the lights don't work. I've replaced a lot of them just because the lights didn't work so it wouldn't surprise me that the used one you bought has the same problem as your old one. The best I can suggest is, if you know anyone else that has a Gen 2, see if they'd let you try their HVAC unit on yours. If you were closer I'd let you use mine, but it's winter and I need my heat.
 
Discussion starter · #28 ·
Finally? A HAPPY ENDING!!

Dattack,

Thanks for the offer but I'm VERY pleased to report that my dealer visit was fruitful, and also no charge!

They spent a little more than an hour going back over things and found a loose connector on the back of my cluster. They reconnected it and the little light in the storage pocket below the HVAC controller now works also.

It's crazy to think that this condition has been present for at least the 10 months I've owned it and Lord knows how much longer. In the future, I'll look toward the cluster when lighting and electrical issues arise.

Such a NICE day after Birthday present!!

Don
 
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#30 ·
Don Fox said:
Dattack,

Thanks for the offer but I'm VERY pleased to report that my dealer visit was fruitful, and also no charge!

They spent a little more than an hour going back over things and found a loose connector on the back of my cluster. They reconnected it and the little light in the storage pocket below the HVAC controller now works also.

It's crazy to think that this condition has been present for at least the 10 months I've owned it and Lord knows how much longer. In the future, I'll look toward the cluster when lighting and electrical issues arise.

Such a NICE day after Birthday present!!

Don
Click to expand...
There were some recalls on early Gen 2 D's that required cluster removal. My guess is when one of those was performed it wasn't put back in completely.
Steve
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#31 ·
FSTDANGO3 said:
There were some recalls on early Gen 2 D's that required cluster removal. My guess is when one of those was performed it wasn't put back in completely.
Steve
DOC Pres
Click to expand...
G-07 recall for the dome lights light not working because of an internal failure of the cluster possibly causing the cluster to catch on fire. The wire you moved shouldn't have effected the HVAC but I can see it. I work at a dealer and, if you saw what I see on a daily basis, WOW!! I 100% understand why a lot of people hate dealers. If I didn't work for one, I don't know if I'd ever take my car to one.

I'm glad it's fixed and the dealer took care of it. There are a few good ones still out there and a few good techs who do still care about fixing the customer's car, it just may take a while to find them.
 
#34 ·
Glad it was no charge cause I said remove the cluster and reattach all the plugs securely above. LOL
Don, willing to bet the person who replied to you only had a loose plug as well but paid for a new cluster!
Steve
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