I've got a Climate control question for anyone

[97moneypit]

The climate control L.E.D. display on my 97 vette went completely blank yesterday. I called the local Chevy dealer and found out they want $1171.00 for a new unit. I told the rep that is highway robbery and he shot back immediately with..."I can take 20% off that..." Even that seems way too much.

Anyway, yesterday after work I started her up and saw that the display was working again but about half as bright as it should be. So, like an idiot, I tapped on the plastic cover over the led display, knowing full well that wouldn't do a thing, and to my surprise I found that the display got brighter. Not to the same level, but the tapping definitely affected the brightness.

So now for my question.....

Is the problem perhaps the connections to the back of the climate control unit, and how difficult is it to take the center panel off to check the wiring connections?

Thanks in advance to anyone with any knowledge concerning this.

Kirk

 

[warren s]

Its not very hard to remove the control unit. I dont think the connection to the unit itself is the problem, the unit has the LEDS inside of it. If a light tap on the faceplace makes a change, it would think the problem is in the control unit itself.

Some of the Corvette parts vendors that sell the aluminum gague bezels have clear instructions on their websites on how to take apart the area to gain access.

 

[MsSchroder]

I've seen some threads on this subject. (search in the C5 section for "head unit" or "display") It seems to happen more on 97's and 98's. C4C5Specialist had uploaded a diagram in one of his posts, but the link is gone now. He might have some info for you.

I've also read that used ones can be found on ebay for low $$.

Tammy

 

[JBHAMC40]

Had to replace mine when i had my 2000 i got one from a corvette junk yard for 300 i think and it wasnt had to put in

 

[VETTEX2]

the display is shot and usually not repairable.
some have had luck resoldering the display or resistors. Some haven't.
usually you have to replace the unit, takes about an hour

 

[DRTH VTR]

I had mine replaced a month ago in my 2002.

 

[97moneypit]

Thanks all for the great info. I'll start looking for one and replace it myself.

 

[djengr]

there is a guy on ebay, mandigital, that repairs these for about $50. Mine was so dim it could only be seen at night. It took a total turn around of 1 week including shipping. Get on ebay and do search. It could save you lots of dollars.

 

[mrC5]

Common problem....fixed mine last weekend.

Pull the control head out, open it up, and remove the PC board in the rear half. Locate the series of 8 surface-mount resistors (marked with "241" if I correctly recall), and re-solder them down. To prevent them from sliding out of place on the board due to overheating them, do one end of each first, then go back and do the opposite ends. Use only a tiny amount of new solder, don't be excessive.

 

[XLR8]

I noticed my Climate Control LED seemed to be getting dim but since I noticed it on a day of bright sunshine I blew it off. Will pay closer attention to it.

BTW I have a '98.

Jane Ann