Dual-to-Single Climate Control Conversion?

[gdbontly]

I did a search and found numerous discussions about people wanting to convert from a single-to-dual climate control. But I want to do the opposite. My defrost door on my '03 broke yesterday, FOR THE THIRD TIME since I've owned the truck! #@$%! First time it was fixed under warranty. Last time, only 5 months ago, I paid nearly $900 for the out-of-warranty repair. :{ At that time, the dealer told me that the dual control was problemsome. This upcoming repair will be under warranty again (within 12 months and 12K miles of the last repair). I told the service manager that I wanted it converted to a single climate control. He said he's not sure if that's possible (I'm certain it IS possible). Anyone do this and know what parts have to be replaced to make the conversion?

 

[gdbontly]

I guess I may be the only one in this situation. Anyway, service manager called me back today (very timely, I was surprised). He has done quite a bit of research and told me he was going to order all of the parts needed for both a single door conversion AND a double door repair. When the parts come in, I will drop off the truck for them to pull the dash. He will try to convert the system to a single door setup. But if that doesn't work, he will already have the parts on hand for the double door repair. I think that was pretty nice of him!

 

[JCleary]

Sounds like a good dealer...



After a road trip today with my girlfriend I'm bummed my '07 Sport doesn't have dual-zone. My '03 had it and it's really something I miss. I don't think you'll want one zone after living with dual zone for a long time...

 

[gdbontly]

I'm no longer concerned about the luxury of dual climate controls. I just can take the damn door breaking anymore! Oo.

 

[gdbontly]

Fixed again, but problem not solved!

Well, my defrost door was fixed again yesterday (under warranty), but I still have the dual climate control. The Service Manager and the Technician both took time to explain to me that the problem is not with the dual control, but with the defrost door. The defrost door is the same whether you have the dual or single climate control system. They showed me exactly what broke and admitted that Chrysler has a problem with this part. The Service Manager believes that Chrysler should do a recall, but "I didn't hear that from him". The Tech said that he has had to replace this door on numerous vehicles, both single and dual climate control equipped. The Tech also said that he "calibrated" something or other after doing the repair, but can't guarantee that the door won't break again. Oh well . . .

 

[betterthanstock]

I recall someone saying that defrost door can be pulled out thru the fan opening without taking out the dash.



If that ever happens on mine, I'll just leave it out and close the dash vents when I need a stronger defrost. That way it'll blow thru all the openings at once, which makes it quieter on higher fan speeds, and less drafty.



I wish we could turn off the AC and just use heat for defrost when the weather is real mild, and it just needs a touch of defrost, not the AC running.