Dual zone climate control conversion...

[HoleshotHolset]

I haven't even researched prices yet... . just looking into what needs to be done and what parts are necessary.



Here's the back of the control panel: #ad




Matt

 

[HoleshotHolset]

Here's the HVAC housing - where all the fun stuff is: #ad




#2 on the diagram is the passenger side blend door actuator... . which is (from what I can see... . ) the only thing that is different externally on the HVAC housing. I'm assuming there is another blend door necessary..... or a totally new HVAC housing.



Swapping out the whole HVAC housing is a HUGE PITA... .



Matt

 

[sag2]

I looked up the control heads the other day, and four were listed by sales code. I did not have the sales code handy for the dual zone, but the controls ranged from $96. 00 to $274. 00. I suspect the one you need is the $256. 00 or the $274. 00 head.

 

[HoleshotHolset]

Here's a few more questions... since you have access to a DC parts 'puter:



Is the HVAC housing different or the same on the dual-zone trucks?



What do the blend door actuators go for?



We're getting somewhere now... .



Matt

 

[RKerner]

any updates?

I also wasn't willing to fork out for the full blown Laramie for the dual zone heater control but after last weekend I am looking into it seriously. Even with the possibility of removing the dash and underpinnings, I would need larger roadblocks to deter myself from pursuing this. (Well, a $2K parts bill might. ) Where can one get a repair manual CD for a 2004. 5 2500? A quick google search brings up several used dual zone heater controls for reasonable prices out of 2003 trucks and the rest of the parts may yet be available.



TIA

 

[tulin]

automatic temp control

While we are on the topic, what about adding the automatic temp control from a durango? Does anyone have access to a wiring diagrams for both trucks to see if the ram has to required wires to pull this off? I always add remote start to my trucks and it would be perfect if I didn't have to turn the A/C to high before I get out.

 

[HOCummins04]

Re: any updates?

Originally posted by RKerner

Where can one get a repair manual CD for a 2004. 5 2500?

I have a 2004. 5 600 and calling Tech Authority is a waste of time. They can not tell you if the Service Manual covers 04. 5. They act like they have never heard of a mid-year model change. Do they even know how to spell Dodge RAM?



If you find a Service Manual CD that covers 04. 5, let me know. I want in on it. Can't seem to find one. ARG!!!!!!

 

[stevenknapp]

FWIW, our explorer has dual zone, I thought it would save the world. It works well, but my wife never futzes with it. Funnier is that the Furd setup remembers the passenger temp, and you can turn it on/off. So I've got it at 74, she hits "wamer" which turns her side on, recalls the last temp (70) and increments it by one. Leaving her side on 71, mine still at 74. Yet she think's she's warmer... . *shrug*.



The answer for me more than dual-zone is heated seats. She hits the switch for the heated seats more than the adjustment for the air. It's localized, just warms her. And they work really well. Come this fall the Ram will get some aftermarket heated seats installed. Last I checked it would be ~$300 for both.

 

[RKerner]

She's got the bunwarmer already

I had the dealer put in an aftermarket bunwarmer in on my wife's seat with the Premium Cloth, so I have the heat thing covered. It's the airconditioning that's an issue. She's got a sweater and a blanket while I'm in my t-shirt and shorts. It doesn't help that the passenger vents blow 8-10 degrees colder than the driver's side vents. We've got the dual zone in our Grand Caravan and it does the job for our temperature preferences so I'm assuming that the Ram will react accordingly.



Any parts guys out there that can see if the SLT underdash wiring harness is the same as the Laramie with the DZ?

 

[HoleshotHolset]

I don't have any updates... I dropped my research on this when the banks told me that a 25 year old guy shouldn't be buying a $41k truck with a limited credit history... even if he could afford the payments.



Matt

 

[RKerner]

I knew a fellow engineer at work used to work on Detroit stuff but it turns out he used to design motors and gearboxes for HVAC systems for DC. I had him call his former co-workers to see if they can't round up the pieces or at least give me an answer about the feasibility of the conversion...

I won't be holding my breath, though.

 

[Hercules130]

i would be interested to know if there was any new information on this topic

 

[RKerner]

update

The engineer dude's former company can't find the parts and scrapped the HVAC housing so I'm SOL. After playing heater control games (again) with wifey this weekend, I think that I might have to look at a new truck... .

 

[GCross]

I never could quite grasp the concept of dual heat/AC control. Can you really have one side of the truck a different temperature that the other side?



-George-

 

[Hercules130]

it worked in the impala i rented this weekend. i think all chevy's have it now

 

[RobertBolinger]

I have a Grand Caravan that has it-it will blow max cold air out one side and max hot out the other-keeps wifey happy.



It may not really make one side that much different actual temp wise but it defintely makes it feel that way...

 

[Matt400]

I never could quite grasp the concept of dual heat/AC control. Can you really have one side of the truck a different temperature that the other side?

I don't think its so much that as it is "where" and how hot/cold the air blowing is.

For me I like heat out the vents to get warmed up before moving the heat to the floor. The wife on the other hand does not like hot air from the vents, turning them away is not enough for her because hot air is still up high. She does like A/C out the vents.

 

[Tomeygun]

I though these might help:



DUAL A/C wiring diagram for 2003

Single a/c wiring for 2003

 

[Matt400]

Cool. . looking at that it would be my guess that a dual zone control head may plug into the same connector and that the harness is already there. However a dual zone HVAC box will be different so a change out of the entire case would be needed. Probably the best way would be to pull the HVAC box and control head from a wrecked truck.

 

[dcscott]

'Course you guys could just wait for your wives to age somewhat. Once they go menopausal you don't have to worry about them being cold anymore. The hot flashes are just the ticket. That's when you find out what the electric window lockout switch if for.