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Jim Grant's Tech Tips
93 Dodge
Intrepid, Mindless Heater Control
Q: My heating and cooling unit has gone
haywire on my ‘93 Dodge Intrepid. The blower will not shut off . It blows
hot air for the most part although sometimes the air conditioner does
come on. The push buttons seem to have a mind of their own. Sometimes
they work and sometimes they don't. The dealer wants to replace the entire
unit for $590.00. Help!!! Is this my only alternative?
A: The
heater control unit on your vehicle is known for its mindless operation
when failing, but at times, they’re not really failing, they’re just confused.
I know that doesn’t make sense, until you know that the heater control
unit has a computer module built into it. A stray electrical spike or
static charge can send these units into wonderland. There is no escaping
this unless the heater control module’s memory is erased. The preferred
way is to remove the heater control unit from the vehicle and install
a jumper wire from the power supply to the ground on the unit and let
it set for a short time. This passive therapy is known for returning the
heater control unit back to its old self once again. Without a wiring
diagram this can be difficult to accomplish. So you can try removing both
battery terminals from the battery and connect them together for 5 to
15 minutes. The only problem with this approach is that you cleanse the
memory of the clock, radio and other computer components. You’ll have
to reprogram the clock, radio stations, etc. The engine may run oddly
for a short time because the engine computer has to realize that it’s
hooked to something. They’re not that smart you know. This step will either
return the heater control module back to its good old self or it’s really
broken and it will have to be replaced. One other note: before you buy
new, check into a used unit from an automotive salvage yard. I know salvage
yard is not PC, but you have no difficulty in understanding what I mean.
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