QuestionQUESTION: Is a 99 Dodge Intrepid Heater Control Module hard to replace and where is it located? Would this be considered a DIY repair for someone that does minor repairs (i.e. brakes, thermostat, etc.)?
ANSWER: Hi Mike,
To remove the A/C control you need to remove the bezel that surrounds it and radio. The control unit is basically right there in the dash attached to the bezel. The AC/heater distribution unit is much larger and a big project to remove (remove the instrument panel, then a dozen more steps). I'll describe the control unit... The steps are:
For electrical safety remove the negative battery clamp from the remote attachment at the right strut tower
Remove ash receiver assembly if necessary
Remove center trim bezel that surrounds the radio and ac control panel by gently prying the edges with a wooden stick,and remove the two plugs at the rear
From the back side of the bezel remove the 6 retaining screws that attach it to the center bezel.
Also remove other nearbly plugs as required.
Now my question is: what is wrong, and are you sure it is a faulty control unit? If you would like to explore that issue, tell me what specifically are the symptoms that trouble the AC/heater function.
Roland
PS Please "rate" my answer.
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: I was told by a certified mechanic that the control unit was faulty. The problem is that my fan is on full blast all the time, and I can't control the fan speed. If I turn it off, the fan stays on (full blast.)
I still have heat/temperature control, just not fan speed control.
(Side note, not sure if this affects anything, but the AC does not work in this car, due to a frozen clutch on the AC unit. The belt that drives it is not on and the AC unit is unplugged.)
AnswerHi Mike,
I suspect that you may have not gotten the proper advice from the mechanic. Because you mention that you have "temperature control" I assume that you have Automatic Temp Control type of unit with the digital readout. Were that the case then I would believe that your problem is with a 'blower mostor power module' which is located in the unit under the dash, positioned in one of the air ducts so as to keep it cool. If you trace the wires from the blower motor, located on the underside of the right-hand end of the unit, they will lead you right to the power module which has a couple of plugs and two screws that hold it in the duct. If you replace that module with a new one or one taken from a similar vehicle in a wrecking yard, that should restore the multiple fan speed control. It is a solid-state device which has a blown component which then defaults to the high speed only situation. If you have the regular temp control unit, there is instead a 'blower motor resistor block' in the same location but when it fails it usually will only run on the high speed setting rather than all the time on high.
Roland
PS Thanks for rating my answer.
