Nissan Repair: Infiniti QX4, 2001 infiniti qx4, phoenix scottsdale area

Question
QUESTION: Hi Calvin, I have a 2001 Infiniti QX4. One of the buttons that controls the air conditioner has broken off. I took it to the mechanic and in talking with Infiniti Repair, they have been told that to replace that button, they will need to replace the entire panel and it will cost $5,500. I live in Arizona, so air conditioning is a must. Is there any way around this? I love this car, so I don't want to get rid of it, but it is barely worth the $5,500 it would cost to fix it. Thanks Jenn

ANSWER: Hi Jenn -

This button - Is it the on/off switch? Fan switch? Temp switch? If you could send me a photo of the panel that would be great.

Yes, 5K is way too much to spend on just a button. I think we can find a solution. Worse case scenario, of course is to hook up a remote switch, but I will need to know what that button controls.

I know about Arizona, I travel there frequently, desert climate with summer approaching. Lovely place though. Are you Phoenix/Scottsdale area?

Mahalo and aloha
calvin


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Calvin, thanks so much for your response. The button just says Auto on it and it controls how cold the air gets. I did find a cheap/quick fix. I bought a $1 eyeglass screwdriver and stuck that in there and jiggled it (I think that is a technical term Ha Ha) until it turned on. Knock on wood, it is still working, YAY! So, that $1 screwdriver just saved me $5K! Happy. Arizona is beautiful. Summers are even bearable with Flagstaff only 2 hours away. We are in the Central Phoenix area downtown. Close to great restaurants and what's starting to be a really great art scene too. Where do you live? Thanks again Calvin. I appreciate your reply. Might come back to you for the remote switch option. – Jenn

Answer
Hi Jenn -

I say power to you if you found a dollar fix. As long as it is working, I would leave it go.

"AUTO" means that the A/C will try to maintain the temperature you set it to as quickly as it can. For instance, if you set the temp for 68 degrees, and you park the car to go shopping or something come back and the interior is like a brick oven, once you start the car the fan will turn on at top speed to try and cool the car down quickly. Once the interior temp approaches the desired temp, the fan will slow down. The other setting is your "FAN" setting. You can bypass the AUTO by pressing one of the fan buttons, LOW, MED, or HIGH. The A/C system will still try to maintain the desired temp, but it will be only at the speed you set it at.

I would say try and press one of the fan speed buttons and see if the A/C works still. I think it will, and that way you bypass the AUTO, and will not have to worry about replacing it out. Or the screwdriver may be the style you wish in which case leave it in there (just kidding!! hehe)

Yes, I have been to Flagstaff.  If I remember, that is up north - passed there going south on the way to Sedona - which is another cool place. I think the last time I was there I went to the Scottsdale Mall? Awesome place, and also to the IKEA in Tempe. You might say I like to shop. Anyway, I am in Honolulu, Hawaii, so I guess we are both used to warm weather -

Please let me know if my suggestion works. I think it will -

thank you -
calvin