Automatic climate control upgrade as easy as swapping head unit ?

[ChargLex]

I never thought this could happen, but I became spolied by my '93 Vision's automatic climate control.

When I upgraded to the Charger my budget allowed for a used SXT with few frills, so I have the manual 3-dial setup. I've been in the dash to install the PAC line-in adapter so I know the climate control module is all electronic (ie. no mechanical hook-ups) so I'm guessing (hoping) that the automatic system is merely a more advanced head unit.

I was raised practical (parents' cars never had anything automatic or powered except transmission) but setting my old (bought used) fully loaded LH to 20 degrees C made for a perfectly comfortable drive. If I recall I only had to turn off the A/C compressor which liked to activate at any temp above freezing.

But now I'm constantly turning dials trying to stay comfortable, and it's detracting from the immense fun of being behind the wheel of the Charger.

Anyway, enough back-story... Anyone know if I can just swap my manual climate control head unit with an automatic one ? If so, can I use either a Charger or a Magnum (perhaps even a 300) unit ? And finally, if this is looking like a realistic upgrade, anyone have any ideas for sourcing the part ? I'm thinking about wreckers / recyclers as I can't see anyone selling the one from their own car for any reason and I know the stealership will probably want a thousand bucks.

[mnunes]

I think there's quite a bit more to it than just the control module and the panel. There are additional motorized dampers that control air flow between ducts since it's a dual-zone system, not a single zone system like the base. Also, there's a light sensor that needs to be installed in middle of the dash (right at the base of the windshield). All of those add-ons will require cabling that probably doesn't exist in your car, so you'd have to add those, too.

[Robins_SXT]

The ATC is a CAN bus module and interfaces to the ECM via CAN whereas the MTC provides an analog input to the ECM. IMO this is the biggest hurdle; will your ECM automatically accept the digital input or do you need different programming?

You'd have to change the top of the HVAC unit to get the dual channel flow and a place to mount the additional actuator mentioned above.

You'll also need a blower control module vice the resistor block you now have.

Plan on rewiring with the correct connectors and a new blower harness.

[Turf]

is auto climate control even available on a 3.5L LX? i thought you could only get it with a V8. if it isnt available as a factory option, i doubt the ECM will accept it as an add-on.

[Robins_SXT]

[Fred]

You didn't fill in your location in your profile, but if you're near me, I could let you try my AC head unit.

[fnkychkn]

is auto climate control even available on a 3.5L LX? i thought you could only get it with a V8. if it isnt available as a factory option, i doubt the ECM will accept it as an add-on.

300 limited is available with ATC.

[ChargLex]

Thanks for the offer Fred, but I'm on the other side of the border (near Toronto).

If the thing partially worked without all the sensors etc. I'd probably be happy (ie. everything but dual-zone and possibly not automatic defogger judging from mnunes' post). I guess I should call a wrecker/recycler to find out how much they'd want for one... or I just keep watching 'da thread... hopefully somebody out there has tried it already.

[Bo]

Not as simple as swapping the controller.
The worst (and most expensive part) is the wiring harness. I was going to do the swap, and hack up the MTC harness, but never got around to it. Not including the harness, you are looking at around 400-500 bucks worth of parts.... The harness will more than double that amount.

The plugs on your MTC harness won't even plug into the ATC controller.....

--Bo