Digital Heat and A/C?

[ktwelsch]

Ok....So I've found a European Digital Climate Control Package for MK1 Foci....and am wondering is this interchangeable into my US Focus? They appear to be compatable....but just thought I would get some secondary input for it. I guess I'm not sure how to incorporate the rotary switches into a digital unit.

Thanks!
Kevin

[Sponsor]

[mjmallon]

My understanding is that with enough time and money, it will work, but that its really a beast of a mod to accomplish, and I don't know if anyone over here has done it. I'm looking into finding the wiring diagram for a "climate" model european focus, then I may attempt the install myself sometime.

Anyway, the rotary switches on US foci are connected via bowden cables to manual controls on the heating/ac unit to control the vacuum passages/air vents, so to swap in the digital a/c you need a new heating/ac unit, the digital face, a bunch of wiring, and i'm sure some temperature sensors.

Assuming the climate control does not use the vehicle GEM for any reason (I can't verify this until I see the official wiring diagrams) than here is an extremely basic rundown of what's required:

Remove the entire dash assembly (plastic case, metal frame, glovebox, steering wheel and column, etc.) and remove the existing manual control heating/ac unit
Install a new heating/ac unit with the electronic controls
Run the wiring for the electronic controls
Install whatever temperature sensors are needed, and run the wiring to the dash
Re-install the dash, etc. and route all the wiring accordingly
Wire in the digital control face

It may not sound that bad, but there was a thread linked over at focaljet detailing just how much work it was to do for european cars that weren't equipped with it from the factory.

I'll let you guys know if I ever get it figured out, but my fear is that the digital climate control reads information from the vehicle GEM, which would make it nearly impossible for anyone with a duratec to do the swap as our engines were never used overseas.

cheers!

-- michael

[shepski]

^^ Yikes! Fugheddaboudit.

[ktwelsch]

haha.... Man.... I found the digital dash on Ebay.co.uk.... for like $40....

but never mind. Thanks for the quick help

[mjmallon]

Found the thread over at focaljet, the link with pictures is here:

http://www.ffoc.co.uk/modules.php?na...topic&t=136339

I may try and source the parts from a wrecked focus in germany (has to be LHD as the heater/aircon units are different for RHD/LHD) and figure this out this summer, though its all contingent on the price of shipping and how low the value of the dollar continues to drop, lol.

If anyone sees the digital panels on ebay.co.uk or ebay.de for a reasonable price, let me know.

cheers!

-- michael

[Spinal]

Originally Posted by mjmallon

Found the thread over at focaljet, the link with pictures is here:

http://www.ffoc.co.uk/modules.php?na...topic&t=136339

this is the first time i've ever got an error like this trying to go on a website.


You are using an Invalid IP to access this site!

Please refer to the Trouble Shooting section

lol....

[mister_bin]

^^^ Your IP probably got blacklisted...

Yeah its one hell of a project... And honestally i dont think its worth it... I mean it looks awsome and its definatley one of a kind in the US... but some times work and money outweigh the cool factor for me this is one of those time but to each his own i suppose...

[mjmallon]

Originally Posted by mister_bin

...

Yeah its one hell of a project... And honestally i dont think its worth it... I mean it looks awsome and its definatley one of a kind in the US... but some times work and money outweigh the cool factor for me this is one of those time but to each his own i suppose...

I think I'm with you already now, lol.

More than anything the cost is the issue.

Used automatic heater units are running $300 USD and up right now since the dollar is so weak, then add in $150-$200 for the digital face, another $100+ to find a wiring loom to cut up, plus overseas shipping for everything, and its easily approaching the $1000 mod.

I think this one is going to take a very, VERY far backseat to a lot of other plans I have.

cheers everyone,

-- michael

[mister_bin]

Originally Posted by mjmallon

I think I'm with you already now, lol.

More than anything the cost is the issue.

Used automatic heater units are running $300 USD and up right now since the dollar is so weak, then add in $150-$200 for the digital face, another $100+ to find a wiring loom to cut up, plus overseas shipping for everything, and its easily approaching the $1000 mod.

I think this one is going to take a very, VERY far backseat to a lot of other plans I have.

cheers everyone,

-- michael

For a 1000 dollars you can do a body kit and in my opinion thats a better mod for the money.. it actually effects the aesthetics of the car and its sets it apart rightoff the bat...

You know your driving down the street and the other FoFo owners are like yo check out that sweet roush kit... So far i havn't heard or said you check out that sweet euro digital control when i saw a focus driving by...