Replacing Climate Control Unit

mwx71 · Post by **mwx71** » 28 Nov 2008, 08:32

Well my fellow volvo enthusiasts, I damaged my 2004 XC70's climate control unit while working on my car and it needs to be replaced. The dealer quoted me $900 for the part, $60 for the software and $100 labor (yikes). I went online and can purchase a used unit for $75 but the dealer warned me that unless the replacement unit has been re-programmed or "unmarried" from the vehicle it was taken from that it cannot be programmed/married to my vehicle. I asked if they could reprogram/unmarry a used climate unit and they said no, that they do not have the computer program that does this. Can anyone reading this post please help with some advice that may save me time and money (besides advising me to not work on my car (I've already received this advice from my wife))?

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 28 Nov 2008, 08:59

Welcome to MVS. I do know that a new unit will have to be "married" to your vehicle to work, but not sure about the unmarrying part. I'm hoping that someone else will have the knowledge and post.
Regards,
MIJ

Post by **VCA** » 28 Nov 2008, 09:37

MadeInJapan wrote:Welcome to MVS. I do know that a new unit will have to be "married" to your vehicle to work, but not sure about the unmarrying part. I'm hoping that someone else will have the knowledge and post.
Regards,
MIJ

In theory, ordering a reload (p/n 9494717) of the module should allow it to 'start fresh'...though I cannot be certain of that. The CCM doesn't have any VIN-specific programming in it (it's not a UEM or a VGLA module for example), so if it's up to date going in, worst case is an SRS light that needs to be reset, and if it's not up to date, a reload should take care of that.

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 28 Nov 2008, 10:12

That's what I thought...the only parts I see that can't be "reprogrammed" to "marry" with your car are parts that have chips (Eeprom for instance) in them (ECU's, for instance) and therefore they have to be "virgin" parts- or someone with skills to deal with unsoldering and resolding eeprom chips that are also virgin might be able to get around this (i.e.: apparently one guy on Swedespeed has 2 different ECU's for his late model Volvo by having this done).

My understanding is that with software, the dealer will have to delete the previous ECC from the network (probably the software number that is quoted above) and then reprogram the network to accept the new (well, in this case, the used) ECC. Apparently model year 2004 is the last year that this can be done (as of now). For model year 2005 and newer, the network became completely CAN and such "unmarrying" and reloading of software for parts matching became more sophisticated and difficult.

If your current dealer is unwilling to do this (give them the software number above too- they may be clueless on how this is done) then find a dealer who will.

When considering the price of a new ECC unit, if it were me, I would take the gamble/risk and go ahead and buy the one from eBay.

Btw, why is it that you think you have messed up the ECC and have to have it replaced?

mwx71 · Post by **mwx71** » 28 Nov 2008, 10:26

Thanks folks, for the replies. I will ask my dealer to see if they are aware of the "re-load". Great information.

To answer your question about why I think I need a new unit (and please forgive me for not "volunteering" this information): I drilled a hold through the circuit board that is internal to the CCM. Please let me regain credibility (if any) by explaining further.

I am wiring-in a portable navigation unit by splicing together a cigarette lighter power plug-in with the unit's power adapter, to avoid having to splice into or otherwise become invasive ot the car's electrical system. I am running the plugs wires through and then behind the environment control panel (hence the drill) and then up through the center speaker in the dash - so that all wires are hidden except for where the unit will sit.

I mistakenly assumed that it was empty space next to the cigarrette/12v outlet since my car does not make use of the extra switches - but the circuit board runs the full length of the CCM as you probably know (and I learned). Thank you again for the advice. I will let you know what I hear back from the dealer.

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 28 Nov 2008, 10:29

Good luck and yes, please follow up. I wouldn't just rely on the dealer's information here if they say it can't be done (after all, they are in it to take your money). Call a few dealers...or even the good people at http://www.ipdusa.com You can talk to Lucky (Robert) or Scott- they know these cars and will give you the low-down (as I for one don't know everything about these cars even though we also own an '04 model- similar to yours).

mwx71 · Post by **mwx71** » 28 Nov 2008, 10:44

Well I just spoke with the dealer and got different information (spoke to different service tech). You both are correct - the climate control does not need to be specific to my individual car, but of course does need to be specific to my model, year and set-up. This is where the part # comes into play. So now, apparently, only the exact part # will work for sure (dealer says other CCMs may look exactly same but will get "hardware not compatible" error when the dealer tries to program). The part # I need is #8691952, plus of the software which probably includes the "re-load" program that you recommended. I will let you know my luck of finding a used CCM with the exact part #. Thanks again.

mwx71 · Post by **mwx71** » 28 Nov 2008, 14:04

In case this is helpful to others reading this post: I found a compatible unit from LKQ Online, which was recommended by a local Volvo dealer as a reliable after-market parts supplier. $50 for the part. Wow. Now as long as it lasts a while. It came out of a vehicle with 24K miles and LKQ warrantees for 90 days. And as long as I don't find any seaweed in or around I'm hoping this closes this episode of garage files.

Post by **MadeInJapan** » 29 Nov 2008, 01:06

Glad this is working out for you...keep us posted on all you had to do to install the part. I was about to give you info for Erievovo...figured they would have it if no one else does.

mwx71 · Post by **mwx71** » 03 Dec 2008, 18:12

Thanks. Installing the part should be a snap, literally. I took the other unit out by removing the pen holder below (it snaps out with leverage) and the climate control unit slides down and away (toward you). There are three plugs in the back that simply unplug. I purchased the VADIS volvo guide online from an eBay retailer for less than $20 (shipping included) and supposedly this is the same parts guide and workshop manual that Volvo dealers use. But it doesn't tell you about the circuit board inside the climate control unit (or if it does I did not locate that page), probably because when replacing the unit it comes in one piece. The piece I ordered from LKQ should be here tomorrow.