mattro

My 2011 JK Unlimited 70th Anniversary edition was mostly loaded but did not have the Automatic Climate Control feature. I missed this feature from my old car, and I hate constantly messing with the controls.

At the dealer for an oil change and tire rotation, I decided to order the control unit. Mopar part# 55111170AC. I paid around $73.00 for it. It may be cheaper ordering from online Mopar part sources. (I saw it for $43 somewhere)

I figured that since the option was only $155 when you bought the car, there probably wasn't much to it. I discussed it in the Stock JK forum here I put part numbers of various sensors that I researched in this thread, but I didn't need them.

Important note: My Jeep has auto headlights and remote start. These features may be necesary according to some of the Mopar parts website. It worked for me but YMMV.

I removed a vent next to the power window switches (this allowed me to push the switch module out without having to pry it from the front. Kept the dash looking good)
Here is a video I found on how to remove the vent.

http://youtu.be/rsNZxxpPVGM I pulled the dash off (here is the video I used to guide me)

http://youtu.be/CYcZ3iKaA04 I removed the Panel with the AC controls on it. It pops right off. I removed the plug from the back of the control unit.
There are 4 Phillips screws holding the control unit to the panel. I used a stubby screwdriver to remove them so I didn't have to disconnect the other electrics from the panel.



The replacement control unit's rear panel looks exactly like the other one. Plugs look exactly the same.



I put everything back together. I was doing this while parked on a downtown street, and was in a hurry. It took about 20 minutes to do.

I started the Jeep and the defrost lamp began flashing immediately. I had a panic moment. it subsided. After moving the dials around a bit, I began to test functionality. At first it didn't work, but I attribute that to the computer figuring out that something was different. After about 30 seconds everything seemed to work. I tested the manual controls first. They worked fine. I then tested the auto controls and they seemed to work as well. I put together a video demonstrating the functionality. Fan speed definitely changes on its own. Vents also appear to change (defrost comes on when full heat is selected for temp)

Here is the demo video:
http://youtu.be/joALU_EcCm0 I am very pleased that it seems to be working OK. I will test more thoroughly when I have time.

flotto

looks good, might have to put this on my list. my 2012 altitude doesn't have this and it seems like a cheap and easy add-on.

JK Jonesy

Nicely done. Wish I could do this on my 2010!

mattro

Thanks, This will probably only work on 2011-2012 models. Also, I am still uncertain if this would work on all models. I took a gamble ordering from my dealer (non-returnable), but it appears to have paid off. I figured that if the auto didn't work, it would still work manually.

mattro

It was relatively painless. I took one of the vents out next to the power window control and pushed the window switch out from the back, didn't want to mark up my dash trying to pry the switch out with a trim tool.

I checked out an Altitude while at the dealer the other day, they looked sweet. If I didn't love the OD green leather seats of my 70th anniv, I would definitely get a 2012.

mvymr

Great write-up, mattro! Any chance you'd be willing to sell your original control module? I started a thread last year about wanting to disable the auto climate controls in my 2011 Rubicon, but I didn't get a definitive answer. Based on your write-up, however, it sounds like I could just swap out my control unit for your original one.

deathboyardee

Glad I was wrong and it worked out for you!

mattro

Thanks Death.

I knew it was going to be a gamble.

I still need to test more thoroughly, but initial testing is promising.

mattro

PM sent

Redman333

Has anyone tried this on a sport. I'm assuming yours is equivalent to a Sahara model right. Which this is an option for those but I don't think it's even an option on the sport models.