'99 Limited A/C Control Head

[GamecockRooster]

So I'm one of the random few 4runner owners whose Digital Climate Control Control Head has gone bad. My mechanic spent about a week making sure the problem was indeed the control head which he is now 99% sure it is. However, as some of you know the part is 800-900 dollars new. He, my mechanic, recommeded I either call a salvage yard for one or look at other sources. Does anyone have a potential source for me where I can purchase the control head for less than $800-900?

My mechanic also has a guy who can rebuild the circiut board. I may go that route. The approximate cost there is about $600. I may opt to go this route since it may prove to be the least expensive fix with the most assured success.

Thoughts and/or leads very much appreciated.

Thanks a lot!

 

[CO_FlyFisher]

$800 - $900 for a new one! Ouch!

$600 to fix seems REALLY steep. There's not much inside of those units, and I seem to recall only one large chip on the circuit board other than a few other minor surface mount parts.

I would try a junk yard, as I haven't heard of too many of these dying. Probably a lot cheaper that way.

 

[KellyJ]

You might want to try another dealer, as I got my A/C unit replaced for around $600, which would make me more at ease, getting a new part instead of a rebuilt one. All in all its a tiny piece but it is a ridiculous price

 

[Rosspbig]

So what exactly is wrong with it?

 

[GamecockRooster]

So what exactly is wrong with it?

On occasion everything works fine. However, to give a good example. In the winter months I just run the vent for heat. So, occasionally I'll park the car, turn off the vent and then turn the car off. When I come back later to start the car the complete A/C unit is on. A/C, Auto and the vent will usually switch to the floor vents. I push the A/C button nothing happens, I push the Auto button and nothing happens. So, If I try to turn the whole unit off I can press the off button and everything will turn off. However, once I let out the off button everything automatically comes back on. I can fight this for about 4-5 tries before the system stays off.

I'll call some other dealers about the head. I had read on here that that part is about $800, so to hear it was found new for $600 is encouraging.

Regarding the chip, I asked my mechanic about just replacing the chip and he said the problem unfortunately is not that simple.

If you're wondering whether my guy is reputable or not, he is. We've used this guy since I was a child and he's as honest as they come. He kept my truck for 4 days, ran test, borrowed equipement from other shops to try and diagnose the problem and basically ran it through the ringer trying to figure out the source. After everything he did this week, since the truck wasn't fixed, he handed the keys back to me and didn't charge me a dime for all the work he did.

I appreciate everyone's insight. I definitely need to get this deal done before summer comes on.

 

[LINY4Runner]

I would say start saving, bite the bullet and buy the brand new one from TOYOTA. if you have some guy take it apart and re solder it, it's fixed...for now....but it wouldnt compare to a brand new unit, especially for 200 bucks more than having him rebuild it.

 

[GamecockRooster]

I would say start saving, bite the bullet and buy the brand new one from TOYOTA. if you have some guy take it apart and re solder it, it's fixed...for now....but it wouldnt compare to a brand new unit, especially for 200 bucks more than having him rebuild it.

In your experience is the $800-900 neighborhood about right on the pricing for the part?

By the way, thanks for the response!

 

[GamecockRooster]

Just thought I'd add a little update regarding this issue.

I bought a new control head and had it installed today. So far so good. I did a google search online and found a Toyota place in Houston that sold the part new to me for $700.

Hopefully this'll take care of the problem and I can move on to bigger and better things. I don't want to do to many MODs but I'd like to do a few. I'd actually love to replace the front grill and bumper since both have some wear that is noticeable up close.

Thanks again to all that offered insight. Cheers!

 

[KellyJ]

Glad to hear you got it worked out. I got my new unit installed with the OEM one, and the part and labor ended up being around $680 or so. Hope you still have some dough left for mods!

 

[004Gunner]

I can't believe that thing is so expensive:bugeye: I could do a lot with that kind of money. I was going to post a DIY for changing the backlighting on it but maybe I should just quit f-ing with it

 

[GamecockRooster]

I can't believe that thing is so expensive:bugeye: I could do a lot with that kind of money. I was going to post a DIY for changing the backlighting on it but maybe I should just quit f-ing with it

The local dealer and shops here in Charlotte were quoting me $950 for this part. I know it's out there probably even cheaper, but I've got too much else going on to call salvage yards etc.

Once I got it and checked it out I was suprised at how small the total piece was. I called Houston to make sure I had the right thing. I did, but still, considering the price you'd think it was gold plated.