Replacing hvac control / dash module - programming?

[wes8398]

Hi everyone.  I'm trying to find time to get my wife's hvac system working again, and I think my next attempt is going to be replacement of the hvac / dash module / control.  This is seemingly a less-known module that lies within the driver's side dash; above the emergency brake release.  My questions are surrounding the replacement module, which I hope to get from a scrap yard.  I've google'd part numbers and such for WAY too long, and can't seem to determine if *any* hvac module with a matching part number will work, or if I *have* to get one with a matching last character so to match the options this particular edge has (ambient lighting, dual zone climate, heated seats, etc).  The part number I've so kindly been directed to is BT4Z-19980*W*, but there are many other options which the only difference seems to be what options it's programmed for.  Is it possible that I don't need to be so selective about which one I need, and can instead program my "new" one appropriately using Forscan? 

 

Thanks in advance!

[JTW]

If you haven't already, go to a Ford Dealer site online and look up your vehicle and enter your Vin number to look up the correct module.

Why are you suspecting the module as the problem? Is there a MIL?

[wes8398]

16 hours ago, JTW said:

If you haven't already, go to a Ford Dealer site online and look up your vehicle and enter your Vin number to look up the correct module.

Why are you suspecting the module as the problem? Is there a MIL?

Thanks for the reply. I've already obtained the proper part number - BT4Z19980-W - but what I'm wondering is if I can broaden my search to units with different suffixes - like BT4Z19980-*U* or ...*R*, etc which are only differentiated by options that are programmed into it like ambient lighting, heated seats, etc; and simply reprogram it for the options in my particular vehicle (through Forscan).  Being able to do so would make locating (an affordable) part from a local wrecker much easier. 

 

And the reason I'm onto replacing this particular module is because I've been pointed there by my troubleshooting and advice thus far.  I've swapped 3 different APIMs and programmed them appropriately... No dice. I've replaced the usual suspects for fan control issues, etc... No dice.  

 

The issue I'm trying to resolve is best described in this quote from another poster:

 

"I have a 2011 Ford Edge Limited. I'm having an electrical or computer problem which I can't seem to figure out. This may or may not have to do with the SYNC display, but that is where most things are noticeable, so that's what I'll be talking about. The interior cabin fan runs sporadically, turning off and on. The levels of blowing work fine. On the display itself, the clock and temp blink on and off. The ambient cabin lights blink on and off. So basically, the cabin ambient lighting, fans and clock all turn off and on. Everything else works. The radio and CD play fine. I can bluetooth to my phones and play music without a problem (at least no more of a problem than SYNC normally has). My navigation works fine. My air conditioning and heat both work, though the fan that blows them is the one that turns off and on. Also my temp within the cabin doesn't work, so I either have to set the temperature to LOW or HIGH to get any real change in temperature in the cabin."

[JTW]

Have you scanned the Body Control Module?

[wes8398]

17 minutes ago, JTW said:

Have you scanned the Body Control Module?

I'm new to Forscan (although, not programmers like it, as I did plenty on my Audi via something similar).  I did a general scan and nothing related to the HVAC came up. I didn't have much time and also don't think I have the right Bluetooth / OBD adapter for the MS CAN stuff. 

[wes8398]

UPDATE: PROBLEM SOLVED!! (thanks to a few regulars here who seem to find the time to contribute to EVERYthing)

I went to a scrap yard that had a handful of 1st gen Edges in their yard last week, and managed to grab 4 different HVAC modules (along with some replacement rear parking sensors) for $75. Picture 3 is of the faulty original unit that was replaced with one of a different part #, but luckily fully compatible with all the options in my Limited (ambient lighting, automatic hvac control, dual climate control, heated seats, etc).  *Note in picture 4 that 2 of the modules I retrieved were missing a receptacle.  This was likely due to those vehicles not being equipped with certain options (heated seats? ambient lighting?)* 
After having the opportunity to tear into the scrap yard vehicles without any regard for their well-being, I devised myself a plan to easily replace the module.  The first step of the process was to remove the side access panel to the dash/door vent.  After opening that up, as you can see in the pic below, I used an angle grinder to cut a little access hole in the "blank" of the dash piece that lays UNDER the removeable kick panel.  From these two access points, I was able to remove the plastic push-rivet that holds the vent tube to the module frame/mount; and then remove the upper portion of the vent tube entirely.   After that, it's a matter of one retaining screw, and then unplugging the connectors from the module to drop it out and swap.  With everything back together, you'd have no clue I was ever in there.  Now the fan, lighting, etc... everything... works perfectly.  No programming needed, either!

 

Edited September 11, 2023 by 1004ron

[J.Wade]

On 6/29/2022 at 2:26 PM, wes8398 said:

UPDATE: PROBLEM SOLVED!! (thanks to a few regulars here who seem to find the time to contribute to EVERYthing)

I went to a scrap yard that had a handful of 1st gen Edges in their yard last week, and managed to grab 4 different HVAC modules

Can ya repost the photos, I am having the same issue with my wife's edge.

Edited September 11, 2023 by 1004ron

[wes8398]

3 hours ago, J.Wade said:

Can ya repost the photos, I am having the same issue with my wife's edge.

 

I'll see if I can dig them back up, but I'm not sure the forum will allow me to post 'em... we'll see

 

 

[cjways1]

Hi Wes!  Thank you so much for this! I have been struggling with this for almost a week and then finally I came across this post. These are out of stock everywhere and even lkq has never stocked it. I found one on e-bay that I hope will work.

 

I am wondering if you have any of the pics showing where to get to this elusive part. Or which side access panel did you go through? 

[wes8398]

2 hours ago, cjways1 said:

Hi Wes!  Thank you so much for this! I have been struggling with this for almost a week and then finally I came across this post. These are out of stock everywhere and even lkq has never stocked it. I found one on e-bay that I hope will work.

 

I am wondering if you have any of the pics showing where to get to this elusive part. Or which side access panel did you go through? 

I thought all the pics posted, but apparently not... here goes again...

[cjways1]

You are a lifesaver. I thought it was behind the infotainment system. I checked the resistor, the blower, all fuses and relays. I even swapped out the pcm today thinking that had to be it.  I am so thankful for this post and for your reply. Thank you !!!!

[wes8398]

On 9/27/2023 at 10:20 PM, cjways1 said:

You are a lifesaver. I thought it was behind the infotainment system. I checked the resistor, the blower, all fuses and relays. I even swapped out the pcm today thinking that had to be it.  I am so thankful for this post and for your reply. Thank you !!!!

Happy to contribute!  I did all those same things when I was trying to figure this out myself.  Thank God for scrap yards!

[hollywood69]

I need a HVAC control module for a 2011 Ford edge the one I pulled out is BT43-18C12-DK is there any other modules that I can use other than the number I have posted?