“Automated” A/C hack - my version

[mike_ct]

I’m going to use a 2016 VW beetle heater valve, which is a simple normally open plunger, activated with 12v.

I also have a “snap disc” thermostatic temp switch, that closes at 80-degrees F.

I’m going to power it, from my “a/c clutch” fuse, so that..
1) if a/c in engaged
-and-
2) ambient temp over 80
-then-
Valve closes, no hot water to enter heater core.

Why the temp switch?
Because, the a/c sometimes comes on, in cold temps, with the defroster, and I don’t want to have a no-heat situation when running my defroster in the winter.

I’ll post some installed pics.

If it works well, maybe I’ll do some “kits” for forum members.

 

[Willwork4truck]

Hmm, greek to me but if it works...

 

[Whiskey_tango]

That's awesome.

 

[sticker500]

This just got real....

 

[Diamondback]

sounds like are either a programmer or an engineer LOL

 

[mike_ct]

sounds like are either a programmer or an engineer LOL

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Ha! Thanks, but neither. Just a hack that gets cranky when his a/c isn’t cold

 

[Zeronet]

This is genius!

 

[Ram92131]

Very clever! I’d suggest adding a manual kill switch in the circuit somewhere so you can disable it seasonally... I bet the AC runs a lot more in the winter than you would expect, and this could affect the system’s ability to heat the cabin.

 

[Diamondback]

I would think only if he mounted that "snap switch" inside the cabin would it ever read over 80.
I'm a schematic guy so I'd love to get my hands on a set for these new rigs


Why the temp switch?
Because, the a/c sometimes comes on, in cold temps, with the defroster, and I don’t want to have a no-heat situation when running my defroster in the winter.

 

[Jhill]

Ha! Thanks, but neither. Just a hack that gets cranky when his a/c isn’t cold

Yey......another McGyver option.... sounds like a well thought out solution.

 

[riccnick]

Pretty cool work around, gotta say, I like the temp switch integration.

 

[KcRay]

I love it, cheers!

 

[rceagle1a]

This is ABSOLUTELY AWESOME! Keep us posted and if it works I’m interested in a kit or a parts list.

 

[Patsy1099]

Can’t wait to see it installed

 

[faithwalker]

Well done! I'm interested in doing this!

 

[rceagle1a]

Any updates on this mod?

 

[Zeronet]

I’m going to use a 2016 VW beetle heater valve, which is a simple normally open plunger, activated with 12v.

I also have a “snap disc” thermostatic temp switch, that closes at 80-degrees F.

I’m going to power it, from my “a/c clutch” fuse, so that..
1) if a/c in engaged
-and-
2) ambient temp over 80
-then-
Valve closes, no hot water to enter heater core.

Why the temp switch?
Because, the a/c sometimes comes on, in cold temps, with the defroster, and I don’t want to have a no-heat situation when running my defroster in the winter.

I’ll post some installed pics.

If it works well, maybe I’ll do some “kits” for forum members.

Did you ever get this working?

 

[mike_ct]

I installed it, and yes it worked great. then, the valve (which was a Chinese part) started leaking, so I abandoned it.

 

[ColoradoCub]

FCA with their arsenal of engineers has to be able to create something like this that works. I guarantee you it would be a hell of a lot cheaper than ripping dashes apart!

 

[riccnick]

FCA with their arsenal of engineers has to be able to create something like this that works. I guarantee you it would be a hell of a lot cheaper than ripping dashes apart!

They'll only incur the cost of ripping dashes apart (and also the pressure of unsatisfied customers) if people bring their trucks into the service department instead of making home remedies to fix the issue...