Expert: Roland Finston - 12/10/2011

Question
I have a 2001 Chrysler Sebring LXI sedan, 117700 miles.  I am having major issues with the climate control system.  System works find until you turn the head lights on, then system crashes, defaults to defrost.  You can change settings, or activate rear window defrost, but the fan works.  Once you turn off the headlights, the systems rotates it's way back to your original setting.  I have replaced it, to no solution.  Is this a body control module issue as the door locks and alarm are also messed up?

Please help or Im going to shoot the car.

Thank you.

Answer
Hi Tim,
I assume this is the 4-foor sedan, correct? If so, I don't see any tie in between the headlamps and climate controller save for possibly the body controller which actually operates the doors of the HVAC unit and so if its power supply were dragged down by the headlights that might explain the loss of HVAC control. So take a look at the following fuses to see if their voltage reading is dropped when you turn on the headlamps: 3,8,17,18,23 in the engine comparment and 5,9,11,15 under the dash. Just watch the voltage on the fuses when you turn on the headlights and compare to the voltage without the headlights. Let me know if you see something interesting.
Roland
PS Sorry for the delay but I just found your question in the pool to where it was referred by Kevin. Please 'rate' my answer. Thank you

















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