How-to: Front climate control swap(add 20-21 temp display to 22+)

I got my A/C control off a wrecked Ford Explorer but don't have any DTC codes.

Where are you guys getting the error code from?

Using Forscan, there's a DTC tab for all the modules.

i would think if its not showing a CEL then I wouldnt worry about it TBH. the code is specific to that one part and, as im sure others will note, it hasnt adversely effected any systems.

Being my ST is new and under warranty I don't want to void anything. I may just install the original HVAC module for now until we find more information about the codes. No doubt it is due to the fact that we are installing a module not truly compatible for newer Explorers. I understand that it should not effect operation but who knows.

Went in and checked in Forscan and it did have the DTC code for the HVAC Module and oddly one in the Audio module which is probably related to my getting rid of the FEGN. Neither DTC indicated that it would set off the Check Engine Light, so I’m fine living with them. It will be interesting to see if when the vehicle goes in next week for the camera recall, if they mention anything about the DTCs or attempt to correct them.

I just got done installing the original module back in and it cleared that DTC. I to was wondering what my ford tech would say when he performs the camera recall and being under warranty I did not want to take any chances. My guess is the system is not seeing the original module installed meaning (not programed) and probably because the module we upgraded to does not have the VIN hard coded into it. Is there a way to properly program these upgraded modules to be compatible with the newer Explorers?

That code seems like the as-built data wasn't written completely/correctly. There's actually a code to represent an invalid VIN DTC. VIN data is written with as-built data, it's not hard coded on any module. I'd double check your as-built data with the ford site to verify it was written correctly. Additionally, there's a procedure in Forscan that will re-calibrate the HVAC motors. That's always good to do after swapping that module because not all systems are identical.

I did this swap on my 2023 ST before even finding this page. I don't remember what year mine came out of, but obviously older than a 23. lol I've got no errors.

https://www.motorcraftservice.com/asbuilt - This site will prompt you for your country, then take you to the default site. Then click this link again and enter your VIN. Look for module starting at 733-01-01

Only one person that I know of on the F-150 forums has been able to make this DTC go away (he has hardware and software unavailable to the public and is often able to accomplish feats that even most or all Ford techs/dealers cannot), and there's a ton of people doing this switch in the trucks. I would be shocked if that calibration actually got rid of it. I had that exact same DTC on my WACM, SCCM, HCM, and HVAC due to adding them to the truck after it was built and programmed and there are no calibrations for 2 of those 4. Even the calibration I ran on the HCM did not make that DTC go away.

I certainly hope to be proved wrong though.

I've been trying to locate the part number I need for just the Heated seats and Steering Wheel, but the one you have listed in the Updated guide info doesn't seem to lead to a part. Is there a mistake in the number? The number for the one with the cooled seats as well is good. I tried doing LB5Z in place of the LB5T as well. The "T" indicates that the part falls under the "Heavy Truck Division" which may not be correct.

Edit: Disregard. I did find that part number on ebay, but for some reason it doesn't show on any Ford sites, nor is there a updated cross reference number I can find anywhere.

Some confusing information but I see that part#LB5Z19980D either looks to be discontinued or ridiculously expensive if a dealer has one left. Did ford make the same part but under a different part#? I'd like to buy new vs. used as I'd hate to go through all the work to install this to find out a used one doesn't work.

a used one is probly fine. youll still back up ur current units config and write it to the "new" unit

Finally got around to doing this on my '23. Bought a used unit on Ebay but should have paid more attention. Didn't realize there was a version with gloss buttons, and one with matte.

I'll need to see if i can take the two units apart to just swap the buttons. I have no desire to buy another unit on ebay at this time.

Since my unit was used, it worked right away without any programming needed. I will load my as_built however since that process only takes a few mins. I didn't have any issues with the clips on my panel. All in, it took me about 30 mins to do this swap, including time spent on ForScan saving my original modules as_built.

But yeah...first time in full sunlight I realized I made a small oops. Maybe i'll try and swap the buttons, or maybe i'll grab a matte radio button display with the camera button for my next project (adding 360 cam back)




edit: ended up seeing what it would take to swap the buttons. Unit disassembles pretty easy with a T8 torx. Pretty straightforward nothing special about it. You can’t pull the buttons out. Need to strip it down to the base plastic frame and remove the top face and then just swap it.

Took a pic along the way. You can see how ford deleted the LCD display, but the holes for them remain along with the window through the front face. However the front face is no longer transparent so it cannot be used. But pretty straightforward to swap the electronics and transparent face over.

i did like the matte buttons more however. So maybe I’ll swap back if i can get the upper row to match.