How to Add Automatic Temperature Control (ATC) to a Manual Temperature Control Truck

[DeereGuy]

MPGrimm and I have been working on figuring out how to convert our trucks from manual temperature control to automatic temperature control. We have made enough progress to prove that it can be done and want to share what we have learned with everyone.

This is a pretty easy and inexpensive mod in terms of parts. You basically need to buy a cabin temperature sensor, a connector, and some terminals and put it all together using an existing 8.4 conversion harness. The trouble with this mod, is that the feature has to be activated in the BCM. I used my AutoEngenuity tool to activate the feature, but unlike activating some other features where it was a smooth process, this caused corruption of my trucks “vehicle brand” which caused the 8.4 Radio to loose it logo and themes. I have not found a way to correctly reset the brand. If you have the AE tool, and want to try this mod, please be aware of this issue. I have not encountered any other problems with the truck due to this issue, but proceed at your own risk.


Anyways onto the mod:


Parts Needed:

(1) 55111178AC – CABIN AIR TEMPERATURE SENSOR
(1) 1-929170-4 – 4 WAY Connector Shell for Temperature Sensor
(4) 963715-1 – Female Terminals for 1-929170-4 (Temperature Sensor Connector)
(2) 1123343-1 – Female Terminals for 1318917 (HVAC Module Connector


Conversion Harness Modification

You will need to pin two new wires into pins 11 and 12 of the HVAC module side conector of the conversion harness. These wires will run from the HVAC module to behind the drivers side kick panel where the Cabing Air Temperature Sensor will be located (more on that below). I made my wires 80" in length. You will also need to splice wire # 2 for fused ignition power and wire #14 for ground. These will run to a new connector for the temperature sensor (1-929170-4). The following schematic shows how to wire it up.

IMG_0083 by Deere Guy, on Flickr

Here's what my conversion harness looked ike after adding the temperature sensor wiring. Notice the new leg off of the harness. It is shown with the sensor attached.

IMG_0812 by Deere Guy, on Flickr


Installing the Temperature Sensor

The temperature sensor is located behind the driver side knee kick panel. You will need to remove the panel and install the sensor.

1. Remove the two screws at the bottom of the panel and then pull the panel off.
IMG_0809 by Deere Guy, on Flickr

2. Install the sensor.
IMG_0811 by Deere Guy, on Flickr

3. Route the new leg of the conversion harness over to the sensor and plug it in.

IMG_0084 by Deere Guy, on Flickr

4. Reinstall the knee kick panel.


Activating with AutoEngenuity

Note: Do this at your own risk. I am not responsible for anything that may happen to your truck as a result from performing this modification.

1. Connect the AE tool to the truck.
2. After selecting the truck, connect to the Body Control Module.
3. Select the "Test Onboard Systems" tab
4. Select Module Configuration from the drop down.
5 . Select "Initiate"
6. Accept the warning message.
7. Using the arrows on each side of the done button, scroll down to "vehicle config 3".
8. Press Done.
9. Using the arrow buttons select" HVAC Config" press Done.
10. Using the arrow buttons select "Dual Zone ATC" and select Done.
11. Wait for the write to complete.
12. Reboot the radio by pressing both knobs simultaneously for a few seconds.
13. Repeat the above process but this time select "Single Zone ATC"
14. Reboot the radio again.


As you can see in the picture below, I have mine set for a single zone automatic temperature control. I am using a standard MTC bezel, and just using the "Auto" button on the radio to switch it into Automatic mode.

IMG_0813 by Deere Guy, on Flickr

 

[Tim7139]

OMG I'm so excited I peed a little.

 

[Mpgrimm2]

Glad we could finally put this out there. More to come!

***** Update *****

14-18 Ram 1500's Require the additional Humidity Sensor & wiring up to the mirror area to get Single Zone ATC to function correctly (discussed by Deereguy here).

We now offer a 2 part version 2 harness set to add the extra humidity sensor with ATC for the 1500's. See our M² Mods thread . or contact us via pm.

* Dual Zone ATC blend Door wiring is also available as an add-on. See @STecoD & @Ricks Ram 's Dual Zone thread for the details here and BlendDoorUsa's kit may be useful.


- 13-18 RAM ATC Conversion Instructions v2 10-28-18.pdf



- Humidity Sensor (2014-2018): 55111389AF
- Sensor Cover (2014-2018): 1SU12DX9AA (not really needed. See install).

You can see @sawz install at post 555.


-------- Update on AlfaOBD Programming --------

From the AlfaOBD Thread OP for " Known working codes" Link...


NOTE : Battery disconnect or pulling the 20A inline radio fuse near the brake booster for 1-2 mins (Pass Side firewall on Dual Batt. Trucks) ... between these changes can speed up the radio/BCM reset for changes, especially with a UAQ/UAS radio (think 15-30mins).

* Radio is not reset until SXM button displays again and/or Backup Cam works if installed)

* your original config would be "Single Zone MTC"


To Begin...

With key in 'RUN' (engine off)
....Connect to BCM -> go to "raised hood" icon -> Car Configuration Change )


Vehicle Configuration 3 ->> HVAC Configuration:
Select:
Dual Zone ATC

Disconnect AlfaOBD app & shut off the truck for a few minutes and pull the 20A inline Radio fuse for 1-2 mins to force radio reset. You must wait for the Dual Temp sliders to display on the 8.4 radio before proceeding with single zone ATC change. (wait for SXM Button/BuCam to show up again)


....Connect to BCM -> go to "raised hood" icon -> Car Configuration Change )

Vehicle Configuration 3 ->> HVAC Configuration:
Select:
Single Zone ATC

Disconnect AlfaOBD app & shut off the truck for a few minutes and pull the 20A inline Radio fuse for 1-2 mins to force radio reset. You must wait for the Single Temp slider with Temp Setting to display on the 8.4 radio before proceeding any other changes. (wait for SXM Button/BuCam to show up again)

DONE

-----------------------------------------


------ (ONLY AS NEEDED TO START OVER) ---------
TO RESET YOUR HVAC Configuration Back to Original

With key in 'RUN' (engine off)
....Connect to BCM -> go to "raised hood" icon -> Car Configuration Change )

Vehicle Configuration 3 ->> HVAC Configuration:
Select:
Single Zone MTC

Then disconnect AlfaOBD, Shudown the truck, let it go to sleep… and pull the 20A inline Radio fuse near the brake booster at the firewall (2 minutes) to force a radio reset.


Next… Get back in and switch the truck to “run” without starting. Wait for RADIO to reset… it’s done when the SXM button appears and the Backup Camera works again.

Check the HVAC on screen menu… it should show the old Single Zone temp slider without the temp readout . (now your back to original config).

------------------------------------------------------------

Additional how to videos by @big daddys house AlfaOBD: Full Video Tutorals (Step By Step).

M² Mods Intro & Project List.

 

[Dodgetk81]

Nice job!

 

[jcarden10]

Would you mind adding the exact steps/place to modify the BCM with the AE tool?

Also, have you guys looked into a fully functional dual zone ATC or is that part of the "more to come"?

Great work by the way!


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[R.L.K.]

This is really cool guys !

Congrats to M2Mods!

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

 

[CuylerTech]

Good job guys. We had this running a couple months ago . OOR/T got creative and combined the two bezels so he has the auto button with one set of temp controls.


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[Mpgrimm2]

-------------------- Edit -------------------

I was thinking about grabbing an extra dual zone bezel if i can nab one for cheap to try and combine parts between them.

I will pm Steve to see what he did vs starting blind since we were apparently thinking the same thing. I would love to see the look on the dealer tech's face during my next oil change if they saw a single zone ATC bezel. "sha wing!"

-------------------- Edit 2 -------------------

Well, I have successfully pulled off a single Zone ATC bezel mod after about 8 hrs of work and repairing a partially damaged board. Very difficult to do without a $1000+ SMD repair station, but it can be done.

I would give this a 9 or 10 on the difficulty scale because of the small size of the components/traces.
(I ruined the LED's on a single zone MTC board 'practicing' for this, which is very easy to do)

Big thanks to Steve for the idea and some pointers to pull it off!



*Contact me by PM or see our M² Mods thread for pricing to get one if interested *

----------- Items needed --------------

- Dual Zone ATC bezel


- Single Zone MTC button assy
(discard the rest of the MTC bezel)


- 28awg annealed magnet wire
- (1) 20k ohm 0603 SMD resistor
- small soldering stuff: 3x-4x jeweler's magnifying headset, ESD mat/strap, hot tweezers, Variable temp soldering iron with smallest tip (ie Weller wes51 & ET0 1/32" tip), regular tweezers, etc.

- Patience! Lots of patience!



----- Overview ----

As a basic overview, your have to cut some traces on the ATC board, remap the buttons with magnet wire, and switch the left side LEDs (red vs blue) and their current limiting resistors. Plus use the button assy from a single zone...


Here's some pictures:

Before:



After:



Final:


M² Mods - From my non Flammable S7!

 

[stimpy433]

Great work guys!!!!

 

[DeereGuy]

Would you mind adding the exact steps/place to modify the BCM with the AE tool?



Also, have you guys looked into a fully functional dual zone ATC or is that part of the "more to come"?



Great work by the way!





Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I updated the original post with the AE steps.

 

[57buick]

this is awesome! going to do this soon!

 

[69mach1]

Thanks Mike & Mike,

Now I have another project to look forward too ;-) Hopefully we can figure out the truck brand issue. My AE tool has arrived but I haven't had time to open the box yet

I'm still thrilled to have my 8.4 radio and heated/ cooled seats working

Cold beers on me if you happen to make it to the southern left coast

Thanks again,

Jon aka 69mach1

MPGrimm and I have been working on figuring out how to convert our trucks from manual temperature control to automatic temperature control. We have made enough progress to prove that it can be done and want to share what we have learned with everyone.

This is a pretty easy and inexpensive mod in terms of parts. You basically need to buy a cabin temperature sensor, a connector, and some terminals and put it all together using an existing 8.4 conversion harness. The trouble with this mod, is that the feature has to be activated in the BCM. I used my AutoEngenuity tool to activate the feature, but unlike activating some other features where it was a smooth process, this caused corruption of my trucks “vehicle brand” which caused the 8.4 Radio to loose it logo and themes. I have not found a way to correctly reset the brand. If you have the AE tool, and want to try this mod, please be aware of this issue. I have not encountered any other problems with the truck due to this issue, but proceed at your own risk. Hopefully, another solution such as a OBD Genie will be released to help with the BCM activation.

Anyways onto the mod:


Parts Needed:

(1) 55111178AC – CABIN AIR TEMPERATURE SENSOR
(1) 1-929170-4 – 4 WAY Connector Shell for Temperature Sensor
(4) 963715-1 – Female Terminals for 1-929170-4 (Temperature Sensor Connector)
(2) 1123343-1 – Female Terminals for 1318917 (HVAC Module Connector)


Conversion Harness Modification

You will need to pin two new wires into pins 11 and 12 of the HVAC module side conector of the conversion harness. These wires will run from the HVAC module to behind the drivers side kick panel where the Cabing Air Temperature Sensor will be located (more on that below). I made my wires 80" in length. You will also need to splice wire # 2 for fused ignition power and wire #14 for ground. These will run to a new connector for the temperature sensor (1-929170-4). The following schematic shows how to wire it up.



Here's what my conversion harness looked ike after adding the temperature sensor wiring. Notice the new leg off of the harness. It is shown with the sensor attached.




Installing the Temperature Sensor

The temperature sensor is located behind the driver side knee kick panel. You will need to remove the panel and install the sensor.

1. Remove the two screws at the bottom of the panel and then pull the panel off.


2. Install the sensor.


3. Route the new leg of the conversion harness over to the sensor and plug it in.


4. Reinstall the knee kick panel.


Activating with AutoEngenuity

Note: Do this at your own risk. I am not responsible for anything that may happen to your truck as a result from performing this modification.

1. Connect the AE tool to the truck.
2. After selecting the truck, connect to the Body Control Module.
3. Select the "Test Onboard Systems" tab
4. Select Module Configuration from the drop down.
5 . Select "Initiate"
6. Accept the warning message.
7. Using the arrows on each side of the done button, scroll down to "vehicle config 3".
8. Press Done.
9. Using the arrow buttons select" HVAC Config" press Done.
10. Using the arrow buttons select "Dual Zone ATC" and select Done.
11. Wait for the write to complete.
12. Reboot the radio by pressing both knobs simultaneously for a few seconds.
13. Repeat the above process but this time select "Single Zone ATC"
14. Reboot the radio again.


As you can see in the picture below, I have mine set for a single zone automatic temperature control. I am using a standard MTC bezel, and just using the "Auto" button on the radio to switch it into Automatic mode.

 

[57buick]

So is there a particular sales code we need to tell the dealer to upload to make the conversation go a little easier? What do we request from them is my question

Glad we could finally put this out there.

More coming soon!

M² Mods - From my non Flammable S7!

 

[Ricks Ram]

The dealer can not add any of the codes required with this mod. The dealer can only add codes that are enabled in your options list. If it was not a factory option for your truck the code will not show up on their computer even though it is actually in the BCM it is locked out. The single zone ATC is not even an option in any Ram pickup. ATC temperature control is only offered if you have a dual zone setup. With the AE tool we are able to see the options for pretty much all Chrysler vehicles and in some cases enable the ones we want.

 

[R.L.K.]

The dealer can not add any of the codes required with this mod. The dealer can only add codes that are enabled in your options list. If it was not a factory option for your truck the code will not show up on their computer even though it is actually in the BCM it is locked out. The single zone ATC is not even an option in any Ram pickup. ATC temperature control is only offered if you have a dual zone setup. With the AE tool we are able to see the options for pretty much all Chrysler vehicles and in some cases enable the ones we want.

Well said Sir !

Long time no see my friend , where have you been hiding?

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

 

[Ricks Ram]

Well said Sir !

Long time no see my friend , where have you been hiding?

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

Lol I'm still here. I just haven't posted much lately.

 

[57buick]

ok so the only way to make it work is to find some one with a tool that can program my truck locally. I have been looking at buying something like the WITECH. IS that a decent tool to do this kind of stuff in the future myself?

The dealer can not add any of the codes required with this mod. The dealer can only add codes that are enabled in your options list. If it was not a factory option for your truck the code will not show up on their computer even though it is actually in the BCM it is locked out. The single zone ATC is not even an option in any Ram pickup. ATC temperature control is only offered if you have a dual zone setup. With the AE tool we are able to see the options for pretty much all Chrysler vehicles and in some cases enable the ones we want.

 

[CuylerTech]

ok so the only way to make it work is to find some one with a tool that can program my truck locally. I have been looking at buying something like the WITECH. IS that a decent tool to do this kind of stuff in the future myself?

You can't add sales codes with a WiTech Pod. Also requires an active techauthority subscription + registering the pod which is $1600/year roughly.


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[57buick]

damn so I'm dead in the water to do the mod then unless I can find an individual around town who can program it?

You can't add sales codes with a WiTech Pod. Also requires an active techauthority subscription + registering the pod which is $1600/year roughly.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Infotainment.com]

For anyone who does not want to have to deal with the possibility of the AE Tool corrupting part of your vehicle configuration, we have released a OBD Genie Programmer that will simply change the vehicle config to the Single Zone Automatic once you have the sensor and applicable wiring installed.