2003 buick pa ultra

I need installing instructions to replace the climate control on my 2003 buick ultra. The display is bad have another on the way don't want to break anything tring to get to the old unit........Thanks ellis479

I just performed this recently on my 2001 Park Avenue:

1. Set your parking brake.

2. Remove the driver's side dashboard end cap carefully. It's brittle, and any of the 3 posts can snap off, as there are metal clips at the end of each post. Make sure they're in place before you remount the panel later.

3. Remove the 7mm screw that secures the cluster trim to the dash end.

4. Remove the left burlwood trim plate from the face of the dash. Use a flat head screwdriver with a thin end and begin lifting where the plate wraps around the dash end. Be careful, there's a plastic clip under there that breaks easily.

5. Do the same for the center/right trim plate. The wiring for the heated seat switches and the passenger climate slider can be left connected.

6. Turn the ignition switch to ON. Place the gear selector in LOW.

7. Slowly, carefully pull the cluster trim forward off the face of the dashboard. There are 5 clips securing it and they are especially fragile. I removed mine by grasping the upper section of the trim (just above the tach and speedometer) first and pulling towards me.

8. This will expose the driver information center connector left of the cluster. Disconnect it. The cabin temperature sensor will be to the right of the cluster. Rotate it to disconnect.

9. Continue to work the cluster trim towards you. It's a very tight fit and you'll have difficulty clearing the hazard switch. Be patient.

10. With the cluster trim removed now, remove the 7mm bolts securing the climate control unit. You'll need to use your flathead screwdriver to depress the small clip that secures the connector at the rear of the unit.

11. Plug in your new unit, reverse the order of disassembly, and you are finished.

I cannot stress the importance of patience. If you rush, or apply too much force, something will certainly break. And care won't necessarily guarantee a clip might not snap. GM plastics of this era are very fragile. Some of these parts are no longer available, and all of them are expensive.


Good luck.

Thanks for the information on the 2003 buick PA climate control, sounds like a tedious chore but I will give it a shot and let you know the outcome ellis479

Thanks for the reply, anyone else have any suggestions. I read somewhere this was an easy task, doesn't sound so easy to me...ellis479

ellis,

It's actually not all that bad. I've done the same thing a couple of times... to replace my radio and again, trying to gain access to my turn signal flasher unit (by the way...it ain't there). It doesn't take too long to gain access to the unit, but mcmlxv is correct in that you just can't rush it or you could break a clip. The clips are sturdy enough to handle careful removal/replacement, but won't last long if you try to buffalo your way into the dash. It looks like a lot of steps, but really, it's just a very detailed instruction list.

Unfortunately, there's no other way to replace the AC unit. Your only other option is to have a mechanic/dealer service department do it for you, but you're looking at paying labor rates for what would probably take the mechanic about 10 minutes to access and another 10 minutes to put it all back together again.

Hope this helps.

:cheers:

TopherS,


I was just double checking before I started on this climate control replacement. Many thanks to you and also mcmlxv for your help. Will advise when I install (probably next weekend),on how things turned out....ellis479

dear mcmlxv,

You're the Man, I followed your instructions to the tee, everything went smoothly, I didn't even break any clips...shock!!! Anyway the ebay unit is installed and works great. Anyone needing to install a climate control unit in a park avenue ultra, just follow his detailed instructions. Good job...........Thanks.................. ellis479

dear mcmlxv,

You're the Man, I followed your instructions to the tee, everything went smoothly, I didn't even break any clips...shock!!! Anyway the ebay unit is installed and works great. Anyone needing to install a climate control unit in a park avenue ultra, just follow his detailed instructions. Good job...........Thanks.................. ellis479

Glad to hear it went well! The Park Avenue is a great car and worth looking after.