titomang

I just installed the 09+ RL temperature control unit in my 07 RL and it works flawlessly. I got the idea from this thread - https://acurazine.com/forums/2g-rl-photograph-gallery-91/installed-2011-rl-ac-control-06-a-825773/ - I figured the link didn’t provide a detailed DIY to install the unit so I would help anyone who decides to install the unit in the future. The link should also answer most of the questions you may have but if you have any feel free to ask. This DIY is also great to replace any burnt bulbs in the temp unit as it.

I got the unit from a junkyard in Socal for $90 shipped. It took forever find but it was worth it. It comes in hand because you don’t have to get into the NAV screen to control the mode & fan speed since it’s all there.

Before beginning the DIY, be sure to read the entire guide before proceeding. This was written for reference, use the information contained within at your own risk.

Disconnect the battery by loosening the negative terminal and put aside in shop towel. Be sure you have the NAV & Radio code.
Then follow the instructions below taken from the service manual.

















The two flange bolts are really hidden underneath the stereo so take caution not to drop the bolts when removing and tightening the stereo. (There is no need to unplug any harness from the stereo, simply pull it out to allow enough room to have access to the back of the temp unit.

Unplug the harness from the back of the temp unit and remove the four Phillips screw (2 on each side).





Install new unit and reconnect battery to make sure everything works as it should. Re-install everything in opposite order.


Here’s the completed unit in my vehicle.

princelybug

iTrader: (16)

253RL

Compass? Is that an 07 up thing?

beekermartin

The only reason to do this is so you have fan controls right? I know it is a few extra steps to use the knob but it is it really worth the expense and aggravation?

Megatron

And you get LED backlighting in that unit. No more burnt out bulbs!

Titomang, do you have any leads on another unit for that cheap? I'm been wanting to do this for a long time, but have never been able to find a cheap 09+ unit. And new from Acura is way too expensive. Did you see any other out there when you were looking?

titomang

Yeah, it actually is an 07+ thing if you have a base model which I do but I was able to install the OEM NAV, back up camera so that's all I really needed.

Yup, that's true. One of my bulb burnt and I decided I was going to leave it alone until I found the unit. It's all about convenience plus the installation only took me 20 minutes to do since I've taken those parts out before.

I got lucky on finding this unit in such great condition and a great price. The only other one I found out there is currently on Ebay right now but it's going for $280. It comes complete w/ the temp unit as well as the 09+ stereo so not bad.

velobard

Nice, I'd love to have immediate button access to the fan speed and mode. One question though, how do you access the Dual function? I noticed that button isn't on this control.

titomang

When you hit the driver side up/down switch it automatically controls the passenger as well (at least that's how mines work) so basically the dual function is always there. You don’t need to hit the dual button as you would on the 05-08 temp switch.

kcjohnnyboy

does the lighting on the new unit match the stock stereo and interior lighting?

titomang

Yes it does. It matches perfectly, only difference is the LED bulbs.

M T L T L

Do you get a visual indication or confirmation of the fan speed or the mode on the screen when you manipulate it with these buttons ?

titomang

Short answer is no. If you hit the fan speed using the climate control unit the NAV screen doesn't pop up showing the fan speed level. The only way it'll show is if you're already in the AC control screen on the NAV unit.

M T L T L

No I wasn't expecting it to change from map to climate control screen but it would have been cool if atleast it gave a little popup on top of the screen like when you use voice command to control the temp or fan.

stevieray

titomang, when you swapped the units out, did you have the original 6 button unit set to "OFF" or any other particular setting so when you plugged the new MMC unit in, the vent flaps would be in the correct position. In other words, it would seem to me that both units would have to be in the same settings position when uninstalled / installed. Or am I overthinking this?

Megatron

You are way overthinking it. Whatever state the old one was in, once you get the new one in and push any button, it will send a new command and whatever it had before is now irrelevant.

stevieray

Kinda thought that might be the case, thanks Megatron.

titomang

Yup, what Megatron said. You'll have to press the button twice for it to work the first time around then it's the normal process after that.

Dr B Smith

I am trying to find a 09+ RL temperature control unit to do this mod. for my 2007. No luck on ebay or any of the junk yards around me which I am really surprised that I could not find one. If anyone has any thoughts or knowledge of where to find one please let me know!

titomang

Ebay would be your best bet. They pop up every once in a while. Being that the 09+ are rare to begin with, it'll be much more difficult to find one that's wrecked and parting out.

I landed mines on Ebay as well. The seller had a wrecking yard out in Southern California. They go for around $100-$150.


Seeing in your other thread that you have a base which means you have no navi: https://acurazine.com/forums/second-...ht-now-938356/


I would spend the money on finding a used DVD Nav drive to get Navi in your RL first. That's if you even care about Navi. Just find a 06-08 RL DVD Nav drive and swap it with yours and you'll have Navi. That's what I did with mines. I even installed the OEM back up camera as well.

stevieray

Hope you find one, this is one of the best mods for a '05-08. Good luck.

Dr B Smith

I am planning on picking up a navigation drive too. They are both on my search list. I know the other drivers in my family would appreciate the ease of the fan control with the 09-12 temperature control version.

bluetl04

iTrader: (4)

Does anyone have the part number for the 09+ climited control?

Rob144

Great mod. I've always wondered if just replacing the module would work, or if there'd need to be wiring harness changes. Pretty simple to get direct access to fan controls.

I'm guessing that in the 2009 the NEV screen popped up a fan speed change when the fan is adjusted (if not on the AC screen).

How different do the LED bulbs look compared the original unit during the night?

titomang

It's on the original link I provided. It's pretty expensive if you're going to buy it new. Just keep an eye out for part outs on Craigslist or Ebay as they come every now and then.


I'm not sure if the 09+ RL pops up the fan speed change on the Navi when not on the screen. Someone with an 09+ will need to confirm.


The bulbs look identical at night. The only difference is you won't have to worry about your bulbs burning out since these are LEDs.

bluetl04

iTrader: (4)

[QUOTE=titomang;15610529]It's on the original link I provided. It's pretty expensive if you're going to buy it new. Just keep an eye out for part outs on Craigslist or Ebay as they come every now and then.

OK cool. Thank you very much. I will look around for it

GaRaS

Hello, i just installed this temp control on my 05 RL. All the buttons work except my A/C doesn't get cold but when i plug the old temp control it works fine. I also disconnected the battery to have reset everything but no luck. Any ideas?

rlerman

Sounds like a pin is bad on the new unit you installed. Did you buy it new or used?

GaRaS

I bought it used. Well for now i used the old one and will look for another one and see if it will make another difference.

stevieray

I had a similar problem with the ""AUTO" button when I bought one out of a wrecked 2011. Turned out the problem was that that a sliver of glass from the broken windshield had gotten down into the mechanism and had to be cleaned out before the button would engage. Perhaps something similar has happened to yours. Good luck---

GaRaS

I found another AC Temp Controller and this one is ok. Everything is good.

oo7spy

Rob144

Where are you guys finding these controllers? I check ebay now and again, but nothing. The part doesn't seem to be able to be ordered as a whole assembly from Acura.

GaRaS

I purchased all of them at ebay, the 1st one I got is defective, the 2nd one is perfect which I just installed this morning. I check ebay 3x a dat, Once it pop ups I purchase right away if the deal is good. There is one at ebay but the radio is included and cost $474. Goodluck.

Dr B Smith

I finally found a reasonably priced HVAC fan control! Only $87.95 on ebay.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/172271461482?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

swake457

Every now and then AHparts.com has a parted out '09+ available. Starting to get more common now. Check back often though as certain parts tend to go quick. I saw one from an 09 about a year ago for just over $100 but waited too long and it was sold. They have a 6 month warranty on all of their parts so if anything you buy doesn't work out, you're covered. I've bought several parts of them over the past few years, no problems with any of them. I did have to return a door actuator once, after having it on a shelf for nearly 3 months before installing and finding it faulty. No questions asked. They just refunded my money.

Buy Car Parts - Used Honda, Acura, Lexus, Toyota & more! Auto Parts Wreckers, Recyclers & Dismantlers

Based out of CA.

brinox

Just completed this swap after buying on eBay ($160). I had a saved search set to email me when my criteria popped up - I completely forgot about it until I got an email last week.

The sad part of this ordeal (for me) was the damn seller wrapped the new 09+ unit in saran wrap or something like it, and this particular wrap had some kind of oil or grease that sweated out ALL OVER the new unit. Of course the buttons are sticking at the end of the workday in this summer heat... I just spent the better part of 3 hours taking the unit apart and cleaning every crevice that can be seen with rubbing alcohol and q-tips. I'm going to celebrate my now-working HVAC system with gorgeous LEDs with a peanut butter fudge shake!

Thanks for the guide Tito - I've had it bookmarked for a LONG time and can now get into my center radio console in less than 15 minutes =)

truonghthe

So recently I bought a used climate control from a 09 RL and my question is what happened to the dual zone climate control once you swap the 09 unit into my 06 RL, lets say you want both side to sync together since the 09-12 model didn't have the button and I am assuming the navi software take care of this "lack button" within the AC menu.

NathanJax

Can you do it through the screen?

titomang

Hit the AUTO button on the unit then hit the driver's temp switch up or down. Both sides should sync with one another.

truonghthe

Nope, I already check the A/C menu screen prior asking this question, there no function for "sync" in the screen (well at least on my 06 RL)



Thank you, if I am not mistaken you have the KB2 unit in your RL also right?