Wow, it has been awhile since I have checked in here! Ford trucks still rule!

From our '63 Econoline, a '90 EB Bronco, and 2-'01 EB Expeditions, to our current '03 6.0 Diesel Excursion (96995 miles and going strong!), we have been extremely happy and dedicated Ford Truck owners!

However...We are having an air conditioning issue with our '03 6.0 Excursion so...I thought I would post and see if anyone else is or has had the same problem.

Since about 60,000 miles our air conditioner will Intermittently shut off (meaning the actual head or face unit in the dash is or does not have any power to it). Yes...I have checked fuses, and the possibility of any disconnected wiring and have found no issues. It will eventually just start working again without fail. (Note: Of course this only happens when we are in extreme weather conditions = River/Desert 110+)

Recently it stopped working - after an air conditioning service (recharge) so I took it back to the dealer in Arizona that performed the service. The advisor told me (without checking with a tech) that it was most likely a "head unit" that was out and it would cost about 1000.00 to replace. He also stated that he "sees this alot" and that they have replaced many.

Ok...here is the question...Has anyone had this same issue and or had the quote "head unit" replaced?

Any help or information will be appreciated!

Please do not yell if this is in the wrong forum...

 

I have the same kind of problem. The a/c control unit on the dash just seems not to have any power applied to it. This happens when I first start the truck and stays this way until I shut off the engine, let it sit for atleast 1/2 an hour, and the magically it just works again. Shutting off the engine and restarting right away doesn't work, has to be shutoff for awhile. No rhyme or reason to when it happens. Haven't had any A/C work done. The deals says $400 bucks for the control unit plus several hours labor charge for installation. Dealer also said they see this alot. I'm looking for help with this also. Hopefully someone out there knows the deal. Ford Trucks still RULE!!!

'03 X 6.0L 4X4 Limited

 

Hey, this is a very common problem. My '03 has had it happen since new. However, the solution always has worked. Just turn off the truck and go away for about 5 minutes. I think this is the time for the Accessories to go "off" after you turn off the ignition. When you restart the truck, everything about the Climate Control will work again. I can only guess that this is a "reboot" or reinitialization of the program code on the climate control unit.

I have no idea why this happens. Maybe Microsoft wrote the software for this head unit.

My "bug" happens about 3 times per year. Don't buy a new head unit. It is not worth it. I suspect even the new ones would do the same anyway.

 

If it persists to the point of wanting to replace it, why don't you just put some manual controls in there. Cheaper and less prone to failure.

Wonder if they hook right up.... ??

 

Why don't you try replacing the "Delayed Accessory Relay" #306 see page 189 of your owner's manual for location. Also check fuse #28 to be sure it is fully seated, it powers the EATC.

RoyC

 

Anyone know the answer to this issue, it happened to me today. I have a 2004 Diesel and there is No power to the control in the dash...its just black.

And it is friken hot and humid here.

Thanks

Dale

 

Someone has to know the answer to this issue???

Thanks

dakrri

 

Try this: shut off the key. Wait 5 minutes. Turn on. May "reboot" climate control /accessories computer.

 

Thanks....that worked, but I still like to know the cause and have it repaired.

dakrri

 

I think it is a software bug. It has something to do with automatic headlights. I've also been able to reset the climate control by switching headlights off of automatic, back to manual, and then back to automatic.

Mine has a lot of years and miles and rarely gives me grief now. Can't say why, but bug does not happen as often now.

I suspect you will not be able to find a dealer mechanic that can find/fix this "bug". It is built in, and would require factory involvement to totally eliminate.

 

^^ what he said^^

The problem lies in the combination of the EATC head unit, auto headlight feature, and the light sensor on the top center of the dash..

If it were a problem with the accy delay relay, your stereo wouldn't work when the EATC was out..

 

Subscribing... I have a dead "head unit" as well. I also have a set of manual controls - I will check to see if they will hook up or not...

 

I haven't had any luck getting this problem fixed, but I have found a way to get it working again quicker.

Any time the A/C unit has no power, simply turn the engine off, remove the key, and lock the truck with the key fob (hit the lock button twice). This shuts off the accessories without having to wait the 5-minutes. Then you can start the engine and the A/C should work. This has worked for me every time.

Not a solution to the problem, but better than sitting around waiting for the truck to "reset" on its own. This is definitely better than paying several hundred dollars for a repair that might not even fix the issue.

 

I too have an 03 with a different problem....I start it up with the manual control set to max a/c.....for the first 30 seconds the air is blowing out the defrost vents....and then it changes over. Now "if" i turn the **** to floor/vent..(the first setting to the right) it changes quick. Now...second...it will start to get cold and then like for no reason just start getting warm for a bit then go back to cold. I thought this was low r-134a so I tried to add some and its full.

Please dont tell me its like my Taurus...the f-in blend door.....what do you all think? thanks!

 

Glad I found this thread so fast. Mine did it a few months ago and quickly came back on for no reason. It happened again yesterday and can't get it back. It sat overnight so it should have worked today. I will try the keyfob idea and mess with the headlights. Maybe I need to do a dance in front of the back-up sensors, or maybe talk to the EATC head unit really nicely and it will turn back on for me? At 95 degrees and 100% humidity this needs to get fixed, especially with my wife driving it with the three young kids.

I will let you know if it works

2003 7.3L 182,000