Seeing that it is currently 1 degree here in the NE (no joke), I guess this is a pretty appropriate topic. I searched a ton of threads and I'm still unsure of the answer, so I figured I would just post anyway. I was wondering if the auto climate control from a 99 would fit into a 98. I know there is the ambient temp button (I know the mod can be done on a 98 with the existing controls). Are the electrical connectors the same, or is there additional wiring for the AMB button? So essentially, is it a simple plug and play, or more involved for it to fit? Thanks in advance!

 

It should be a simple plug and play. The systems are identical, Nissan just didn't make available access to the AMB button until '99. Same system otherwise. What is your objective? To gain outside temp. display in a '98?

 

thanks for the info - i figured it was probably the same. i need to replace my climate control unit, and i have the opportunity to get one from a '99 for a pretty big savings, but just wanted to make sure it would fit before buying.

 

My hunch says it will be plug and play as well. I say you go for it.

AMB function=

 

haha, AMB is sweet - i can monitor the single digit temps all winter. woo hoo!

 

While we're on the topic, here is another question, can you remove the non-digital climate control and replace with a digital one? Is it a simple plug and play also?

 

No, there are 4 sensors for the auto A/C system; ambient temp, interior temp, air box temp and sun load sensor. You need to these in place to make the Auto system to work.

 

Damn! But thanks for the reply, I appreciate it. I thought maybe the hookups and stuff were there. Oh well.

 

bingo - from what i understand it's a fairly significant job, and really not that worth it

 

those anyone know if theirs a write up cuz i have a spare auto control laying and would love to put it in my car?

thanks

 

I do appreciate what the auto system does, they did put in quite of bit of intelligent into the system:
1. Keep the fan low when the car is cold then turn it up once it is warmed up.
2. When the interior and the exterior temperature has a large delta, it turns the fan to high.
3. When the sun load sensor get a direct hit, it moves air to the upper vents.
4. When the temperature is low, it moves air to the floor vents.

Oddly, this auto system controls very little of the refrigeration side of the system. It mainly moves air. The refrigeration side only reacts to what the thermal condition of the refrigerant. Not the controls, but the refrigeration system was what failed early in my otherwise pretty reliable car. One reason may be the auto system keeps the compressor on all the time.

 

You may have the control panel. There is an auto A/C amplifier box located near the ECM in the center console.

Beside the 4 extra sensors, there is a positive airflow valve that always move air over the interior sensor.

I don't know if the auto a/c airbox is different from the manual airbox.

 

searching the old threads, i came across some posts referencing a how-to for the auto conversion. i myself didn't come across it, but then again i wasn't really looking for it.

 

Yeah, that's a good idea. If you need to replace your '98 electronic climate control anyway, you might as well use a '99 and get the outside temp. button. It's a fun toy. And the amount of work to change the whole unit is probably the same amount of work (maybe less) just to add the AMB button to a '98.

If I am not mistaken, the '98 and '99 I30s have the AMB button too.

 

Yeah, I always use the Economy for heat rather than Auto - so that the compressor stays turned off. The only exception is when you need to defog your windows.

 

Yes, my '98 has that button, right in the middle. The sensor is mounted on the hood latch up front. I always wondered whether the radiator behind it will a few degrees on a hot day.

 

i remember reading through the how-to for a auto climate control conversion, and yeah, there was quite a bit to it. i cant seem to find it right now though...

 

appreciate the help. if someone does find out hit me up.

 

part is on its way - i'll update once i receive it

 

new climate control is in - AMB ftw!

 

AMB sounds sweet! anyone want to do a straight up trade for a 97 unit?

I dont really care much for auto climate control... I use it on manual 100% of the time anyways.

Possible to add AMB to a 97? Cause the changed the unit in 98, right?