HVAC/Radio Controls won't work on startup
 

Hi All,

I have another issue to run past you all. My 2009 Maxima is new to me and I am just getting the AC up and working and whats happening now is this, when you first start the car, all the radio and HVAC controls are locked and won't work. Shut it off and fire it back up and everything works. This is every time the car sits overnight. And also when the controls do come on, the lights for the HVAC (whatever you have on at the time) flicker.

Does anyone have any ideas on how to solve these issues?

Thank You,
Andy

Well, that is all controlled via the BCM. I would check my connections to the BCM. Not 100% sure of the next statement, but there may be a relay in the IPDM that might be sticking as well. I don't have access to my schematics now. But Got them now. Assuming you have Nav and color monitor, the relay is called the Backup Lamp Relay. Now whither that fixes your issues????

Than you for the reply. I am new to this car. Where exactly is the BCM in this car? This is driving me crazy. Its so intermittent I can't replicate the issues when I try. It seems like it has a mind of its own and every time you start the car up, its doing something different. Its both the HVAC and Radio controls so I am certain its something supplying the power to that center console control section.

The BCM is underneath the dash...at the top center of the dash. Not easy to get to without removing stuff. You didn't note what model of 2009 you have. Is it the loaded SV or Standard. Color Navi or not? But I would look at the relays in the IPDM first. Sure sounds like a lazy relay but hey, who knows.

Sorry about that, its a loaded 2009 SV with color Navi screen.
Where is IPDM?

I am willing to try anything at this point. Its the only current issue I have with this car. I have to keep shutting it off, waiting a few seconds and firing it back up hoping this time the controls work.

Sorry, The IPDM is the Intelligent Power Distribution Module....us old guys refer to it as "the fuse box under the hood!" You will see relays and fuses there. Look on the lid for the one for the relay labeled as the backup lamp relay. Maybe just reseating will clean the contacts, but if it is lazy inside, you will need to either get one from the cemetery or at a parts store.

Thank you so much. I will definitely try that and report back. So the backup lamp relay controls both the radio and the HVAC controls? Thats funny. I would have never guessed that since its called the backup lamp relay. Let me give this a shot. I truly appreciate the help.

Well the wiring diagrams have a connection from the relay to the control unit for radio and nav so maybe. I dont have schematics for the real devices live the Nav or radio...just the wiring and I see connections from that relay to the system. Now is it only to turn on the backup camera and signal the system to turn on the rear camera video? I really can't tell.

Just looked all over and there is no backup camera relay in the fuse box under my hood. I did pull out every relay and reseated them and made sure all fuses were good and seated well also. And still no change.

One piece of information I left out, not intentionally, is the car has a Python add on remote start. Guy I bought it from said it works but I have not been able to make it work. I am wondering if the remote start has anything to do with this problem. Maybe not, but just thinking of anything that it could be.

I am open for more suggestions. Thanks in advance.

DOH! Yeah, that kind of information is crucial and probably related to your issues as it is all related to the "startup" sequence. Not familiar with Python other than as a programming language. But yeah, I would start with removing or taking it to a shop that knows about python remote starters. Any other "mods?"

Yeah sorry about that. I forgot about that remote starter. I tried to get it to work for a while yesterday and no luck. I sure am hoping that is the issue. The car is bone stock other than that. I have a local stereo shop who does remote starts daily who is going to look at it Monday. Fingers crossed. I do appreciate all the advice and I will keep you posted.

Well, I finally had the remote start completely removed. Worked fine for a day and now its doing it again. I am open to any or all suggestions or options. This is making me crazy trying to troubleshoot.

Thanks,

It almost has to be a bad connection...either to to the panels or to a relay. Is rust an issue where you live? But I would at least remove and reset my connectors to the stereo/console. But sure sounds like a bad connection/ground somewhere.

I pulled the unit out and reset all connection several times. First try after this it worked but second try it failed again. I found a few of these panels complete "used" for $50 or so online that I may try. I live in Western Pa so we do have a rust issue here but the car is almost rust free. I wish I could find out where the relay or fuses are that control this unit. May just be a bad fuse or relay connection.