Installing Climate Control

My Truck was built without the premium or tech packages, but due to differences in metabolism between myself and the other one I've been regretting not going for the dual-zone climate control.

There's a couple threads on this topic from years ago and the general opinion is that it's too hard, but no actual specifics.

Does anyone know what parts will be needed to convert the standard A/C setup to climate control? Specifically what behind the dash is needed? A new blend door setup?

 

Yeah, the cheaper route here would be to trade in your truck. Save yourself the headache, money, time, frustration, agony, marriage/relationship, etc.

 

Again, I want to know some specifics. There's not that many parts in the climate control system. If it's that hard there's a reason for it.

 

I would honestly say the conversion would cost you several thousand dollars. It's easier telling you what you won't need, like condenser, evaporator and compressor. What you will need is everything else. Also, what computer controls it? ECU? Is the logic already in there? My wife's new Highlander has dual zone and it's pretty sweet but it is totally different than my manual unit. To begin with there will be two blend points which will require different ducting. Then there will be the actual controller. Then there will be access to the PID loop that will control the actual temperature...

 

Here is a write up for a Tundra: You need some tech skills/knowledge and lots of time for research. And remember that Tacoma's haven't been around as long as the Tundra's, so if you're looking for donor parts, they may be harder to come by. Overall, seems like way too much hassle, too many little quirks (the guy mentions them towards the end of the write up), and the fact none of this will be covered under warranty....good luck and have fun going down that rabbit hole.

 

I just read that write up. Geez. Here's what I got from it:
1. He bought a lot of used parts and cut up a lot of existing parts.
2. After he was done, it still didn't operate like the original factory unit. He had to reset the temps every time.
3. He spent close to $1K on used parts
4. He has absolutely no warranty and won't have any warranty on any of the HVAC system like the compressor.

I guess if you had all kinds of time on your hands and were satisfied with a system that "sorta" worked then this mod is for you. I would just get what I wanted even if I took a loss to get it. I do agree, that venturi tube is crucial to making it work and you cannot fab it yourself.

 

Get a blanket?

 

Couldn´t you just open or close and turn the vents accordingly. We have the dual climate control on our Rav4 and most of the time it stays on sync anyways, because on a road trip the air is essentially mixing in the vehicle. We have found that by selecting a temp between the one each of us prefers then one can close or turn the vent as needed. Just my personal experience, but we don´t use the dual zone climate or the moonroof a whole lot, so not having it on my truck is not a big deal at all.

 

Although auto climate is nice to have, it’s best to trade your truck in for an updated with bells and whistles already installed. I honestly have no issue owning just a basic taco OR version for playtime and work use. I have a luxury vehicle for comfort use with the family.

 

Seems easier to trade the truck in, dude. I love my dual climate control.

 

With a decent understanding of the HVAC systems in vehicles I do not see this being easy or even worth it. If you are serious about attempting I would work on getting a breakdown/diagram and see where the doors or located and if there is even space within the system to add more doors. Then you get into the electrical/controller side and I don't even want to imagine what headaches could come from that. I don't see anything being plug and play. You'd likely need to reprogram what ever computer controls the system.

Like many of said. I've had dual controls on every vehicle I've owned. Almost always stayed on the same temp and if anyone had a problem they would move the vent or close it.

If it's really that big of a deal trade her in and cut your losses.

 

Auto temp control and dual zones are two different things.

For example a house with a traditional central system has a temp based tstat, but not different zones.

And while dual zones in a vehicle may create different nozzle temps, after a few minutes the overall air temps begin to average out anyway. Its not like there are discreet air chambers in the vehicle.

Just close the vents blowing on the cold person. The hot person will get more air flow and it will be just as cold as a zone system, as it will never get below 40ish regardless.

Most times those hot flashes end quickly then they are freezing. A miserable condition to have (like a raging flu fever) but maybe not worth spending a fortune on. Because regardless, they will never really be comfortable.

Or maybe a NASCAR cool suit?

As far as costs, i had an 86 300zxt and a 90 300zx, both with auto temp. All I can say is i'm glad they worked fine manually when the control systems failed, as parts costs were prohibitive!

 

Do you know if he’s done the AC drain mod yet?

 

I have 2 Tacos. One with dual climate and one with single control (both 2018's). Even though the dual climate is nice, 98% of the time, the temperature is set at the same level for both sides so i think the utility for dual climate control is meh.

 

Yup, it's NICE to have, but not a necessity. I do like it when my wife rides with me. She gets cold at anything below triple digits and I sweat in the middle of winter. Nice to have cold air blowing in my face while my wife has the heater going with the heated seats on. Even with others in the car, sometimes the passenger side is in the sun, or my side, and to have dual side temp control is nice. I'd no real issues going back to a manual control CC, but it's nice to have the DZ auto.

 

I’ve been looking into it purely for the auto temperature function. I got a used control for $40 so I plugged it in. No function except for the flashers. From that I’m guessing it’ll have to be rewired. Going to look into making an adapter harness. I’ll update you if I make any progress.

 

My last car had dual climate control and the auto climate control, I never used either feature.

 

My climate control is always set to minimum. Just adjust vents and fan speed. Quite useless for me.
Same with bsm and safety sense which Imo will see major changes over the years.
You probably won't even want to use it if it's still working in 10 years it will be so antiquated.

 

We have dual zone and 95% of the time my wife just closes her vents and doesnt change the temp.