• Mustang Forums
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech

Help with '86 HVAC Control Unit

  • Thread starter Thread starter Willybill32
  • Start date Start date Mar 26, 2020
  • Tags Tags
    1986

Willybill32

But at least it's tight!
5 Year Member
Jul 16, 2019
627
348
83
Lexington, KY
Mar 26, 2020
#1
  • Mar 26, 2020
  • #1
The Forum users have been helpful with other questions on my '86 Mustang, so here's another request for help.

My '86 GT is up and running, and now we're working on the A/C system. The evaporator coil, accumulator and all lines have been replaced, leaving only the compressor and condenser coil from the original car. The system holds pressure, but we can't get the compressor to cycle automatically. Tracing thru all of the components, the dash-mounted control for the blower motor, temperature and function (heat, a/c, defrost, etc.) does not consistently make contact when in the A/C mode. Does anyone know if I have to replace the whole control unit, or is there a switch component that can be replaced?
 

jrichker

StangNet's favorite TOOL
In Remembrance. Thank you for your contributions
Mar 10, 2000
27,512
2,811
234
Dublin GA
Mar 26, 2020
#2
  • Mar 26, 2020
  • #2
What sort of pressure do you see on the charging manifold when the engine is off and the power is off?

If the system is low on refrigerant, the clutch will not engage (safety feature, keeps you from burning up the compressor due to no oil). There is an aluminum canister on the firewall with a large hose leading to the A/C compressor. There is a pressure switch on it with a 2 wire connector: pull the connector off and jumper the wires. The compressor circuit will power up, and the test light will light if the electrical circuit is good. This test is also a good way to check the compressor & clutch if the system is low on refrigerant. You can jumper the wires and the compressor will turn if the clutch is good.
 

Willybill32

But at least it's tight!
5 Year Member
Jul 16, 2019
627
348
83
Lexington, KY
Mar 26, 2020
#3
  • Mar 26, 2020
  • #3
Thanks, jrichker! Right now, there is no charge in the system. We’ve got everything assembled and charged with nitrogen at 175 psi to test the system for leaks. It’s held constant pressure now for almost a week. We can jumper to get the compressor to run, but the power from the function switch (A/C, Max A/C, heat, vent, etc.) does not consistently operate when in either A/C mode, hence the question about the switch itself. We’ve been spraying contact cleaner into the switch mechanism and working the selection lever, and it’s better, but not 100% yet. Is the switch replaceable, or would I have to buy the whole control unit?
 

General karthief

wonder how much it would cost to ship you a pair
5 Year Member
Aug 25, 2016
27,856
10,533
203
polk county florida
Mar 26, 2020
#4
  • Mar 26, 2020
  • #4
Have you looked at rock auto or a parts store?
 
S

slow84lx

clean it good before insertion
Jul 3, 2005
372
180
63
Dallas, TX
Mar 26, 2020
#5
  • Mar 26, 2020
  • #5
This is not an uncommon problem on the earlier fox dash controls. I've changed the whole control unit a couple of times but never tried to fix just the switch. Repairing the switch might be worth looking into.

If you change the control unit you'll need a unit from a 84-86 car and there are units with rear defrost switch built in or not as you require. These still pop up occasionally in the classifieds on the early fox forums.

A control unit from a 79-83 car will work but the backlighting is the greenish color, not red.
 

Willybill32

But at least it's tight!
5 Year Member
Jul 16, 2019
627
348
83
Lexington, KY
Mar 27, 2020
#6
  • Mar 27, 2020
  • #6
General karthief said:
Have you looked at rock auto or a parts store?
Click to expand...

Yeah, I've checked Rock Auto, eBay, LMR and did a general Google search, with no success. I've found the whole control unit off an earlier model that would work, but at $150-$180 and no guarantee they're any better than mine, and with green lighting to boot. That was behind my post on this site, as I figured I wasn't the only one with this problem...
 

Willybill32

But at least it's tight!
5 Year Member
Jul 16, 2019
627
348
83
Lexington, KY
Mar 27, 2020
#7
  • Mar 27, 2020
  • #7
slow84lx said:
This is not an uncommon problem on the earlier fox dash controls. I've changed the whole control unit a couple of times but never tried to fix just the switch. Repairing the switch might be worth looking into.

If you change the control unit you'll need a unit from a 84-86 car and there are units with rear defrost switch built in or not as you require. These still pop up occasionally in the classifieds on the early fox forums.

A control unit from a 79-83 car will work but the backlighting is the greenish color, not red.
Click to expand...

Thanks, slow84lx! I've found a couple on eBay, but earlier models and no guarantee they're better than what I've got. I'll keep looking. In the meantime, a combination of contact cleaner and lots of operations is improving mine.
 
Reactions: General karthief
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

M
Progress Thread mnky99 2001 V6 evap core, ac compressor, heater core replacement
  • mnky99
  • Sep 5, 2025
  • 1996 - 2004 SN95 Mustang -General/Talk-
Replies
1
Views
444
1996 - 2004 SN95 Mustang -General/Talk- Sep 5, 2025
mnky99
M
A
88 Foxbody Starts but Stalls When Warm Please Help
  • airforcerob
  • Apr 2, 2025
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
Replies
6
Views
432
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- Apr 4, 2025
Noobz347
M
01 mustang 3.8 fuel pressure issue
  • Mhaley2006
  • May 29, 2026
  • 1996 - 2004 SN95 Mustang -General/Talk-
Replies
0
Views
76
1996 - 2004 SN95 Mustang -General/Talk- May 29, 2026
Mhaley2006
M
Engine Throwing codes 94, 33, 34, 44, and sporadic engine shutoff.
  • Ryu
  • Oct 9, 2024
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Replies
11
Views
852
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech Oct 16, 2024
89ripper
SURGING IDLE / NO IDLE CHECKLIST FOR 1996–1998 MUSTANG GT (4.6L 2V) - Work In Progress
  • Noobz347
  • Aug 30, 2025
  • 1996 - 2004 SN95 Mustang -General/Talk-
Replies
0
Views
685
1996 - 2004 SN95 Mustang -General/Talk- Aug 30, 2025
Noobz347
Share:
Bluesky Email Share Link
  • Mustang Forums
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Menu
Log in

Register

  • Forums
  • What's new
  • Media
  • Resources
  • Contact
  • Sponsor
X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?

X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?