Refer to attached image.
A dealer should be able to read the climate control diagnostic code(s) and tell you precisely what component has failed.
The actual control unit is located behind the dashboard near the glove box. It communicates with the control panel over a digital multiplex bus.

 

Thank you inov8 !
I hook up with my good model actron code scanner & couldn’t read any error codes. I’m due a dealer would have better equipment. Thank you!

 

Does the plastic trim cover on the climate control just pull straight off or is there any attachment.screws?
I don’t want to crack/break the trim cover trying to remove it?
Can somebody please explain the correct way to remove the trim cover.
And any idea on if the main climate control unit is readily available & approx. cost for a new r used unit?
Thanks!
Thanks

 

The left edge of the climate control panel passes behind the panel that surrounds the steering column. Similarly, the left edge of that panel passes behind the small faux wood trim piece. Therefore, these 3 parts must be removed in the order shown.
It has been several years since I removed my radio (to install a Bluetooth module), and I do not remember if there were screws retaining the hidden left panel edges. If there are, it should be obvious once those panel edges are exposed.


There are 13 blind clip fasteners retaining the climate control panel. A set nylon trim removal tools are almost indispensable.

 

I have the replacement climate cont. module now so I may just try replacing it & see if it functions correctly. Are as you stated the errors are in the main cont. unit & only a dealer can read the error codes.
Would unpowering & repowering the battery oossibly clear the errors?
I will have to see if Autozone or Oreilly has the trim removal tools. But I should remove the trim in the order as you explained above?
I don’t see any diagram or attachment?
And wow it has 13 clips?
I thought it would be like a 5 min. quick replacement job!
Thanks for the help!

 

Battery disconnect may clear the error(s), but that solution will likely be temporary. The climate control performs a self-check each time you turn on the car. "Universal" OBD2 scanners usually cannot read those codes because they are Toyota-specific.



The sequence diagram I was referring to is attached to Post #2. Follow thee drawings from top to bottom. Foe all 3 pieces, I worked from left to right to open a gap, and then gradually making it wider until the clips release.



The proper trim removal tools are inexpensive. The set I have is similar to this:



[ame]https://www.amazon.com/GLISTON-Removal-Panel-Vehicle-Installer/dp/B07JVP1MRS/ref=sr_1_13?crid=15V69D5GRNRCP&keywords=auto+trim+removal+tools+kit&qid=1560601530&s=gateway&sprefix=auto+trim+removal+tools%2Caps%2C160&sr=8-13[/ame]


I know it is not much consolation, but the second time you remove the climate control panel, it will require less than 5 minutes.

 

I didn’t see the attached diagrams yet. But I will look them over. I sure thank you Inov8 for your awesome assistance on this problem. It’s a nuisance to have to go thru the climate control each time to reset the ac air temp & fan speed settings. Then the heater doesn’t work on even in the highest temp. setting!
I am thinking as you said, the main climate control unit is screwed up.
Where can I find a replacement, the approximate cost & how difficult is it to replace it under the dash?
Again thank you!!!

 

Private message sent.


A wrecking yard may the most cost effective source for a replacement part. I do not have any information regarding the cost. My approach would be to check the cost from a mail order discount dealer parts department (I think one is a TN Forims sponsor), and then try to negotiate with the wrecking yard beginning at half that price.

 

I will check out the salvage yards & auto parts suppliers for a climate control main unit. Otherwise I will consider bringing it to a Toyota dealership to have the system checked. I’ll let you know later what I am able to do with it.
Thank you!

 

There was a thread here, where someone had an Avalon with very similar problems,

for example, the climate system reset itself on each start. I wish I could remember it better.
I seem to remember the fix was surprisingly easy.



Suggest you sit down and force yourself to put in an hour or more, using the search function. Good Luck !!

 

I will definitely have to start searching for that thread! And see what the solution was to this type of problem.
Thank you for pointing me in the right direction!!
I’ll let you know if I do find that post/thread.

 

Big help needed! 2005 Avalon XLS climate control panel

Now the driver side air vents are blowing very hot air while the passenger side is blowing cold a/c air ????
What is the cause of this extreme air temp. difference? Is it the main climate control unit? Where can I find a replacement unit immediately?
What should I do to get this corrected asap? Should I take it to the Toyota dealer?
Thanks!

 

I took my Avalon to a local Toyota dealership & after 2 hrs. of a $179 diagnosis, the AC amplifier seems to be the cause of the non retaining ac setting problem. Also it was determined that the AC amp is not actuating the servo motors per no signal either into or out of the AC amp. The dealership repair quote was for $459 parts & labor to replace the AC amp.
Is there any other Toyota OEM parts source that I buy a replacement AC amp?
Can I possibly do the AC amp replacement?
I know the AC amp is located under the dash on the pass. side behind the glove compartment. Is this just a plug & replace module or is it a complicated installation requiring dealership service programming & equipment to install?
I would appreciate your help!
Thanks Guys!

 

Aside from tight working conditions, does not appear to be difficult to access and remove.

 

Inov8, I just had the Avalon ac system leak checked & it has an evaporator core leak.
The repair quote is $2500 to replace it!
Now I need to find out how to remove the Avalon dashboard to access the evap. core.
That’s the biggest obstacle to this repair work.
I know how to do auto AC work so I can get the ac system properly recharged afterward.
I’m sure I will also need to replace the ac drier accumulator & expansion valve, then vacuum & recharge the ac system.
Please send me some info.on removing the dashboard & how much time will it take to pull the dash? I don’t have any idea of how long this work will require?
I was also told I need to replace both front lower control arms per worn out rubber bushings & ball joints. Is this a common occurrence on Avalons?
So now I just have to find out if I have to remove the front struts before the lower control arms can then be safely removed?
I do appreciate all of your help on these things!
Thanks

 

You may be approaching the point (or perhaps have already reached it) where the total cost of repairs exceeds the value of the car. Some math may be the next step before proceeding further.


I will post the instrument panel disassembly info and send you a link in a private message. I do not know how much time is required but it certainly looks like more than a one day project for someone who has not done it before.


I think the ball joints can be replaced without completely removing the lower control arms. In their infinite wisdom, Toyota located some of the lower control arm mounting bolts UNDER the engine mounts. Factory-recommended procedure is to remove the engine and transaxle completely, then remove the engine mounts, to unbolte the control arms. Some (real) mechanics who post here say it can be done by jacking up the engine, but even this shortcut may require disconnecting the exhaust system and driveshafts. Others have posted unanticipated difficulties with driveshaft removal (use the forum Search function; keyword: driveshaft).


As you can gather, concerns about whether or not the strut must be removed are comparatively trivial.



Here is the factory list of steps for left side ball joint removal:

1. REMOVE FRONT WHEEL
2. REMOVE FRONT AXLE HUB LH NUT (SST 09930-00010 REQUIRED)
3. DISCONNECT SPEED SENSOR FRONT LH
4. DISCONNECT FRONT DISC BRAKE CALIPER ASSY LH
5. REMOVE FRONT DISC
6. DISCONNECT TIE ROD ASSY LH (SST 09628-6201 1)
7. DISCONNECT FRONT SUSPENSION ARM SUB-ASSY LOWER NO.1 LH
8. REMOVE FRONT AXLE ASSY LH
9. REMOVE LOWER BALL JOINT ASSY FRONT
(9a) Remove the cotter pin and castle nut.
(9b) Using SST, remove the lower ball joint assy front LH (SST 09628-6201 1)

 

Wow! The bolts that I will have to remove is under the motor mounts!
I do have to replace the complete front control arms & ball joints per wear according to Firestone otherwise that is causing undue wear on my tires & they refuse to do a frt. end alignment as is. The Avalon has 143,000 miles.
I do have a portable engine hoist.
I just don’t know how to disconnect/remove the frt. wheel drive driveshaft.
That figures that the frt. end work & ac evap. replacement is two of the most difficult & time consuming jobs!
I have done several frt. end jobs & even an ac evap. replacement, pulling the dash before on a 94 Chev. pickup truck.
But those were a cakewalk compared to what this will take!
I wonder if YouTube has any videos on these repairs on a ‘05?
Please send me the info. on these by private message.
Thank you Inov8!