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VE Commodore - Smoke from HVAC unit, not working thereafter

MHK-4

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Hi all,

I'm having issues with my radio/head unit in my 2007 VE Calais V.

I recently purchased an aftermarket fascia kit (Aerpro FP9450) and installed it in my car. Once installation was completed and in the car for a couple of days, out of nowhere, a puff off smelly smoke came out of the aftermarket fascia HVAC unit. Since occurring, both my Alpine head unit nor the Aerpro fascia aren't powering on, which is via the radio connector (images attached).

Head unit still works as checked at Autobarn. Car fuses seem alright, none burnt. Test light shows there's some power from radio connector, but not all wires however.

Unfortunately I cannot revert to factory radio as it's damaged. I did try with my old Alpine VES1G2 wiring loom kit and the head unit and HVAC still don't power on. I've called up Aerpro and they can't assist other than providing me a replacement fascia unit.

The fact that smelly smoke from the Aerpro kit caused all this makes me fear that by that unit blowing up, it's caused further damage down the line - possibly to the radio connector and any else.

Does anyone have any feedback or tips for me to check? Is it a relay that I need to be looking for? Any basic troubleshooting like unplugging the battery that I'm missing? I pray it's something simple and not something major. I'm just an amateur but I've tried as far as I can guess. Otherwise off to the auto elec to get charged an arm and a leg!

Thanks in advanced,
Matthew
 

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Fu Manchu

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Getting voltages from all those pins won't be like in older cars. Voltage won't always be there unless the harness is plugged in. This is why back probing the harness plug with a multimeter is better.

I'd just grab the replacement from Aerpro, reinstall and away you go

There is a HVAC module in the passenger footwell. That will be down the track though.

You need to take emotion out of it. Move on with the solutions at hand and slowly fault find.

You won't be able to test the Module until the fascia is in.
 

MHK-4

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Getting voltages from all those pins won't be like in older cars. Voltage won't always be there unless the harness is plugged in. This is why back probing the harness plug with a multimeter is better.

I'd just grab the replacement from Aerpro, reinstall and away you go

There is a HVAC module in the passenger footwell. That will be down the track though.

You need to take emotion out of it. Move on with the solutions at hand and slowly fault find.

You won't be able to test the Module until the fascia is in.
Thanks for the response mate.

My old Alpine VES1G2 wiring loom kit should still work however, given it was operating before changing to the Aerpro unit. FYI, reason for change was my LCD on the Alpine kit was faulty.

Just tested it again and unplugged the battery to reboot the car but it still doesn’t want to power up. So surely it’s related to the radio connector and power?

Does the HVAC module power out through that radio connector?
 

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Fu Manchu

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Fu Manchu

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Contrary to myth, unplugging the battery wont reset the computer.

With what you have available, you need to test everything with a functioning hvac facia.

Because it’s aftermarket, you can’t get a diagnostic device onto it to see what’s wrong.

All I can suggest is get a HVAC module from the wreckers that matches your set up. ie single or dual zone. Swap it out. Will say it may well not resolve things.
 

Fu Manchu

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It’s all run by the BCM. That’s a world of hurt in terms of complexity.
 

MHK-4

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Yeah, certainly.

Being a DZ it might be that much harder to match up the numbers. Fortunately I worked at a wrecker for 5 years so I’ve got some pretty good contacts who should be able to help, even free of charge.

Could the HVAC actulator also be a problem? Seems they are two different parts.

Cheers again
 

Fu Manchu

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There are quite a few actuators.
They are located all over the HVAC unit.
The HVAC module is located in the intake ducting behind the glove box.
 

MHK-4

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Right, gotcha.

There’s a few articles here showing how to remove it so I’ll have a look into it.

It could be any of these modules/actulators, I’m gathering.

If these are faulty, will they show up on a professional scanning tool?
 

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No, because you don't have the factory HVAC controller (part of the headunit).

It might, but what you are likely to see is a code and "non communication with head unit" or similar.
 
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