This is a easy modification that only requires minimal wiring.
Origin and several pictures of the modification credit to Spannerhead ( Matt S) of mx6.com
Why do this modification? Aesthetics. This climate control operates the same as the stock climate control, but features rotary knobs instead of sliders. It gives a more modern look to your dashboard. Otherwise, functions are all the same. This climate control even fits in the factory location without modification.
What do you need? You will need a Climate control from a 98 to 2002 626 (sixth gen). They can be found in junk yards and used on ebay for anywhere from $20-70. Its ideal to find a unit with a factory connector for the fan control switch still attached to it, but isnt necessary if you have some soldering equipment.
The Fan Switch Connector
The fan switch connector on the mx6 is larger then the connector from the 626, This will require modification to connect the 626 fan switch to your car. There are several ways to do this.
If you received a climate control with a pigtail connector still attached for the fan switch, you can either cut your mx6 connecter off and hardwire it, or use jumper wires.
Jumper Wire Solution
This method uses common electrical spade terminal connectors and a 626 fan switch pigtail. You will need a few lengths of wire in the gauge similar to what the oem connector already has. Simply crimp/solder your wire lengths to the 626 pigtail, and on the other end crimp on spade connectors. The spade connectors then can be inserted in the mx6 oem fan pigtail connector.
Wire Code for making a jumper connector:
Hard Wire Solution
This method will require either barrel crimp connectors or soldering. If you have the 626 fan control pigtail, you can simple use the barrel crimp connectors (or solder) to wire the 626 pigtail your mx6 wire harness.
If you do not have the 626 fan control pigtail, what I have done is solder the wires direct to the fan switch. Doing this means you will not be able to remove the climate control entirely from the car at any point if you hardwire direct to the car harness, So i recommend using a weatherpack connector or equivalent in combination with this wiring.
HVAC Memory
This last wiring modification could be optional if you choose. The 626 has a memory feature that will recall the HVAC’s last setting. Without this modification, every time the car is turned off and on again, the climate control will default to defrost setting. With the modification, it will default to whatever is was set to previously.
What is needed is a 12vt battery power to the smaller blue connector that plugs into the climate control. You can find this power source at the connector for the stereo and can simply be tapped into. The position the wire needs to be in on the blue connector is open.
You will need to depin an oem connector with an unused wire to use on the blue connector.
Then pin the blue connector in this position.
Finishing that, your climate control should be complete. Give it a test run before assembling your dash.
