Base XLT; want to add dual zone climate control

I'm eventually going to upgrade to this https://www.infotainment.com/collections/all/products/
2015-2017-ford-expedition-4-to-8-sync-3-touchscreen-upgrade?variant=5148365389860 which has the dual zone and auto climate controls. The short answer to why do this comes down to cost; we are stuck with it (we don't have the extra $10k laying around to replace it, and definitely can't swing a new one, which I would love). If we can get this to work it would make her extremely happy.

The connections are there, and it includes a replacement HVAC module. However, dual zone will not work with this, and I'm trying to figure out why. Does it have to do with the heater box itself, wiring, or computer? Is it something simple to make work, or is it involved? GM has different control modules that may or may not include features (such as remote start) which cannot be otherwise programmed without replacing the module. I'm wondering if Ford does the same. If it's a computer issue can I just swap out a module from a more equipped model and make it work?

Another forum asked this question in regards to the Super Duties, but (like most of these threads) went way off track about how nice the XLT premium package is, not really answering the original question.

Otherwise, we're upgrading everything on the cheap; junkyard Limited or KR seats 20's will do wonders to renew our enthusiasm. The heat and cool buttons are included with the panel, and it would be nice to have those, as well. I also like the Explorer heated wheel upgrade; may or may not try it.

The dual zone has two blend doors one for each side. IMO the option wasn’t worth the money to begin with new why add it later. Would be a lot of work for more headache. Another blend door actuator to act up and another module to break. The whole “dual zoning” is kind of a fallacy, your sitting 1 foot from the next in a tin box, the air is mixing.

JExpedition07 said:

The dual zone has two blend doors one for each side. IMO the option wasn’t worth the money to begin with new why add it later. Would be a lot of work for more headache. Another blend door actuator to act up and another module to break. The whole “dual zoning” is kind of a fallacy, your sitting 1 foot from the next in a tin box, the air is mixing.

Click to expand...

Couldn't have said it any better

I for one love dual zone, the wife likes to be sitting in an icebox (65°) and I am comfortable at 72°. It works perfectly for us and she can keep that damn frigid air on her side of the Expy.

Sounds like a lot of work. However, if I do the conversion at least I will know how to fix it if something breaks (always a positive).

I considered this on my old XLT but haven't seen anyone attempt this upgrade. The entire HVAC plenum assembly will need to be swapped. That requires pulling the entire dash out and there will be some work under the hood as well. Not easy! There's also a key module that has to be integrated into the vehicle network and I have no idea how difficult the programming would be for that part.

Also, many people criticize the fan control on the ECC version. It often has the blower going too fast and the speed can change dramatically. Many people have said they prefer the manual controls as they are easier to use.

Finally, the person who mentioned the blend door is absolutely right. The manual HVAC BDA is easy to replace (and they tend to fail much more often than they should). On the ECC model, the passenger blend door is as easy, but the driver's side is a nightmare to get at.

I understand though that you want the SYNC system with the touchscreen. I finally have this in my new truck and I love it. But, IMHO it may be easier and more practical to just buy an XLT with the 202A package than to attempt this particular upgrade.

There's much written about this swap on the F150 forums. The conclusion is that it's virtually never done because of the work needed behind the dash. Then there's the programming to do, which is hit or miss at best. And, from someone who has both a limited and an XLT, the electronic temperature control sucks. It blows like a typhoon whenever it wants and is buggy.

If you want a challenge though, this would be a good one. The XLT's don't have the needed wiring for the sensors, so you'll also need a donor harness.

Keep us posted.

@Trainmaster damn you make it sound so complicated, LoL I'd do just it just for the hell of it, it isn't even close to how half the complicated crap our wives put us through in comparison... and by the sound of it the OP's wife is got him in a double whammy now, endure the angry wife complaining about air temperature or the agony of swapping HVAC units.... hehehe this is gonna be entertaining to watch!