Forester Climate Control Fix

[samiam_68]

Check this out:
http://www.geocities.com/samiam_68/SubaruCCS/SSC_Fix.htm

 

[Xtranet]

Check this out:
http://www.geocities.com/samiam_68/SubaruCCS/SSC_Fix.htm

I congratulate you, however some thoughts to improve on your product.

1. Get a 12V fan. The 12V fan will take the vehicle's 14.4V charging voltage.

or

2. Your voltage convertor box/wiring is overkill. You can save on costs by
using a awg closer to that of the fan wiring. If you need to step the
voltage down to the needed fan voltage, all it would take is an npn
transistor, 5.6V zener, and resistor. You can probably get rid of the
box and just mount it on the fan.

Best of luck on your endeavor.

 

[Chris Phillipo]

I congratulate you, however some thoughts to improve on your product.

1. Get a 12V fan. The 12V fan will take the vehicle's 14.4V charging voltage.

or

2. Your voltage convertor box/wiring is overkill. You can save on costs by
using a awg closer to that of the fan wiring. If you need to step the
voltage down to the needed fan voltage, all it would take is an npn
transistor, 5.6V zener, and resistor. You can probably get rid of the
box and just mount it on the fan.

Best of luck on your endeavor.

Can this sensor simply be relocated?

 

[samiam_68]

I wouldn't try relocating the sensor - it is very delicate. If I move it,
it might break, and I'm sure the warranty won't cover that.

As far as voltage, I could not find a 12 V fan that small, only a 5 V.
Mounting anything on the fan itself is impossible - it is smaller than a
penny in size - hence the box was neccessary.

 

[Skweezieweezie]

all it would take is an npn
Actually, all it would take is a LM7805
5-volt fixed regulator. The connections
could be heat-shrinked up for the smallest,
neatest package.

The fan is available from DigiKey for about
$20. You should be able to get the regulator
for about $2 from the 'Shack.

I would put a piece of loosely woven cloth
over the fan as a filter to prevent the usual
assortment of dust and stuff from getting into
the sensor.

 

[spider]

I would say you have probably already voided the warranty with your little
modification.

 

[Xtranet]

Actually, all it would take is a LM7805
5-volt fixed regulator. The connections
could be heat-shrinked up for the smallest,
neatest package.

I agree, however the TO-220 size is significant and the
costs are marginally more expensive. Glueing it to the
body of the fan (imho) would be better. Either way would
be fine and both acheive the same result.

Of course, there are the smt v-reg's, but I guess we're
getting off topic.

 

[Jerre Bassler]

Don't you think this is something that Subaru should fix for everyone???
This along with the rattle in the dash and auto dim mirror that I just
hate.

 

[DG]

It may interest you that my Volvo has a similarly placed sensor and it has a
small fan in it like yours does now!

 

[samiam_68]

Many cars have fans over sensors. This is the RIGHT way to do climate
control. Subaru uses some idiotic venturi suction principle, which
obviously doesn't work.

 

[BBB]

I would say you have probably already voided the warranty with your little
modification.

A warranty isn't of much value when faced with what appears to be a
fundamental design error.

 

[GTT]

Good point, for it the climate control system does not work,
there is a malfunction.

I hate to bring it up again, maybe I'll be sorry if mine quits
working, but those two features were "on the car" when I bought
it and I did not have any option if I wanted that car/color/style.
I figured I'd like the climate control, but I hate the darned mirror.

I've learned that the climate control system in my car works just
fine, if I can keep my mitts off it until it stabilizes.

I've also learned to my extreme pleasure that the mirror works
better than I could have ever imagined! I love it.

I do have that rattle, however, on a certain type of road. Nothing
is perfect, I guess.

 

[Michael Smith]

I tried to email you. but i am having trouble. email keeps bouncing
back to me.

I am looking for pricing info,etc.

thanks,

Mike