FCA US L.L.C. reports that the HVAC systems on some 2011-14 Chrysler Town & Country and Grand Caravan minivans may blow cold air intermittently regardless of the temperature setting on the control panel.
According to the car maker, the problem afflicts only vehicles with dual-zone or three-zone manual temp systems built on or before May 23, 2014, and is most likely due to software gremlins in the HVAC control module. Flashing the module with updated software is the only reliable fix.
Check with a dealer for the specifics of the flash.
"Factory Fixes" is written by Jim DePalma, a 30-year veteran of the auto repair business who has served stints as a service manager, parts manager and ASE-certified technician. His column provides vehicle manufacturers' authentic factory technical service bulletins (TSBs) that have been condensed for easier reading. Mr. DePalma advises that techs always check with a dealer or repair information system for the latest revisions before starting to work on a vehicle. He can be reached via e-mail at [email protected].