Cold Weather HVAC Control & Display Issue

Anyone ever experience this? Temp was -21oC and the fan/heater didn't fire up until the display light up after approx 1min. When the heater finally started up, all of the settings were reset (temp, mode, fan level...).

I have it booked in for an appointment at the dealer nxt week but wouldn't mind seeing how common this HVAC control failure is.... I've had the truck 2 years and this issue just crept up now.

https://youtube.com/shorts/7PXKXZ7SAU4?feature=share

 

I have an SR5 without a display there, but slow LED response is normal in super cold Alberta winters. Toyota used an old style LED that is super reliable that long term but does take some time to warm up.

@PRO BLANCO @Outbound @BravoDeltaRomeo @Cpl_Punishment @Wrongside - I think few of you have the auto climate control - experienced something similar?

 

I wouldn't be quick to respond in -21° temps either...

 

I do NOT have auto climate. My wife has it in her Rav4. I'm not a fan of it.

My LED screen for the factory head unit/stereo does surprisingly well in -20. It's only when it's -40 overnight, that it becomes a bit sluggish on startup.

 

Extra respect for adding the degree ° symbol to your reply @texasrho83

For those on iOS, long tap the zero on the keyboard.

 

Android fo lyfe

 

Good for you! Admitting you have a problem is the first step.

 

If on a PC you can also press and hold the Alt key then type 0176 and release the Alt key.

 

-40°C I can see, but low 20s is a bit unusual especially given the change in behaviour at that warm of a temp. We’ll see what the dealer says, probably try to say it’s perfectly normal.

Problem is when it does this and you remote start the truck, the heat settings at worst isn’t on and at best get’s reset… manipulating the buttons seems to get the display to light up, I’d have to see how long if you just leave it be.

 

Great tip. Never knew this.

 

I quit Apple after I saw this

I have 99 problems but Apple ain't one.

 

I dumped them when they took away the revolver emoji. Then Samsung did the same thing a year or two later. Pisses me off.

 

I don't have auto climate control either so can't help other than to second that I wonder if it's just slow LED screen response. I don't recall any issues with the infotainment screen in my truck but I haven't driven it in really cold temperatures for a while.

 

Currently 58° here today. Omfg. Thanks Pete.

 

Damnit. How the hell does my 15yo daughter already know that????

 

If she ever gives you sass about having to teach you how to use technology, just remind her that you had to teach her how to use a spoon.

 

She’s 15 that’s how!

 

I have the older style pro, so based on an SR5. I do not have the auto climate. Witch I like better as I’m old school
I did have something similar on my 4Runner. Was cold AF, turn it on and fan wasn’t turning on, so I hit the dash with my hand and the fan came on right away lol.

 

Everything that comes out her mouth is pure sass. I’d punch her in the face if she were my son. I asked her how she knew about the degree symbol. Her reply…. “Because I’m not stupid.” Little shit just called me stupid.

 

Lcd or led screen do not do well below 5 F. Most manufacturers will say that.

 

LOL. Always wondered how to get that!

My truck is SR5 trim level HVAC, I think.

 

I seriously hope I’m wrong, but I’m thinking you have the same issue I do. Mine will do the same thing…but when the display finally turns on, it only outputs to the defrost vents. They had to replace a “damper solenoid” something or other to fix it, but the same issue is back.

 

Dealer diagnosis was A/C amplifier. Parts ordered, stay tuned to see if that fixes the issue.

 

@splitfuse - any update?

 

@splitfuse any update? I'm having the same issue, dealer said it's just acting up and give it time to warm up......

 

Not sure if this helps, but I've been trying something different. The issue I have had appears to *specifically* happen when it's freakin cold outside...and while I'm not 100% sure, I've not been able to duplicate.

I notice that ANY LCD/LED screen moves slower and the like when it's cold as hell outside...so I've ensured the HVAC system is off each time I stop the truck before I turn it off. Since I've been doing that, I've had no issues turning the truck on, waiting a few seconds, then turning the HVAC system on to warm things up inside.

Part of me is annoyed that it happens at all, but honestly it maybe happens 2-3 times a *year* and if this helps at all...it's something I can handle. I can tell you this, though - if I ever buy another Tundra, it'll have manual controls, if at all possible. Everyone I've spoken to with this issue has the dual climate control system with the little LCD screen, etc.

@splitfuse - I watched your video above. That is EXACTLY what has been happening to mine. You can read up on my thread here. In my case, they replaced the 'damper servo subassembly' after researching it...but the issue came back. Since trying the stuff I mention above, it's come back...but if I ensure the HVAC system is off every time I turn off the truck, it *seems* to forestall it from happening again.

 

Thanks @Kung I tried your method and that seemed to work, agree it is not ideal especially when trying to warm the cab up in -30C without having to go out and turn the HVAC controls back on.

 

Well yeah, that is the one downside. For me it's no big deal as my truck is like 20' from the front door, but yeah, it's not optimal. More optimal than not having the feet/face vents work at all, though. LOL

 

Good Info that I will have to try. I have had mine do it twice this winter and it was very cold both times. When it happens it seems like I have no control at all and the system dose what ever it wants as far as directing the heat. Most of the air seems to come out the vents and the side vents for the windows. None at all to the floor. Next time you start the truck all is good.