Every so often, the Radio/Electronic Climate control (integrated
control panel-ICP) on my 99 Taurus 'locks up'.   The air defaults to
blower high, hot  and defrost (a default for loss of vacuum), and the
panel is unresponsive (both radio and HVAC).  Turning OFF the engine
and restarting usually clears it.

It usually happens on a hot day when A/C is running, but has also
happened a few times when just running VENT.

When I first noticed it several years ago, I thought maybe there was a
loss of voltage to the ICP causing the lockup...and indeed I measured
10.5 V (engine off) going to it.  I cleaned a few connections and got
it up a volt or so.  Problem went away for awhile

It started to happen the end of last summer, and has been common this
year.  I will once again be checking the voltages...and this time the
grounds!

It's not a simple loss of vacuum...I've pulled the engine vacuum off;
the vents go to defrost but the panel never notices.

There are also the Remote Climate Control Module and the Rear Control
Unit (audio),  which tie in to the ICP on a common data bus.  This is
why I'm reluctant to swap out the ICP without further info.

Alldata indicates I should be able to initiate a self-test by pressing
OFF & FLOOR simultaneuosly, then AUTO within 2 seconds...no dice.

Suggestions????

Don

Don Byrer KJ5KB
Radar Tech & Smilin' Commercial Pilot Guy
Glider & CFI wannabe
kj5kb-at-hotmail.com

"I have slipped the surly bonds of earth; now if I can just land without bending the gear..."
"Watch out for those doves...<smack-smack-smack-smack...>"