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elwesso
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Well this is really a long story how this worked out, so bear with me.

Since I actually had a free weekend day (worked 40 hours in the last 2 weekends), I decided I was going to test my AC outlet temp so I can see if its in spec. While im poor, i gotta keep myself occupied with free stuff..

I go look for a thermometer, and the only one I had (one to measure the ambient temp, like you would have on your desk) was thrown away by my wonderful mother (happy mothers day! :D).

So my ghetto self siad "eureka, you can take one of your leftover plenum hoses (have a bagful) and put it over the ambient temp sensor (the speaker looking thing next ot the rear defrost button). I take off the button, and the thing in there (kinda looks like the MAF) is covered (CAKED) with dust and stuff like that..... Take a Qtip and some rubbing alcohol and wipe it CAREFULLY and let it dry.

Take the car out a bit later, at like 5 so the sun was shining right on me. HUGE DIFFERENCE, i normally had to have it set at 70, and my ears got cold so I had to put it up to 72...

I love free!

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AlabamaDan
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1998 Infiniti QX4

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How'd you take the button off? By the way, as far as the gas money goes...you've got 3/4 tank!
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elwesso
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That whole thing comes off, as an assembly. Stick a screwdriver in the sides (around the periphery) and pry it out. It pops right out, and youll see a hole, and a tube with the sensor in it.
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AZhitman
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Car: 58 L210, 63 Bluebird RHD, 64 NL320, 65 SPL310, 66 411 RHD, 67 WRL411, 68 510 SR20, 75 280Z RB25, 77 620 SR20, 79 B310, 90 Z32, 91 GTi-R, 92 Silvia Qs, 98 S14, 23 Z.
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COOL!

Wes, if they gave Master Tech certification for real-life experience, you'd be well on your way to earning it!
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AlabamaDan
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1998 Infiniti QX4

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I'm gonna try it tonight! Keep those FREE tips coming Ol' Wes Ol' buddy!!!
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elwesso
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Tested again, on the way home from school.... Here are the results...

The car was heatsoaking in the sun all day. 85 after 2 mins of running the car...

Again, on my way home (after about 2 mins of driving, 12 min total trip), my ears were cold AGAIN so I had to turn down the vents.

w0000000t!
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Jesda
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I think your results are biased because you have big ears.

OH SSSSSSSNNAP! :D
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AZhitman
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LOL - SNAP!!!!!
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Q451990
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elwesso wrote:That whole thing comes off, as an assembly. Stick a screwdriver in the sides (around the periphery) and pry it out. It pops right out, and youll see a hole, and a tube with the sensor in it.


Or just remove the entire bezel around the radio, window controls, etc.

Heath
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elwesso
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Thats too much work for this... Ive tried it, its not fun times, I gave up on it.

Its 30 mins vs 30 seconds!
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squeefoo
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Car: 1990 Infiniti Q45
1994 Nissan Maxima SE
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Pry it off from the right side, once its up about 3/16 - 1/4 it'll pop up - tangs are on the left side. BTW my sensor was totally jammed w/ crap; it hasn't worked yet this year and I feared the worst. Cleaned it this aft. Let you know.Good one Wes - Thanx!
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elwesso
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I was really surprised how caked mine was... Im going to go on a quest sometime to clean the other sensors, I always thought some of the other ones read a little warmer...
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90Q45blue
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The bezel that covers that piece also covers the radio and A/C head unit. It is by far the easiest of the dash trim pieces to get out. Takes about 5 minutes and a screwdriver.

Nick
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redmanfx
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Wes, what are you talking about here? I don't understand what you did or what sensor you covered up with a hose. How about a clue?

red
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squeefoo
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The inside air temp. sensor for the climate control. It's behind the screen next to the rear defog. switch.

BTW Cleaned out my Dad's too... not as bad and never has the roof open w/the air on. :) (120k vs. 160k)-Squee
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redmanfx
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OK, I'll have to check that out.

red
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AlabamaDan
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I tried to get mine off and was afraid I'd break it so I stopped. Was I doing it wrong? I just tried to pry it off.
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elwesso
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I like to pry from the bottom end first and then the sides. You wont break it, but be careful as I put a small slit in the leather on the dash where I got a little carried away...
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AlabamaDan
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1998 Infiniti QX4

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elwesso wrote:...I put a small slit in the leather on the dash where I got a little carried away...


:nono

ABUSER! We should report you to the Dept of Q45 Social Services!

That's exactly what I'm afraid off. Maybe I'll use my 3 year old son's plastic screwdriver set!:thinker
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elwesso
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You can hardly tell, Its not noticeable unless I would point it out.....

Best thing to do now that ive done it is to pry it a little and use your hands the rest.....
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maxnix
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Just the screen, or the whole surround? I would notice a slit.
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AlabamaDan
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I'm such a dumb @$$. After flaming Wes about nicking his leather pulling out that thing I did the same think! I stopped. I didn't even get it out. Thought it would be something easy and fun to tinker around with.

Anybody got that panel that goes around the radio and stuff in black, perfect condition for sale?

:mad:

Karma I guess. Sorry for the flaming Wes. I was only joking. I want my good karma back.
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Rex
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carstereohelp.com has the steps for doing the radio surround removal and it's not hard at all. I'll try this myself, but have never had any issue with the coldness of the air. That could be from driving 8 years with no AC before the Q :(.
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elwesso
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LOL.. The flaming is over...

I would do a macro shot of the thing I put in it, but my camera is deceased... :(
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maxnix
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So is it the whole surround, or just the screen?

Don't want any slits on my dash.
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AlabamaDan
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I never could get the little screen off. If you wanna try this, I recommend removing the whole surround.
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Jesda
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So does this actually work for anyone?
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elwesso
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IT worked for me...

If it doesnt work, you put in about 10 mins and $.05 for a Qtip and rubbing alcohol.. If your real careful, you wont put a slit on your dash. I get a little ancy sometimes and shoved the screwdriver in there.

Its the whole defroster switch I took off..... Ill do a writeup on it.....
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squeefoo
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The plastic bezel containing the screen and the switch - if you want a little insurance wrap the flat bladed screwdriver w/ masking tape about 3-4 wraps 1/4" back from the tip it's less likely to cut the leather then. It pops out pretty tough -another way is to use a smaller tool to lift it then a trim tool or small prytool w/a bent end a/k/a fulcrum to get it to pop(USE TAPE!).BTW my AC works awesome now!!! THANX ALOT Wes! :jump
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maxnix
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Thanks Squeefoo. I appreciate the accurate and complete response.__________________Brian1995 Q45 & Q45t & 2000 Q45

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