2003-2004 KJ HVAC control panel interchange?

[Bibbt]

Is it possible to replace the 2003 Liberty HVAC control panel with one from a 2004? The panel on a 2003 doesn't have a separate compressor on/off button like the 2004 version. I would really like to do this upgrade if possible.

These early Liberties are plentiful in Texas junk yards so would be easy and cheap to buy the newer panel and any wiring harness pieces it might need. When I first got the vehicle I was shocked that there wasn't an independent A/C button. Every other vehicle I've owned has had one.

Thanks for any info from someone that might have already done this.

Bibb in San Antonio

 

[LibertyTC]

My 2004 does not have the separate A/C button beside the rear window defogger button.
It is the 2005 model that you are looking for that does have it.
How does that integrate? I do not know, as there must be a change in the system for that new feature to work IDK..

 

[Bibbt]

Wow, thanks for the fast reply. Didn’t realize this was on 2005 models. Thanks for letting me know. Maybe I should change the title of my question.

Bibb in San Antonio

My 2004 does not have the separate A/C button beside the rear window defogger button.
It is the 2005 model that you are looking for that does have it.
How does that integrate? I do not know, as there must be a change in the system for that new feature to work IDK..

 

[LibertyTC]

The title is fine and the 05 model explains the panel correctly.

 

[adamkrz]

Be aware that the 05 panel will cycle the compressor even when not called for. not sure why but that is why I took it out of my 04 liberty and kept the original.

 

[JeepJeepster]

I put a unit from a 2005 in my 2004 so I could control the A/C as as I liked.

It will turn the A/C on when you select the floor position, Defrost/floor, and pure defrost. To fix this, you can take the unit apart and place tape on the contacts for whatever positions you do not want to come on. I did have a thread here but I imagine the photos are gone since I used crapbucket.