HVAC control panel not works (Cougar & Mondeo)

[V6cougar2.5]

Hello everybody !

the HVAC control panel of my Cougar does not works (is the LCD european style, see picture below). This HVAC control panel was also equipped in the Mondeo mk1 and mk2.

The last weeks, the HVAC control panel worked perfectly in the mornings (cold exterior temperature), but in the afternoons after several hours under the sun, the HVAC control panel does not worked.

Finally this week, the HVAC control panel does not works anymore.


When I turn the knobs and press the buttons, it does nothing:
- the LCD screen show nothing.
- the illumination of the LCD screen is always off (even if I turn on the headlights).
- the blower does nothing.
- the AC clutch compressor not activates.


I have checked (including a wiggle test) all the fuses of the two fusebox (specially the fuses number 23, 34 and 37 related to heater blower and AC system) and is all Ok.

I have checked also the blue color relay R3 (related to AC) and replaced it with a new one. The relay works ok (activates when I turn on ignition switch) but in becomes very hot after 5 minutes of turn the key of the start switch.

I have do a wiggle test of the rear connectors and cables of the HVAC control panel, but still not works.

I have replaced the HVAC control with another used one, and still not works.


Please, has anyone had the same problem?
Any help will be appreciated.

Thanks in advance and sorry for my bad English.



My car is a 1998 Ford Cougar 2.5 manual transmission.
This is my HVAC control panel: