Replacing ac logicon with toggle switches
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Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 28
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From: Los Angeles, CA
Replacing ac logicon with toggle switches
Let me start by saying that I am a novice at wiring and electrical systems.
So I have removed the heater and a/c from my 88 Turbo and to clean up the interior I want to replace the a/c logicon with toggle switches. I intend do simplify the controls to 3 switches:
-Fan (Off/Full On)
-Defrost/Vent
-Cabin Air Recirculation (On/Off)
I have removed the logicon from the car already and this is where I need some guidance. Am I oversimplifying things if I assume that I can get rid of the logicon completely and wire the switches from the harness? I'm willing to do some reading/research, just need some direction.
So I have removed the heater and a/c from my 88 Turbo and to clean up the interior I want to replace the a/c logicon with toggle switches. I intend do simplify the controls to 3 switches:
-Fan (Off/Full On)
-Defrost/Vent
-Cabin Air Recirculation (On/Off)
I have removed the logicon from the car already and this is where I need some guidance. Am I oversimplifying things if I assume that I can get rid of the logicon completely and wire the switches from the harness? I'm willing to do some reading/research, just need some direction.
I assume that "removing the heater and AC" means you removed the heater core and the AC evaporator (or whatever that interior rad thing is called) but left the HVAC enclosures intact...because you'll need them.
The problem you face is that the FC uses electric actuators to switch between modes (where the air is directed) and your switches could get quite complicated trying to duplicate the various combinations.
Fear not though, I have a solution.
As usual, Miata is the answer.
Specifically, the NB (1999-2005) Miata.
You'll want the entire HVAC system and the control panel.
This system is completely cable activated- well, except the fan, obvs...- and dead simple to install.
No, I don't know specifically how difficult such a swap into the FC would be (although I suspect quite simple) but I just finished grafting the Miata HVAC into a '77 Z and it was pretty straightforward.
Trying to duplicate the Logicon's electronic switching with simple on/off switches would be hellish IMO, the Miata system eliminates the necessity.
The problem you face is that the FC uses electric actuators to switch between modes (where the air is directed) and your switches could get quite complicated trying to duplicate the various combinations.
Fear not though, I have a solution.
As usual, Miata is the answer.
Specifically, the NB (1999-2005) Miata.
You'll want the entire HVAC system and the control panel.
This system is completely cable activated- well, except the fan, obvs...- and dead simple to install.
No, I don't know specifically how difficult such a swap into the FC would be (although I suspect quite simple) but I just finished grafting the Miata HVAC into a '77 Z and it was pretty straightforward.
Trying to duplicate the Logicon's electronic switching with simple on/off switches would be hellish IMO, the Miata system eliminates the necessity.
I assume that "removing the heater and AC" means you removed the heater core and the AC evaporator (or whatever that interior rad thing is called) but left the HVAC enclosures intact...because you'll need them.
The problem you face is that the FC uses electric actuators to switch between modes (where the air is directed) and your switches could get quite complicated trying to duplicate the various combinations.
Fear not though, I have a solution.
As usual, Miata is the answer.
Specifically, the NB (1999-2005) Miata.
You'll want the entire HVAC system and the control panel.
This system is completely cable activated- well, except the fan, obvs...- and dead simple to install.
No, I don't know specifically how difficult such a swap into the FC would be (although I suspect quite simple) but I just finished grafting the Miata HVAC into a '77 Z and it was pretty straightforward.
Trying to duplicate the Logicon's electronic switching with simple on/off switches would be hellish IMO, the Miata system eliminates the necessity.
The problem you face is that the FC uses electric actuators to switch between modes (where the air is directed) and your switches could get quite complicated trying to duplicate the various combinations.
Fear not though, I have a solution.
As usual, Miata is the answer.
Specifically, the NB (1999-2005) Miata.
You'll want the entire HVAC system and the control panel.
This system is completely cable activated- well, except the fan, obvs...- and dead simple to install.
No, I don't know specifically how difficult such a swap into the FC would be (although I suspect quite simple) but I just finished grafting the Miata HVAC into a '77 Z and it was pretty straightforward.
Trying to duplicate the Logicon's electronic switching with simple on/off switches would be hellish IMO, the Miata system eliminates the necessity.
I've been thinking about a similar swap to what OP is intending to do. I am not running AC on my FC (mainly because the weather here in northern VA is cool enough for me, except the sumertime, which is like 3 months of the entire year) I am contemplating this swap, MAINLY because I am tired of the dealing with the FC electrical system (and plastics).
MECP Certified Installer
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 3,176
Likes: 3
From: Mesquite, TX-DFW
The recirculate and temp control motors are stepping motors, thus requiring a logic circuit to operate ( I wonder where the term logicon came from!). You cannot just replace the system with on and off switches because it won't work.
You'll either need to fab up something mechanical or retain the logicon.
You'll either need to fab up something mechanical or retain the logicon.
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MECP Certified Installer
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 3,176
Likes: 3
From: Mesquite, TX-DFW
The only other thing I would think the OP would need to do is use an old school blower motor resistor since he'll lose the fan speed control of the logicon.
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 31,833
Likes: 3,232
From: https://www2.mazda.com/en/100th/
this doesn't really fix the stepper motor thing, but its not too hard to just fix the stock stuff
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 29,798
Likes: 128
From: London, Ontario, Canada
Don't see why not either. Controlling the blower speed would be fairly easy. There are loads of 12V PWM controllers on eBay either fully assembled or in kit form.
Jeez guys, why so difficult?
The Miata control panel already has the three required cables (fresh/recirc air, mode and temp) and the fan switch will plug right in to your stock FC blower assembly. It's basically the same size as a logicon and should be fairly simple to mount in the FC centerstack.
No need to reinvent the wheel here.
The Miata control panel already has the three required cables (fresh/recirc air, mode and temp) and the fan switch will plug right in to your stock FC blower assembly. It's basically the same size as a logicon and should be fairly simple to mount in the FC centerstack.
No need to reinvent the wheel here.
Jeez guys, why so difficult?
The Miata control panel already has the three required cables (fresh/recirc air, mode and temp) and the fan switch will plug right in to your stock FC blower assembly. It's basically the same size as a logicon and should be fairly simple to mount in the FC centerstack.
No need to reinvent the wheel here.
The Miata control panel already has the three required cables (fresh/recirc air, mode and temp) and the fan switch will plug right in to your stock FC blower assembly. It's basically the same size as a logicon and should be fairly simple to mount in the FC centerstack.
No need to reinvent the wheel here.
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