My 2003 is plagued with the stuck radio/climate control issue. I'm in the process of installing a new head unit into my 2003, and I have the parts on order. The Florida sun is brutal so I plan on working on the car under a tent whenever I get the chance to work on it "I'll simply drive it out of the garage and back it under a large tent to stay out of the sun." I plan on swapping out the head unit with a Scosche head unit with AC controls and an ATOTO radio with backup camera, external mic, and remote controls.

A few questions I have are:

1. If remove the head unit and turn on the car, the will the AC turn on to my prior setting? I'm guessing no but thought I'd ask .
2. If I plug in the replacement Scosche climate controls and let it dangle/hang or rest on a towel, will the AC controls work while I'm making repairs with the trim off?

I just got this vehicle, and I'm excited to make a few repairs myself, but do wish I had a few locals "I'm in the South Florida area" who could help me along the way. It's been a long time since I've been squeezed inside of a car console. I've also heard due to the age of the vehicle and possible sun damage to the trim, the trim is delicate so I am a little worried.

Make it a great day and happy 4th.

DP

Firstly, you need to unplug your battery anytime you're doing this kind of work so...

Just get an extension cord and plug in a fan.

I strongly recommend moving the seats all the way to the rear and lay them back quite a bit, helps to have the extra room, same thing with the steering wheel if you have the automatic adjuster, set it up high and out of the way.

Can I still drive the car with the head unit off or with only the AC controls installed? Will I get AC?

Yes you can drive, you won't have AC or most of your instrument cluster working though.

I remember unplugging the AC controls would automatically cause the fan blower to come on.