It seems like every time it rains and I try to use my front defroster I receive a Climate Control System Error. I try to shut off the air and turn it back on but the error stays unless I shut off my vehicle. The A/C won't work either. It's very annoying and a bit dangerous as we are getting some pretty heavy rains here in FL.

Any idea what could be causing this and what I should do? I have replaced the cabin air filter twice myself. I am not sure if that affects the issue or not.

 

Front defroster turns on the AC. Silly question in FL, but is your AC functional otherwise?

I would venture a guess that the HVAC control that changes air routing has an issue.
Can you set HVAC to Feet and Windshield setting? Or does it generate the same error?

Also, what is the year and mileage on the vehicle?

 

Does the error pop up immediately when you switch to defrost or does it take a few mins? Is it possible that the AC evaporator is icing over? I would try running recirc when it rains, it may help a little to pull in drier air to prevent icing on the evaporator. Not sure if the RX allows defrost with recirc though, some vehicles don't.

 

I have a 2011 RX350. My mileage is around 88K. The a/c works fine any other time. I'll try the recirculated air next time and see if that helps.

 

Justhad this climate error and changing the air filter fixed it.