Technical Heater problems

[Fistral]

I own a 2007 1.9 Multijet and am having heater problems. It's very intermittent, being off one minute and blowing at full blast the next, but is off more than on. It may possibly be a loose cable as it worked fine for a while when I slammed the storage door - very high tech I know - but seems to be getting worse. I've also noticed this morning that the heater dashboard display lights are off or very dim, as are two of the three display lights above them. Any idea what might be causing this, and is it something easy to get to and resolve?

 

[Bernievarian]

Probably the (in)famous loose / corroded / melted connector issue …

BRs, Bernie

If someone here helped You fix -or better, understand- your issue, hit the thanks icon @ bottom right corner, it's free and makes us feel helpy ;-)

 

[portland_bill]

I think this is the shared platform with the Corsa D. The Corsa initially had a lot of issues with the fan motor seizing and many were replaced early in the car's life.

When the motor slows, the current goes up, and this could be a cause of burnt terminals. I seem to remember that once the glovebox is out, access is OK. Check the terminals as suggested, but it is also worthwhile removing the motor and checking the bearings for free movement. Last time I looked, motors were on Ebay at acceptable prices.

 

[Fistral]

Thanks - Is that a major issue or one that can be sorted fairly easily by ordering a new part?

 

[Fistral]

I think this is the shared platform with the Corsa D. The Corsa initially had a lot of issues with the fan motor seizing and many were replaced early in the car's life.

When the motor slows, the current goes up, and this could be a cause of burnt terminals. I seem to remember that once the glovebox is out, access is OK. Check the terminals as suggested, but it is also worthwhile removing the motor and checking the bearings for free movement. Last time I looked, motors were on Ebay at acceptable prices.

Thanks - is it a straightforward job for a mechanic, any idea what a motor might cost from Europarts or something similar?

 

[portland_bill]

Thanks - Is that a major issue or one that can be sorted fairly easily by ordering a new part?

Thanks - is it a straightforward job for a mechanic, any idea what a motor might cost from Europarts or something similar?

It is a reasonably straightforward job for anyone mildly competent with spanners. The glovebox should come out easily, then it is all sitting behind it. There may be some discomfort with your head under the dash, and beware of any sharp edges.

A quick Ebay search found a new motor at around £45, used ones for less, but they may not last long. New resistors are there too, one with new wiring too.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/GENUINE-...h=item3f9a2ff7e6:g:VikAAOSwpwZbvykM:rk:3:pf:0
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Heater-B...h=item5d74b00810:g:8~MAAOSwe09ZnWQ9:rk:2:pf:0
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Vauxhall...h=item3d4b45a6e3:g:kSoAAOSwBV5aT9do:rk:6:pf:0

 

[Fistral]

Brilliant, thanks very much for your help.

 

[Fistral]

It is a reasonably straightforward job for anyone mildly competent with spanners. The glovebox should come out easily, then it is all sitting behind it. There may be some discomfort with your head under the dash, and beware of any sharp edges.

A quick Ebay search found a new motor at around £45, used ones for less, but they may not last long. New resistors are there too, one with new wiring too.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/GENUINE-...h=item3f9a2ff7e6:g:VikAAOSwpwZbvykM:rk:3:pf:0
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Heater-B...h=item5d74b00810:g:8~MAAOSwe09ZnWQ9:rk:2:pf:0
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Vauxhall...h=item3d4b45a6e3:g:kSoAAOSwBV5aT9do:rk:6:pf:0

Hi again, would the problem cause mainly cold air to be blown, and would I need all three parts you've shown on the eBay links?
Cheers again!

 

[Bernievarian]

Hi again, would the problem cause mainly cold air to be blown ?

The temperature adjustment on the GP is achieved by air flow control, NOT water flow ! If you get only cold air blown off the heater, either your coolant is cold (thermostat stuck open), or the air flap is locked in "cold" position, or coolant doesn't circulate in the exchanger ...

No relation with fan speed .

BRs, Bernie

If someone here helped You fix -or better, understand- your issue, hit the thanks icon @ bottom right corner, it's free and makes us feel helpy ;-)

 

[portland_bill]

Hi again, would the problem cause mainly cold air to be blown, and would I need all three parts you've shown on the eBay links?
Cheers again!

You seem to have two different problems.

Fan slow is either a wiring issue, or the motor seizing.
Cold air, is as said above.

No, you do not need all three parts.

If the fan motor is seizing, you need a new fan motor.
If the resistor pack is heat damaged, (its own heat, not from the heater), that needs replacing. Of the two I showed, one is a bare resistor pack, the other has included wiring as well. You'll need the wiring if yours is damaged.

Get the glovebox out and have a look. We can't see anything from here!

 

[Bernievarian]

Get the glovebox out and have a look. We can't see anything from here!

An Arduino, a cheap endoscope cam from Ali**** , a coupe of steppers and some 3D printed parts and we will soon be able to remote diagnose the car, a little more stuff and we'll fix it ! Be patient ;-)

BRs, Bernie