Heater fan

[PhysDoc]

My heater fan has stopped working on the highest speed. Slow and intermediate are fine. Is the early type arrangement with Vauxhall rotary switch. Where are the resistors for the speed control? I plan to take my dashboard off this weekend to check the switch. Please someone tell me that they aren't in the motor; I don't fancy taking that out!!

[Steve_D]

PhysDoc said:

My heater fan has stopped working on the highest speed. Slow and intermediate are fine. Is the early type arrangement with Vauxhall rotary switch. Where are the resistors for the speed control? I plan to take my dashboard off this weekend to check the switch. Please someone tell me that they aren't in the motor; I don't fancy taking that out!!

The resistor pack is down at the motor but high speed will not be using any resistors so I doubt that is the problem.
before diving into the dash I would test the motor at the connector covered in carpet alongside the passenger footwell. Peel back the top edge of the carpet about 6" forward of the door post and find a 4 pin connector. On the side going to the motor there will be:-
Brown = High
Grey = Medium?
Blue = low?
Yellow = +12V ignition switched live

So to test the motor apply +12 to the Yellow wire then Ground each of the others in turn.
If they all work then the problem is in the switch or the wiring too it.

Steve

[PhysDoc]

Hi,

Thanks for the reply. Yeah, I know it won't be the resistors; my reasoning was that because the motor was working, if the resistor pack was in the dashboard and there were just two wires to the motor, I could eliminate any problems downstream of the resistors. But as there are 4 wires to the fan, I can't eliminate a problem with the connector or wiring near the motor etc.

I have to remove the dashboard anyway to repair/replace the speedometer; the odometer has packed up.

[QBee]

At what mileage has your odometer stuck? #9999?
They all do that sir, and it will suddenly release when you have given up waiting.

[Steve_D]

Not tried it or seen it done but giving the top of the dash a resounding thump whilst on the move is said to release it.
The alternative is sending it to Speedy Cables for a 'Long Wait'. 5 months mine took.

Steve

[PhysDoc]

Thanks,

It's been stuck on 59999 for a few months now. Have banged the dash, tapped the glass, flicked the reset button, but it's still stuck.

Going to tackle the fan tomorrow.

[PhysDoc]

Thanks,

It's been stuck on 59999 for a few months now. Have banged the dash, tapped the glass, flicked the reset button, but it's still stuck.

Going to tackle the fan tomorrow.

[PhysDoc]

Got the blower repaired. It was a burned out pin in a connector block under the dash. Repaired it, but the wire gets stinking hot, so expect it will go again. Can I get to the motor to squirt wd40 on the bearings without removing it?

Got the speedo out to have a look, but doesn't look like much I can do. Can't get in.

Edited by PhysDoc on Saturday 18th February 18:33

[Penelope Stopit]

Don't attempt to spray lubricant into the motor as it could ignite when running the motor

[N7GTX]

If your speedo is the early type - black rim - then it can be repaired by ETB Instruments quite cheaply and very quickly. Mine got stuck at 49999 and it cost £61.55 inc postage.
If it is the silver rim type - later called Caerbont - then your options are more limited. A company called Speedy Cables can fix it but they have been known to take months to repair them.

https://www.etbinstruments.com/

http://www.speedycables.com/ (note their 1 star rating on Google reviews)

[PhysDoc]

Yes, I've heard of (not so) speedy cables. Took 2 months for a mate to have a cable made for his Lotus Elite. Unfortunately mine looks like the later one.

[QBee]

It will start again when you least expect - mine always has until now.
I have heard the suggestion that driving fast backwards can fix it.