Heater Flap Problem

[Goodwin]

I have a 2002 Tamora that has developed a problem with the heater flap. When I start up I get warning code 24 "Heater Flap". I still get the noise at startup (but occasionally do not) and eventually the fan starts up. I get cold air fine from the lower vents.

I do not have aircon if that is relevant
Does anybody know anything about this warning code or how to fix the problem (hopefully not an expensive trip to the dealers)

Thanks

[chris watton]

Hi Craig, and welcome!

Unfortunately for us ‘T’ owners, the heater/blower/flap set up is, I think overly complicated, so it’s very tricky to diagnose a fault properly, so it usually ends up costing a fair bit of money just to isolate the problem (I talk from experience!) But the fact that you have a warning code may narrow it down. Can you still get hot air, as well as cold from the vents? If you can, it may possibly be a fuse prob, but either way, it may be worth taking it to a respected dealer to get it sorted.
My heater prob I had last year started with the same symptoms you describe, ie; the fans taking longer than usual to start up, and in the end, not starting at all! (was quite dangerous at the time, as I had to get home is pouring rain, windows completely misted up, and no de-misting capability – not nice!) My problem turned out to be the main ECU, for some reason, after the dealer tried everything else before hand, and finally replacing my ECU with another ‘T’ cars. The solution was to take my faulty ECU back to Blackpool to be fixed, costing an astonishing £500 altogether!
Your prob may be completely different, but it will need sorting, because when the fans decide not to come on at all, the car is rendered undrivable in the autumn/winter months, as the screen will never clear, I know!