Heater clunking noise

[JoolzB]

After having my heater control re-built due to electrical meltdown, it now makes a clunking noise in the passenger footwell as if the motor is not stopping. To stop it doing it I've removed the fuse but there are times when the heater control would be nice.

I think that this is a problem that's already been posted but I seem to be missing some essential chat when people have responded via email etc.

[rolfe]

Could be one of the microswitches has become displaced. Basically on my 92 Griff there are two microswitches - Each one controls the max/min movement. If the microswitch does not engage the motor carries on running and hence the clunking noise. This is the same for both controls.
The other option, if it is the up/down control, is that the motor gear has stripped and it does not have the ability to lift the flap anymore and is simply dropping back.

[joolzb]

Ok cheers but where are the microswitches? All the components making up the controls have been replaced and the potentiometers etc renewed and tested. Are these switches directly attached to the motors?

[rolfe]

Please remember I am talking about a 92 Griff. The micro switches and heater valve are mounted on the same aluminium plate.If you look into the passengers footwell you will see it.If it the up/down then remove the glove box to see it. By the way the electronic control consists of a 5p diode which is a simple electronic one way valve!If you need someI had to buy a pack of ten!

[joolzb]

Ok, mine is a 97, I can't believe they changed them that much what with the problems I've had with it. It's a rather nice feature when sometimes the fan switches to full when the passenger opens the door.

Surely you can find 9 other uses for those diodes though, there always useful.

Thanks for your help
JoolzB

[simpo one]

I think you'll find rather a lot of changes in the heating department between 92 and 97. I had one of each. One works, the other doesn't

[joolzb]

Does the 97 one work? It all seemed to be working ok but then every so often this clunking noise kicks in in the passenger footwell and there's no way of stopping it apart from switching the ignition off and on. That's why I took the fuse out. Have you got any ideas on what this could be? I probably won't get chance to take a look until the weekend now but it would be good to get it all up and running again.

[catretriever]

Just been digging through the archives and found this thread. I think my Griff may have developed this problem as well.

There is a peculiar sound from the passenger footwell that is akin to the sound my DVD player makes as my little girl repeatedly presses the eject button. Some kind of continuous servo sound....

Can anyone shed any more light how to fix this?

thanks,

Matt.

[Joolzb]

The problem I had with mine was eventually found to be a missing bit of solder from the "Environment Processor" circuit board, the effect was that all controls were eratic to say the least.

Your prob sounds not so bad. If it's the recirculate control (bottom left on my car) I believe there's a micro-switch that stops the motor turning beyond a certain point. The other potential prob is the pot may be knack'd the motor end.

Is it making a clunking noise btw? or just continuosly turning?

[catretriever]

no not clunking, just a definite forward/reverse electric motor type noise which seems to switch back and forth about every half a second.

[fatbuttfast]

catretriever said:

no not clunking, just a definite forward/reverse electric motor type noise which seems to switch back and forth about every half a second.

This is an intermitant fault on my Griffs temperature valve. I tried to fix the problem 12 months ago with help from other PH members, but to no avail. I even asked my main dealer about it, but of course the heater valve was working fine at that time.

I now just ignore it as it does not happen very often. If you do find out how to fix it I would be grateful for any information.

Cheers,
Steve

[Joolzb]

catretriever said:

no not clunking, just a definite forward/reverse electric motor type noise which seems to switch back and forth about every half a second.

I also got that along with a few other intermitant problems. I believe this sorted itself out when the problem with the Environment Processor(PCB behind the dash under the radio) was found. I guess it's worth checking out the connections to this first to make sure they're all ok, you can get to it by removing the radio. The fellow PH'er who helped me out should be able to shed more light tho.

From what I understand of how this works, it sounds like your pots(variable resistors) are doing their job ok, something in between is altering the current so the two don't match.

Hopefully you'll get more input to this though before you start taking bits apart.



>> Edited by Joolzb on Tuesday 4th May 18:02

[catretriever]

Thanks Joolz. I'm sure that my problem is the same as you describe since it only started after I meddled with the stereo....doh!

Think I'll have a fish around and see if anything is shorting out the PCB you mention,

Matt.

[fatbuttfast]

Thanks Joolz, I will also check out the connections when I get chance.

Cheers
Steve

[Joolzb]

No probs, fingers crossed it's that simple. If you're just checking connections you may get away with leaving the radio cage where it is if you can squeeze your hand through and manouevre about.

If you need any more info, feel free to email me or post on this thread

Good luck
JoolzB