Heater not working

Hi Chaps,

Ive no output what so ever from my heater, is it an easy job to remove replace, any help would be most helpfull

First thing would be to check that the valve is opening properly. The sliding control links via a cable to a valve in the engine compartment, just about 6" away from where the coolant hoses go through the firewall to the heater matrix. Check that this valve is opening, and fully, with operating the control.

If it still doesn't work then the coolant might need bleeding, or the heater core is blocked up with eg limescale rather than free and clear - you could probably flush it out to save replacing it.

Do you mean it's not blowing at all?

Or blowing but not hot?

That's right its completely dead nothing happens when turning the switch

Do you mean the blower isn't working?

Or that you're getting cold air, not hot air?

paul_c said

Do you mean the blower isn't working?

Or that you're getting cold air, not hot air?

Hi not cold air or hot air, when turning the switch nothing happens at all

Ok that's an electrical issue, I've not replaced a blower fan so I can't comment on how hard etc, all I can suggest is trace the fault using wiring diagram info etc (there is a resistor which controls the intermediate speeds in the circuit), it might be wiring and/or fuse, don't condemn the blower motor and waste money buying another until you've properly diagnosed the electrical issue.

Hi chaps I've been having a good look at the wiring today, i purchased a new switch first'it was on few quid. well unfortunately the switch didn't make any difference, i decided to to put my tester on an earth and the +  there was no power, i checked the fuses and found one fuse that was broken within.  So fiddled about and replaced it, i then had power so fitted the switch and turned on (nothing) In the mean time i decided to reverse the car,the heater switch was getting warm and i could smell burning, i decided to pull the switch out and go back to the drawing board.
i guess the only way forward would be to remove the dash and get to the motor, i would love some guidance chaps if you have  had similer issues

First I would find the heater blower connector on the left side of the heater box.

Take it apart and see if the ground wire is toasted.
had that happen on 3 of my cabbies.



burning the ground pin is rather common I think.  No ground no power, and a burned connection will burn when other things are repaired.

Hmmm thanks is that accessible from below the dash ?

i think i can see the white conector on your pic, is it the 1 with the brown earth wire

I'd have a look-see under the bonnet and the flimsy rain tray and see if the fan can freely spin, You might have to poke something thru the plastic leaf net or undo the two screws that hold it on. It should spin freely. Also whilst you are there you can check the wiring is all present and correct. If all that checkouts out use a multimeter to see if +12v is getting the fan or you can run a live from the battery to test if the fan spins

I think septic cars with AC will have totally different wiring and controls?

okmate said

Hi chaps I've been having a good look at the wiring today, i purchased a new switch first'it was on few quid. well unfortunately the switch didn't make any difference, i decided to to put my tester on an earth and the +  there was no power, i checked the fuses and found one fuse that was broken within.  So fiddled about and replaced it, i then had power so fitted the switch and turned on (nothing) In the mean time i decided to reverse the car,the heater switch was getting warm and i could smell burning, i decided to pull the switch out and go back to the drawing board.
i guess the only way forward would be to remove the dash and get to the motor, i would love some guidance chaps if you have  had similer issues

no need to remove the dash you can get at the wiring and fan/motor from under the bonnet. If you need to remove the fan/motor it is a bit of a houdini but million times easier than removing half the interior of the car.

If you are getting 12v when you replaced the blown fuse and then the switch got hot I'd guess at seized fan (see my reply above) or very bad wiring/connections somewhere inbetween 

Early-1800 said

okmate said

Hi chaps I've been having a good look at the wiring today, i purchased a new switch first'it was on few quid. well unfortunately the switch didn't make any difference, i decided to to put my tester on an earth and the +  there was no power, i checked the fuses and found one fuse that was broken within.  So fiddled about and replaced it, i then had power so fitted the switch and turned on (nothing) In the mean time i decided to reverse the car,the heater switch was getting warm and i could smell burning, i decided to pull the switch out and go back to the drawing board.
i guess the only way forward would be to remove the dash and get to the motor, i would love some guidance chaps if you have  had simmiler issues

no need to remove the dash you can get at the wiring and fan/motor from under the bonnet. If you need to remove the fan/motor it is a bit of a houdini but million times easier than removing half the interior of the car.

If you are getting 12v when you replaced the blown fuse and then the switch got hot I'd guess at seized fan (see my reply above) or very bad wiring/connections somewhere inbetween 

Fantastic guys, i found the how to, took 2 minutes to take the wiper motor out and not much more  to remove the motor, it was well and truly seized new motor to install the weekend

well lads hears an update, ive installed my new blower today ' your right in saying its a bit difficult to get in.
 I managed to get it in the passenger side as there was a bit of flex within the steel, the other side was a no go' as the stand off for the wiper motor was just to big, any way all fitted but unfortunately no speed 1 so it looks like i need to change the resister pack where can i find one  guys, got to say ran the car for a bit to a nice toasty warm car.

okmate said

well lads hears an update, ive installed my new blower today ' your right in saying its a bit difficult to get in.
 I managed to get it in the passenger side as there was a bit of flex within the steel, the other side was a no go' as the stand off for the wiper motor was just to big, any way all fitted but unfortunately no speed 1 so it looks like i need to change the resister pack where can i find one  guys, got to say ran the car for a bit to a nice toasty warm car.

Good news well done. The speed thing could pos be the switch, esp if its been over heated and cooked?? 

Early-1800 said

okmate said

well lads hears an update, ive installed my new blower today ' your right in saying its a bit difficult to get in.
 I managed to get it in the passenger side as there was a bit of flex within the steel, the other side was a no go' as the stand off for the wiper motor was just to big, any way all fitted but unfortunately no speed 1 so it looks like i need to change the resister pack where can i find one  guys, got to say ran the car for a bit to a nice toasty warm car.

Good news well done. The speed thing could pos be the switch, esp if its been over heated and cooked?? 

Thanks Pal will try another switch as i do have a spare.

okmate said

Early-1800 said

okmate said

well lads hears an update, ive installed my new blower today ' your right in saying its a bit difficult to get in.
 I managed to get it in the passenger side as there was a bit of flex within the steel, the other side was a no go' as the stand off for the wiper motor was just to big, any way all fitted but unfortunately no speed 1 so it looks like i need to change the resister pack where can i find one  guys, got to say ran the car for a bit to a nice toasty warm car.

Good news well done. The speed thing could pos be the switch, esp if its been over heated and cooked?? 

Thanks Pal will try another switch as i do have a spare.

You where right old chap spot on

Hi guys anyone know where to get a decent quality heater switch, ive used to so far and the quality is terrible sometimes number 3 doesnt work unless i jiggle it

okmate said

Hi guys anyone know where to get a decent quality heater switch, ive used to so far and the quality is terrible sometimes number 3 doesnt work unless i jiggle it

FEBI is supposed to be a good brand….
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VW-GOLF-MK1-MK2-HEATER-BLOWER-FAN-SWITCH-FEBI-14076-oe-171959511/372144322002?fits=Car+Make%3AVW&hash=item56a587b5d2:g:h-kAAOSwU1NdQiKZ