Intermittent Heater

[cleverdick]

OK, so there's an autumn chill in the air, and guess what - my heater is giving me grief!

No probs with engine coolant temps - everything is OK in that department. However, sometimes (and only sometimes) it takes much longer than normal for the heater to start blowing warm air - and then it will suddenly start working.

There are no error codes on a climate diagnostic check. However, when running the 'mode test' sequence (by pressing the 'recirc' button), the heater control valve (in the engine bay) works smoothly in one direction, but in the other it pauses half way and resumes with a click. I'm therefore wondering if it's sticking.

So, I'm hoping somebody with a Gen 1 LS will be kind enough to check theirs for me and let me know if this is normal. The heater control valve is easily accessible, under a pull-off cover right at the top of the bulkhead. I just need them to run the test and tell me if theirs pauses halfway, one way.

Haven't got as far as referring to the book - yet!

Thanks in advance...

[steve2006]

Mine runs smoothly in both directions so I would say that yours is sticking and it is a known defect, you could always disconnect the cable and operate it manually just to confirm there is a sticky point.

[bazgtr]

REVS ARE LOW.

I know it sounds strange but for some reason on the early models you sometimes find the water circulating is slow getting the hot water around the system on start up.

If you don't blip the throttle over 3,000 revs or above while driving witin a mile or so to get the full flow of water and the water pump to get really moving.

If you are a careful light footed driver who does keeps the revs under 3,000 until it's fully warm, Then try what I mentioned next time out in the morning. Give it a little blip for 50 to 100 yards after going a mile and this should sort out the heat in the cabin.

I'm lucky that I have a little straight about a mile from my house on the way to work that I can have a little burst to start feeling the heat inside the cabin on a cold morning.

Baz.

[cleverdick]

Thanks guys.

Funnily enough with the cable disconnected it still pauses halfway on the test sequence - maybe the '94 models were programmed to do that - I don't know. But the valve seemed smooth enough on its own (although I gave it a drop of silicone spray anyway).

Not sure about low RPM as a possible cause - this doesn't happen every time and it certainly wasn't a problem last year. But I will bear in mind...

Cheers...