Xantia Ventilation Smell and fan/blower speed

Post by **NAM** » 12 Jul 2008, 20:59

The heater/ventilation on my Xantia LX Estate gives off an unpleasant smell when first switched on. Seems to happen wether or not the air con is swithched on or not. After a minute or so the smell disappears and all is well. Any clues what it can be and how to resolve?

I've also noticed that the fan can run a bit intermittently (ie full blast is OK but move the slider back towards the off position and the motor can either run fast or not at all. Any suggestions?

Nigel

DickieG · Post by **DickieG** » 12 Jul 2008, 22:13

The smell is almost certainly due to the heater matrix leaking, oh what a pleasant job, dash out etc.

The fan problem is down to a fault with the resistor pack on the side of the motor, do a search on the forum for loads of info of what's involved in repairing both faults.

Post by **myglaren** » 12 Jul 2008, 22:17

Can you describe the smell?
Two things spring to mind. The first is that your heater matrix has sprung a leak which is rather bad news.
The second is that there is mould in the air conditioning matrix and pollen filter. Unpleasant but a simple fix. Remove the pollen filter, spray Detox into the matrix a few times over a period of hours then put in a new pollen filter.

Have a look around the threads. Both are fairly common problems.

MikeT · Post by **MikeT** » 13 Jul 2008, 01:18

Hi Nigel,

Just to be sure, you're not moving the fan lever into AUTO territory are you?
As for the smell, could you describe it? Bacteria can grow in air conditioning units which often leads to unpleasant smells. There is a product in a can to combat this. The heater matrix leaking (pinhole) creates fumes of coolant which has a distinct musky or curry taint. Again, there are products you can use to stave off the invetible repair for a while. Finally, check the pollen filter which is an often overlooked service item.

Post by **NAM** » 13 Jul 2008, 12:05

Thanks Guys for the replies. I wondered about the Heater Matrix but the carpets are not wet and coolant level doesn't drop so I will try the Detox and see if that works. I had the pollen filter changed at recent service (May).

I'll check the threads for other info as suggested and update once I've had a look.

Cheers

Nigel

Post by **CitroJim** » 13 Jul 2008, 22:17

If the smell is vaguely of curry sauce it's the matrix

It only takes the tiniest of weeps to make a smell at first use and such a tiny leak will not wet the carpet or drop the coolant level appreciably.

My 2.1TD does this. It has a known matrix leak held at bay by Forte Stop Leak. It stops the leaks but not the smell, which lingrs only for a minute or two.

Post by **myglaren** » 13 Jul 2008, 22:22

I don't know what you guys make curry out of but don't invite me for tea please.
Mine stunk to high heaven and not remotely like curry - more like stewed skunk.

Maybe the previous owner had run out of antifreeze and filled it up with that stuff they call beer

Post by **NAM** » 14 Jul 2008, 19:55

I have done the aircon detox thing (bought can from Halfords) and the car smells really nice (and presumably the air con is nice and clean now), but have just tried the heater and with careful smelling I can confirm the news I didn't want to relay. There is a slight curry smell when I move the heater control to hot.

So if it is the dreaded heater matrix I now look to stem the problem whilst I begin saving up for this expensive job. I read that I can stem the problem with something like Forte Stop Leak or K Seal which I will now try. Where is the best place to buy from and is there a preferred product?

If anyone is setting up a business in changing heater matrices or can recommend someone please let me know - I am happy to travel if the job can be done as I don't think I am up to this one.

I really want to keep the said car on the road and have recently spent quite a bit (just about to have new discs and pads) so any offers of help will be gratefully received!

Cheers again for all replies.

Nigel

MikeT · Post by **MikeT** » 14 Jul 2008, 20:08

Sorry to hear the diagnosis Nigel. My vote for which brand goes to K-seal. It worked for me very well. No more smell, carpet or coolant topping thereafter. Ebay was cheapest I could find.

Post by **NAM** » 14 Jul 2008, 20:26

Thanks Mike for your reply. I've bought a can of K-Seal from Ebay as recommended and will see how I get on.

Oh the delights of owning a real car! What did I do when all it needed was cleaning.

Nigel

wrinklet1 · Post by **wrinklet1** » 16 Jul 2008, 17:54

Nam,
Check under the front passenger carpet to see if its wet. If it is, then the scuttle seal could be knackered which is simple to resolve and it will give off a musty smell. The foam underlay may be soaking wet too. If the foam is wet, wet your fingertip and taste it to see if it tasts sweet. This will help to confirm if your matrix has gone too.
If the foam is soaking wet, take it out ( you will have to cut the foam to remove it), give it a good wringing out and leave to dry. Seal the scuttle panel with clear silicone. Refit the foam once dry then go to tesco and buy an acon cleaner it will cost £4

Paul