Xantia Heater Fan

Woody260 · Post by **Woody260** » 11 Dec 2003, 02:37

Hi all. New member here. Please forgive my rambling intro, but I feel I needed to explain a little about the problem and what Ive tried to do to find out the cause. I've owned my facelift model Xantia 1.9TDSX Estate about 18 months now, and apart from a few niggling things (like an alarm with a mind of its own........Grrrrr), the car's been fine. But I have had a sporadic problem with the heater fan suddenly deciding not to work, and now its died again, just when the frost is here!!. Ive ploughed thru recent forums and found back in September, a question from gps, who it sounded, had exactly the problem I have. There was some excellent advice from AndersDK, algieuk amongst others on how to deal with this. I did check the F20 fuse and replaced it. Now I have to say I'm not confident enough to tackle air bags, etc to gain access to the mod possibly required to resolve this.[:(] Neither do I feel confident, or indeed, rich enough, to entrust my nearest main citroen dealer to carry out the neccesary adaption. Does anyone know of a reasonably local person or garage, that would be able to carry out the recommended procedure? I live in Woodford Green Essex. Any help anyone can give will most gratefully received.Thanks in advance.

AndersDK · Post by **AndersDK** » 11 Dec 2003, 05:51

Hi Woody -
I suspect this issue will be the top story in near future - as ANY "elderly" Xantia with the fan still working will soon fail [:(] - winter coming up & higher demands on the fan [B)]
Latest submission on this issue :
http://www.andyspares.com/discussionfor ... IC_ID=4939
- and now yours [8)]
I think it's high time someone from the frequent "gang" here - having good Xantia electrics experience/knowledge - should write up a faultfinding, repair & modification submission for the FAQ section on this issue.
This should certainly contain a relay modification - with some sensible step by step instructions - taking the easiest route for dismantling/fitting - preferably avoiding the steering wheel removal.
As allways you only have 2 options :
1) Pay the garage bill
2) Gather enough info to confidently DIY
As I do not own/service a Xantia myself - I can only give advice from general backbone car DIY experience & Citroen knowledge - spiced with some factual info from available schematics.
Known problems (order of likely appearances) :
1) ignition key burnt out
2) cable defects (running to motor)
3) motor defects
4) suspect motor speed module
The Xantia is definately not encouraging to DIY on this problem - as huge dismantling work - including the nasty/frightening airbag steering wheel removal - is involved getting in to the problem.

Woody260 · Post by **Woody260** » 11 Dec 2003, 14:18

Hi Anders! Thanks for your advice and for reading my tale of woe. I agree with what you say re de activating air bag etc to gain access to ignition switch. This is exactly why I don't feel confident enough to tackle it, plus I have to do this outside and with the weather being unpredictable right now.....Not something I relish to be truthful,and I also have not been that well for some time and for various reasons, I'm not really able to work on cars as I did in the past. As you comment, it does seem to be a frequent problem, as I have found by reading previous topics.Incidentally I did, in the summer, visit a specialist Citroen breaker in Essex, and actually removed the heater fan and subsituted it with a known good one.All that happened was that the fan gave a jerk but would not operate. [?] Power was certainly getting to the fan, but it would not run..[:(]Sometimes it will start again and run for maybe a couple of weeks, but at the moment its dead as a dodo....a pain in the proverbial...
I will be happy to pay to have this sorted.Its just finding someone reasonably local(ish)who knows what they're doing! Any suggestions will be most welcome. And if I can take just another few seconds of time of everyone who reads and contributes to this forum. I have to say it's absolutely brilliant. Congratulations to all who have made it possible!!! 98 Xantia 1.9TD SX Estate 115,000

deck121 · Post by **deck121** » 11 Dec 2003, 18:01

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by Woody260

Hi all. New member here. Please forgive my rambling intro, but I feel I needed to explain a little about the problem and what Ive tried to do to find out the cause. I've owned my facelift model Xantia 1.9TDSX Estate about 18 months now, and apart from a few niggling things (like an alarm with a mind of its own........Grrrrr), the car's been fine. But I have had a sporadic problem with the heater fan suddenly deciding not to work, and now its died again, just when the frost is here!!. Ive ploughed thru recent forums and found back in September, a question from gps, who it sounded, had exactly the problem I have. There was some excellent advice from AndersDK, algieuk amongst others on how to deal with this. I did check the F20 fuse and replaced it. Now I have to say I'm not confident enough to tackle air bags, etc to gain access to the mod possibly required to resolve this.[:(] Neither do I feel confident, or indeed, rich enough, to entrust my nearest main citroen dealer to carry out the neccesary adaption. Does anyone know of a reasonably local person or garage, that would be able to carry out the recommended procedure? I live in Woodford Green Essex. Any help anyone can give will most gratefully received.Thanks in advance.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

deck121 · Post by **deck121** » 12 Dec 2003, 19:56

hi woody 260 i have a xantia 1.9 turbo desiel witch has the same fault the heater dosent work its a ruddy pest i tried the main dealers they quoted a price of £250 to do it plus vat but would not tell me what they thougt it was i am still trying to find out if i do i will let you know if you do before hand could you let me know thank you deck121

PeterMann · Post by **PeterMann** » 13 Dec 2003, 14:03

Since I will soon be doing whatever it takes to get my Xantia Heater Blower working reliably, I will (in the fulness of time) document the procedure and make it
available.

Woody260 · Post by **Woody260** » 13 Dec 2003, 16:29

Hi again..... Re ongoing problem with my heater fan.....Thanks to Deck 121 and Peter Mann for their contributions.I have a feeling that AndersDK hit the nail on the head when he diagnosed a defective ignition switch.... see previous discussions re this...I agree entirely Deck...It is a B***** pain,half the time I can't even use my car because of this, particularly if theres any frost around. Im just hoping one of you may be able to tell me of someone who could effect a repair in the way that Anders described back in September to another sufferer. As I mentioned before, I'm in North East London /Essex area, but I'd happily take my car to anyone genuine within a reasonable distance who could hopefully resolve matters. I just don't feel confident enough to tackle air bags, etc I kinda like my head where it is currently....on my shoulders[:D]
And of course, Deck, Peter Mann and anyone else who has same problems, of course I will willingly pass on details of any help or information I receive on this. Starting to panic now...Xmas and a few journeys draw closer...will I be able to use car.I wonder??[:(!]

t4xi · Post by **t4xi** » 16 Dec 2003, 13:53

hi woody im a new member too,try giving the citroen breakers in basildon a ring on 01268 278899 ive always found them really helpfull when it comes to giving advice and they know all the local specialists. i also had a mad car alarm on my 94 tdsx xantia and it turned out to be a leaking rear window soaking the carpet under the front passenger seat which is where part of the alarm lives,its worth a look! im trying to find out why my heater only ever gets lukewarm? tried backflushing/bleeding it etc , reading this lot im just thankfull the fan still runs.

Woody260 · Post by **Woody260** » 17 Dec 2003, 19:26

Thanks T4xi for the info. I think I may have already tried the one you mentioned, is that the guy not far from Billericay on an old farm who specialises in breaking and repairing Citroens? If so I have been there, and he was very helpful, but wasnt able to cure this damned heater fan problem. I have a bit of a problem as I'm a little disabled and walking's a bit difficult for me over any length of time, hence my need to get someone capable to carry out the mods as described by AndersDK in previous forums. Sometimes the fan will run for weeks if you dont touch the slider control, but now of course, when you really need it to de-frost iced screens and keep the windows clear.....it wont run at all..[:(!] I do like the car....but have come close to swearing strongly at it of late[:)]Regarding your problem with heater temperature, there have been a few forums devoted to that particular difficulty. Have a look in old forums T4xi I'm sure there's something about how to resolve it there. I will ask again in the chance that someone from my neck of the woods ....Woodford, Essex.... who may know of a good auto electrician who would be able to carry out the relay installation to the ignition switch,(anywhere up to say 40 miles away would be OK as long as theres some form of public transport home!!) Its just the air bag probs I fight shy of. Thanks again T4xi. Its appreciated.

alexx · Post by **alexx** » 17 Dec 2003, 19:48

According to electrical schema in Haynes ("from 1998 on"), your Xantia should be fitted with a relay between the ignition switch and the heater fan, unlike models up to '98.

Woody260 · Post by **Woody260** » 18 Dec 2003, 01:12

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by alexx

According to electrical schema in Haynes ("from 1998 on"), your Xantia should be fitted with a relay between the ignition switch and the heater fan, unlike models up to '98.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
Alexx.... Thanks for pointing that out.I shall investigate further....Im obliged to you!!

Woody260 · Post by **Woody260** » 21 Dec 2003, 02:05

Hi all Just wanted to say thanks to all who have contibuted to trying to resolve the problems Ive been having with a defective heater fan on my Xantia. Sheerly by chance, I came across an auto electrician local to me here in the North East London & Essex area, who was highly recommended. Went to see him Thursday, explained my probs, which also included a headlight dipped beam which wouldnt work, despite trying new bulbs, checking the appropriate fuse and testing supply to bulb feed plug.all was OK.. Took car in today @9am got it back at 2.30 all done for peanuts. I just have to recommend this guy!![:D]Turns out heater fan prob was caused by a slighty knackered heater slider control. Hes got it working now, but says he cant guarantee how long it will run for. So if anyones got one laying around..and its suitable for a 98 model with A/C I'm interested in buying! I also now need a n/s electric heated door mirror in Wicked Red, as some b++++++ has clumped mine cracking the casing, although it still works. Again..thanks to everyone who helped!

alan s · Post by **alan s** » 21 Dec 2003, 03:20

Sounds like your auto electrician is one worthy of knowing about.
We don't encourage advertising of repairers willy nilly on here for obvious reasons but as you've given this guy such a wrap & he has obviously done the right thing, you can post his info here if you wish.
http://www.andyspares.com/discussionfor ... ORUM_ID=11
Alan S

PeterMann · Post by **PeterMann** » 21 Dec 2003, 19:00

I've noticed a consistent delay between getting the engine fired up and the heater blower switching in, which suggests that the ECU may be bringing it in via a relay once the engine revs have stabilized. If there were to be a heater blower relay, where would it be located ?
Also, I suspect that the resistor pack that controls the blower speed may need a bypass . . . but where would that be located, and how accessed ?
The cowling around the ignition switch has not yielded its secret to gentle investigation . . . brute force will soon be resorted to, as I am running out of time to get the blower running properly.

lhm_leak · Post by **lhm_leak** » 22 Dec 2003, 04:36

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"> as ANY "elderly" Xantia with the fan still working will soon fail <hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
I b****y well hope not[}:)] I've got enough trouble in that department from both Xantias without the blowers packing up too[:(]