C5 2.2 HDI Exclusive - Uncontrollable temperatures

[C5IAM]

On this model the passengers side can be controlled independantly of the drivers side. Tis is very good because I like hot feet and the wife doesn't.

However, here lies the problem - the heater sometimes has a mind of its own, pushing out maximum heat on the passenger side and leaving the drivers side cold. This occurs when both the temperature selectors are set at minimum, 16dC. It occurred for the second time yesterday when the outside temperature was 22dC - it was then very hot in the car, particularly the wife's side!!

Today I disconnected the battery for an hour, this had no effect. I then fiddled with the controls from min to max plus A.C and everything else. Eventually it corrected itself.

I am off to France in a couple of weeks and don't really want to be running on max temperature, or temper!!

Has anybody any idea what could be causing this please?

[AndersDK]

Must be a separate temp sensor for each side. my bet one of them is blocked - or the air duct where its located is restricted.
Try look if any ducts has been closed up or blocked by paper, rags, gloves etc.

[RichardW]

Suggest you read Mike's thread about the climate control sensor in the Xantia. I spotted a suspicious looking grille in a C5 I test drove, that looked to me like it contained the same temp sensor with fan as the Xantia...

[mooseshaver]

My C5 seems to have one sensor, its in the middle behind a grill. Looks like it needs the whole climate control panel needs to come out to remove it.

[MikeT]

....Eventually it corrected itself.....Has anybody any idea what could be causing this please?

As already mentioned, I'd be looking for the temp sensor on the passenger side. If it's intermittent, the little induction fan behind it may be in need of a clean. It's worth a try, though I admit I'm not sure why this would cause your heater to make heat.

[C5IAM]

Very many thanks for the advice - will have a look over the week end and will eventually post a reply when the fault is found

[mooseshaver]

I blew mine out with air duster, loads came out.
I also turned the can upside down and sprayed, which seems to make the propelant come out and freeze whatever it touches, just to check the sensor was doing something, and the computer made the fans spin fast and try and heat the car, so mines looking good.

[MikeT]

I blew mine out with air duster, loads came out.
I also turned the can upside down and sprayed, which seems to make the propelant come out and freeze whatever it touches, just to check the sensor was doing something, and the computer made the fans spin fast and try and heat the car, so mines looking good.

I was going to suggest an air duster but couldn't remember it's name

Good tip about using it as a freeze spray

[C5IAM]

Mooseshaver, Can I ask where you did the spraying? Was it at the dashboard level grill or where?

[mooseshaver]

Mooseshaver, Can I ask where you did the spraying? Was it at the dashboard level grill or where?

Below the auto button between front and rear demist is a round grill hole. Spray in there.
I've looked in put can't see a fan, will try with a torch some time.

[mooseshaver]

Good tip about using it as a freeze spray

We are mainly youngish males at work. Everyone gets "Frozen" with teh air dusters. Burns when you put too much on the skin though