406 heater distribution

Unread post by **Peter.N.** » 07 Dec 2010, 17:11

Hi Folks

The heater in my 406 is brilliant especially as it seems to have an auxilliary heater which is giving me heat out of the dash vents after about 200 yards or two minutes! The problem is though that its only from the dash vents, if I direct it to the floor very little happens, maybe a slight increase in temperature but nothing like the usual hot blast, its an electronic heater panel.

Are they all like this or is there something wrong with mine?

Peter

spider · Unread post by **spider** » 07 Dec 2010, 17:28

Does it work on the floor normally when its actually hot (ie: engine up to temp) ?

I do recall something about Xantia's doing this.

The little heat is directed up to help keep the screen demisted from what I remember, although the floor venting should work once there is some real warmth available.

Unread post by **Peter.N.** » 07 Dec 2010, 18:01

Hi Andy

You can only feel any heat from it if you turn the dash vent's off, then its not much.

Peter

spider · Unread post by **spider** » 07 Dec 2010, 18:09

Even when its actually up to temperature ?

The initial 'heat' is possibly the Eberspächer type unit some have fitted to ensure they actually start to get warm.

If its not hot out the floor outlets (when up to temp, at least say 80c) the flaps might be obstructed.

Do you have climate control (digital panel) ? , I wonder if there's a engine water temp sensor being used to determine the 'real' operation of the floor vents.

I just meant if you do not get heat out on the floor when the engine is actually 'cold' that's not a concern.

EDIT... Check pollen filter (passenger side scuttle, comes out quite easily) , if this is blocked or full of leaves etc, that will reduce airflow quite a bit.

Unread post by **Peter.N.** » 07 Dec 2010, 22:11

Yes, even when its up to full temperature Andy. The heat output from the dash vents is terrific considering the outside temperature but that doesn't stop your feet getting cold. I will try your suggestions. Yes, it is a digital panel.

Peter

Chris56000 · Unread post by **Chris56000** » 08 Dec 2010, 21:07

Hi!

Yes, even when its up to full temperature Andy. The heat output from the dash vents is terrific considering the outside temperature but that doesn't stop your feet getting cold. I will try your suggestions. Yes, it is a digital panel.

Yes, I've found that with my '406 as well!!! When you first start off there's heat from the dash vents within 2-300 yards but defintely nothing to warm your feet up down below, and I'd welcome any suggestions why!!!

About 12-13 years ago when I drove Xantias and took my friend as a passenger, it used to get so hot underneath that he had to undo his shoelaces and leave his shoes half-off on nearly every trip, but he'd not need to do that in my '406!!!

Chris Williams

Unread post by **Peter.N.** » 08 Dec 2010, 23:07

So either we both have the same problem or its bad design

Peter

Clogzz · Unread post by **Clogzz** » 09 Dec 2010, 12:51

If there's aircon, this Xantia topic may be of use:
http://www.frenchcarforum.co.uk/forum/v ... hp?t=33379

Unread post by **Peter.N.** » 09 Dec 2010, 13:54

Thanks cloggz, plenty of heat from the dash vents, a little in the footwell but nothing like enough, will have to look for the motor.

Peter