xantia heater output

mark_sp · Post by **mark_sp** » 02 Dec 2003, 15:40

Now that the cooler weather is upon us I've noticed that the heating and ventilation on my Xantia (1998 TD) does not seem very effective.
The blower appears to be working fine to the screen and upper body but there is only a little flow into the footwell's, the drivers being worse than the passengers.
The hot air that is produced is also not as hot as I'd like. The car runs upto temperature quickly but the guage only shows a constant 68 degrees (was a constant 82 in the summer with the air-con on) does this sound reasonable ?
Finally on a related matter, I have water ingress into the passenger footwell. Cit specialist has supposedly tested that the water is not getting past the screen side pillars (although I have my doubts now)and has cagged up the bottom of the screen seal on the passenger side as he said the water was dripping in through the heater vent. This has had no effect. I suspect the screen will have to come out and a new seal be fitted, any ideas ?
Cheers
Mark

wrinklet1 · Post by **wrinklet1** » 02 Dec 2003, 15:52

Hi Mark,
Have you Tasted the water in the footwell? if you have does it have a sweet taste? If if has it may well say that your heater matrix has gained a leak. It it has your best way out is getting it replaced, not a great thought but one that would have to be done. Hole blocking mixtures are ok but long term it will go again. Hopefully it wont be antifreeze you taste.
If it doesnt have a sweet taste, have you had the windscreen replaced in the past? If you have, you will probably have to pump silicone or similar stuff up under where the glass of your windscreen meets the bodywork. The water goes upwards and into the cabin.
I have had both these problems on my car and solved both.
Good luck
Paul

mark_sp · Post by **mark_sp** » 02 Dec 2003, 17:15

Thanks
Its not from the heater matrix as the coolant level never drops and I have no record of the screen being replaced in the past.
Still looking for advice re heating.
Mark

Post by **RichardW** » 02 Dec 2003, 17:15

Mark,
68 is too low for the temp, which would suggest that the thermostat is shot - BUT - you say it comes up and stays at 68, which would indicate that the 'stat is working, but the gauge/sender has gone a bit awry. Worth of further investigation!
It's not unkown for the air direction mechanism on the Xantia to fail - check if the air flow changes as you move the lever.
You car will have air-con, so change the pollen filter if it's not been done - this can drastically reduce the air flow into the car.
As Paul says, water ingress is either the scuttle/screen leaking or the heater matrix.

lhm_leak · Post by **lhm_leak** » 03 Dec 2003, 01:30

Funny, that's the same problem I've got with my '95 TD Xantia. Mine too comes up to around 68-70 and stays there - and it was about 80ish in the hot weather. The heater output is pants too. And there's definitely no leak!

AndersDK · Post by **AndersDK** » 03 Dec 2003, 01:54

If you suspect the coolant thermostat - it's in fact quite simple to test in-situ :
Start the engine and let idle - hold a hand round the large top house running to the radiator. It should stay cold for several minutes - untill the thermostat finally opens by the hot coolant - THEN the temperature on the top hose should raise almost abruptly to the point where you have to remove your hand.
If the temperature on the top hose sloooowly increases constantly - and take ages (literally) to make you remove the hand - then the thermostat is shot (stuck open).
Turn off the cabin heat while testing - not to confuse you by the longish time before the thermostat then opens.

BonceChops · Post by **BonceChops** » 03 Dec 2003, 10:38

Why not just change the thermostat? It is a quick and easy enough job. The one you have in may be functioning ok, but at the wrong temperature.
Neil

mark_sp · Post by **mark_sp** » 03 Dec 2003, 17:36

Thanks to all.
Think I will just replace the thermostat and probably the pollen filter.
Mark.

surfer · Post by **surfer** » 03 Dec 2003, 17:57

It is almost certainly the thermostat.
My '96 Activa will melt your face with the heater set to max.
Simon.