Heater has stopped working - Perfect!!

nonnatus

AAAAaaaggghhhhh.

Just in time for the snow and below freezing temperatures the heating has packed up in my car.

It's a W reg Rover 25 and ordinarily I love it. Sailed through last MOT (November) and is regularly serviced (at the same time).

The "blowers" all still work (it may become obvious that I am clueless about the stuff under the bonnet...) but are only blowing out cold air however long the engine runs for and however I fiddle with all the Knobs and dials. In addition, when I stop the car and switch the engine off, some sort of fan (sounds like a big one) continues from the engine, taking up to a minute to stop??! - That's never happened before.

Okay, so I realise a trip to the experts is in order but because I'm a single woman I kind of wanted to go along armed with a bit of info so I don't get bamboozled and agree to stuff that doesn't need doing.

Does anyone have a rough idea of what is needed and how much it's likely to cost please?

x

marlot

Start by checking there's enough coolant. If its low you need to top it up with an antifreeze/water mix.

Rossy.

As above check your coolant level, if thats full then it could be the heater matrix that's blocked/broken.

ailuro2

If it's not the coolant you can buy separate heaters for about £20, might be cheaper than taking it into the garage.

Do you have a Haynes manual for the car? That should point you in the right direction ( my library has some Haynes manuals, I think they are pretty much pot luck though, depends on what has been "gifted";)


eta the fan that comes on after the motor stops has probably always done that but you've never noticed - it is there to cool the engine down after it stops running - it might be you've not been listening for it before.
If it does normally run cooler then its coming on might be another indicator your cooling cct is choked / not working.

[Deleted User]

Hi,

what does your temp gauge show, is it sitting at cold, or where it would normally be?

Alias_Omega

Your engine runs hot, and the water passes through this which is inside your heater

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ROVER-25-200-HEATER-MATRIX-/270655346771?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item3f0450d853

The usual failure of these parts, is leaking water into the cabin.


The heater blower (noisy fan) blows air from outside or from the cabin across/through it to heat the air and pass it around the cabin.

This will sit underneath the dashboard, and look something like this

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ROVER-25-SERIES-HEATER-MATRIX-X-REG-2000-/300501389172?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item45f7474f74



Though being stuck at cold, i would consider that either the heating control valve, or the cable from the control panel was disconnected / faulty. On some cars (renault etc), they have cables and levers that make sections from cabin air, to outside cold air.

Either way, if your not technically minded to get on your back under the dash, taking panels off. It really is time to give it to a garage / mechanic.


Alias

pwllbwdr

If this is something which has suddenly happened, I'd say the chances are you have HGF and consequently low coolant level.

Alias_Omega

Further to my earlier post, i had to dash off and feed the children.


Leave the car running, and if you can feel either side of this valve in the picture.

This leads off to the heater matrix inside the cabin. It will be behind the engine at the back. Apparently its common to become blocked.




You are looking for the vertical hose to become warm on the LH side of the cylinder shaped valve to get warm.

http://www.bba-reman.com/forums/Topic89478-1-1.aspx


http://www.rimmerbros.co.uk/Item--i-PCH003300

Inactive

Rover 25, my money is on head gasket failure.;)

nonnatus

God how lovely you all are!!

Ok, so with help of male neighbour I got the bonnet up and there was no water in the coolant tank thingy. This is a VERY bad thing I gather. We topped it up and ran the engine. Eventually the water heated and began gurgling around. The car runs fine, doesn't overheat even after 30 mins hard running and the level in the coolant tank is not dropping.

Unfortunately, there seem to be really cold pipes still, radiator is cold and indoor heater still blowing cold. The car is not juddering anymore though and when switched off is instantly silent (no loud fan anymore).

Neighbour is nervous about advising me to drive it as its obviously not "right" but I have to try to get to work tonight. It runs fine.
What do you think? Would you risk it with a spare bottle water in car in case of a leak?

Already phoned work to pre-warn them and they were totally unsympathetic. I really am expected to be there by 9pm. Last bus is at 6 (way too early) Taxi quoting £45 return (BLIMEY).

What are the really bad symptoms to look out for? Is it likely to grind to a complete stop on the dual carriageway??

sorry so many un answerable Qs...

x

nonnatus

Just seen your reply Inactive. That seems to be the general opinion of everyone I speak to. Around £500 then???