Citroen Xsara (1997 - 2004) - 98 1.8 No heat in a climate control model

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Sat 30 Jan 2010 17:13
98 1.8 No heat in a climate control model - kendalboatsman
Hi,

Our xsara is the 1.8 16v exclusive model which has air con and climate control (not the digital version though), we no longer get heat from the matrix yet the pipes are hot on both sides of it. I downloaded a BSI technical manual that explains the temperature is controlled by mixing the hot air from the heater matrix and the cold air from the condenser to get the required temp. This mixer flap is controlled by a stepper motor, could it have failed. Also our fan does work on several speeds but when it is turned to max the engine temp gauge rises even though the engine temp isn't. I checked the block temp with a laser thermometer. When the fan is switched off the engine temp immediately drops to it's usual temp of 90.

I haven't got lots of cash to throw at the car so don't want to keep replacing parts on a "could be this" basis. So far I have replaced thermostat as that was found to have a fault, I have also tried a replacement dashboard control unit.

Could a faulty fan motor/resistor pack be causing the temp gauge to mis-read and the stepper to malfunction. All help is gratefully received, thank you.
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Sat 30 Jan 2010 18:21
98 1.8 No heat in a climate control model - Peter.N.
I would say the flap motor is the most likely suspect, its quite a common fault on XMs of the same era. If you can get at it and remove it you can move the flap by hand for a temporary cure, or it could be a fault in the control panel, I have had to replace one of those as well.

The strange temp gauge fault is probably being caused by either a poor earth connection or supply line which is common to both the blower and instrument panel. If you can get to the motor connections, connect a meter between the earth lead of the motor and another earth point and see if any voltage is indicated when you switch the fan on, then try between the + connection on the motor and the battery+ and see if anyvoltage difference develops.
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