Intermittent Heater Problems (no Heat)

[openclassrally]

Guys,

my friends 318ti seems to be having random heater issues.... It seems that the heat is not working all the time but the blower seems to be...... I have yet to check the thermostat or anything else for her, but just wanted to see if there are any common problems with these cars?????

Also it does NOT overheat or run HOT..........

Cheers
Larry
#622 SCCA open class rally

[victorgallas]

Originally posted by openclassrally@Jan 17 2005, 04:50 PM
Guys,

my friends 318ti seems to be having random heater issues.... It seems that the heat is not working all the time but the blower seems to be...... I have yet to check the thermostat or anything else for her, but just wanted to see if there are any common problems with these cars?????

Also it does NOT overheat or run HOT..........

Cheers
Larry
#622 SCCA open class rally

[snapback]273498[/snapback]

IF blower works, then check the heater valve, is on engine compartment right next to the brake booster on the firewall, youll see a three wires attaching to il and three blck hoses. one for intake, other two go inside of car.. normally this valve gets stuck, but ill you try to pull out the wire plug from the valve, cleaned and plug it back in see if it works, if not, try then tapping th etop of the valve with a metal, not so hard, you dont want to bend it, but just enought to make it unstick, with is what happens, the center parts sticks after some time. Dont forget to do this then the heater is set to full hot, so you make sure its sending power to open the valves.

IF nothing works, then go on ebay buy one an they replace it, just unbolt the onther one, put the new one it and bleed the coolant.

[openclassrally]

Thanks for the info.... I will take a peek tommorow......

Cheers
Larry
#622 SCCA/RALLY AMERICA

[Darkmage]

Originally posted by openclassrally@Jan 21 2005, 12:49 PM
Thanks for the info.... I will take a peek tommorow......

Cheers
Larry
#622 SCCA/RALLY AMERICA

[snapback]276153[/snapback]

Does this car warm up all the way? If he goes on the highway does the engine get colder?

If yes, I would guess it's a thermostat problem. (I have the same problem right now)

Although after I leave it running it does seem to blow somewhat warm air, and the temp is right outside the blue range

[docrobot]

A simple problem to no heat is not enough Fluid. Check the level of fluid in the Rad...

[spieluhr]

my heater only worked after i floored it or if i was overheating. The problem was my water pump, the pump was probably about to go and it was too weak to move enough fluid over the heater core to get heat into the car. This wasn't a very expensive procedure and worked for me, might want to check it out.

btw, i feel your pain, not having heat for like 2-3 months in the fall and winter SUCKS!

[motown3]

Originally posted by openclassrally@Jan 17 2005, 04:50 PM
Guys,

my friends 318ti seems to be having random heater issues.... It seems that the heat is not working all the time but the blower seems to be...... I have yet to check the thermostat or anything else for her, but just wanted to see if there are any common problems with these cars?????

Also it does NOT overheat or run HOT..........

Cheers
Larry
#622 SCCA open class rally

[snapback]273498[/snapback]

If you are not getting heat when idleing but get heat when you are keeping the RPM above 1800-2000 and or when you are moving, it is the heater control valve. This is an easy fix. About 70-80 bucks for the valve and about 30-40 minutes to change out. If you clamp off the hoses, you can change without messing without draining out hardly any antifreeze. Once it has been changed you will need to "burp" the lines before your heat will work (cycle the temp where the thermistat opens, then top off). Good luck!