Heating: Fan Replacement Options

[CMA]

Performed on a pre-facelift 1998 1.6TS

(To be tried at your own risk )

Firstly remove the strip in the middle of the passenger side dash, this is just on screw then the section is only held in by clips so it can be pulled off, be careful if you have a passenger air bag, I don’t so I can’t advise on that process)

 HeaterFanReplacment01.jpg ( 37.07k ) Number of downloads: 418


Next remove the ashtray to get at the 2 screws holding the ashtray unit and clock unit pull this unit out and remove the connectors, discard this to the back seats too.

 HeaterFanReplacment02.jpg ( 51.23k ) Number of downloads: 179


Next move to the heater control panel and remove the dials with a set of mole grips, protecting the plastic by using a cloth in the jaws of the grips then remove the screws circled in the picture.

 HeaterFanReplacment03.jpg ( 58.63k ) Number of downloads: 174


Once the screws are out you can just pull the panel off as it is now only held in with 2 plastic clips (highlighted below), remove the connector and discard the panel into your back seats

 HeaterFanReplacment04.jpg ( 62.39k ) Number of downloads: 171


Remove your stereo and the tray below and remove the plastic separating spar, you can now get to the metal spar behind the airbag unit, a short Phillips screwdriver is needed to get to these 2 screws, I had to remove this as the wires went round the front of this stopping me removing the dash.

 HeaterFanReplacment05.jpg ( 57.12k ) Number of downloads: 155


Remove the 2 small vented pieces in the foot-wells, only 2 screws on each they will then pull out towards the back of the car.

Passenger side:
 HeaterFanReplacment06.jpg ( 47.16k ) Number of downloads: 136


Driver’s side:
 HeaterFanReplacment07.jpg ( 63.86k ) Number of downloads: 132


Remove the bottom part of the steering wheel console by removing the 4 screws (the other one highlighted is one I missed).

 HeaterFanReplacment08.jpg ( 43.89k ) Number of downloads: 136


You now have access to all the remaining screws and bolts holding the main part of the dash to the car. There is one awkward on under the dash on the right hand hinge of the glove box, which will need a short Phillips to get at and one that holds the centre console to the dash. 2 bolts just above the dash need removing (10mm IIRC)

 HeaterFanReplacment09.jpg ( 56.99k ) Number of downloads: 206


 HeaterFanReplacment10.jpg ( 66.89k ) Number of downloads: 160


Some under the steering column will need to be removed. You may also want to remove the one ringed in blue to aid removal of the dash later on.

 HeaterFanReplacment11.jpg ( 52.89k ) Number of downloads: 143


All that is left now to remove the large part of the dash is to get at the 2 bolts holding the bottom of the dash to the chassis just in front of the centre console, these are a complete pain in the a**e to get at and are a 10mm nut IIRC, don’t try undoing the obvious 11mm nut that is easily accessible as it is a captive nut, I found it easier to push parts of the dash to the side to enable better access for hands once the nuts are loose.

 HeaterFanReplacment12.jpg ( 56.87k ) Number of downloads: 154


This picture shows the location of the nuts after removal of the dash…..

 HeaterFanReplacment13.jpg ( 64.72k ) Number of downloads: 139


Now you are ready to remove the big part of the dash, it is rather awkward to get the metal bracket over the centre console but with a bit of gentle persuasion and gentle bending it will get over the centre console. You are now left with a view similar to this…..

 HeaterFanReplacment14.jpg ( 62.73k ) Number of downloads: 265


The arrow shows the location of the heater fan, this is held in position with one screw. Remove this screw and the attached metal bracket…

 HeaterFanReplacment15.jpg ( 57.42k ) Number of downloads: 186


You will then have to twist the fan slightly clockwise (or anti-clockwise I can’t remember which) and it will just drop out along with 200 dead leaves. (leaves were removed for a better picture)

 HeaterFanReplacment16.jpg ( 51.7k ) Number of downloads: 174



Put you new fan in and reverse the process to fit everything back into place.



(Better quality pics are availble if anyone needs them)

Hope this is useful to someone

Any questions?

[bobda]

I've seen that fan from above.

Take the wipers off, then take the cover off (easier said than done) and it's on the right hand side.

Unless there's two of them?

[CL145]

I've done the above today and found that if you remove the gear stick surround (simply unclips on either side) you can get a 10mm socket in on an extension bar to undo the bolt on the rear of the captive nut mentioned. This saves you messing around with the two 10mm bolts that are a pain in the a**e to get to.

[Crazy Cabbage]

Can the heater control cables be adjusted? the hot control on mine doesnt seem to let any heat through until its nearly at max, and then its pretty lackluster lukewarmth.

Wondering if the cables not opening the air control flap properly?

And if you can, do you have to go as drastic as this?

[purple]

Crazy, my money would be on your cable either not quite snapped fully or a previous owner bodging it, mine did not shut off properly, annoying in summer, found the end was held on with a cable ties instead of buying the correct cable.

£4 later and a big chunk of the day gone, worked a treat.

[Crazy Cabbage]

You have to go in as deep as that? I know i can see the cable when you pull the trim off above the glovebox.

Hmm, maybe ill just...live with it for now, till the heater motor packs in.

Now ive said that, ill do both this weekend by the looks of things

[Lancia]

Hi CMA,

Excellent work - though scary!

Heater Control Cable: Do I have to go through the same excercise to get at the cable, or is there another way? I have twice got at the conrol valve from under the dash passenger side (with lacerated arm) and set it for summer/winter.

Did a searched on the forum, but couldn't find an alternative.

Cheers

[CMA]

You may be able to get at the cable by just removing the smaller parts like the vents on top of the dash, the trim above the glovebox and the heater control dials but not 100% sure

[Sharky]

Hey CMA , i need to check out the heater matrix and pipework in the car for a leak !

Would this process be applicable to check this out mate ?

Cheers
Jason

[CMA]

Having never had a leak (well not yet) I've never even noticed the location of the matrix but if I did have a leak I think I'd start removing the smaller panels to see if I could get to it before going the whole hog. Someone else will know the exact location of the Matrix and be able to point you in the right direction, other than that have a look at the online manuals (in another sticky post) they should help you pinpoint what you need to remove.

[purple]

the heater matrix is hidden behind this black plastic cover, just held on with a couple of screws

 heater_matrix.jpg ( 62.83k ) Number of downloads: 375


More or less slides out to remove but the valve can be removed separatly if playing up. IIRC its easier to get out if the valve is off as there is more clearance.

HTH

[Sharky]

Cheers Purple , it does help mate !

The photo shows me that i do have to remove the whole dash to get at it !

Oh well , i know what i will be doing this weekend hey !

Jason

[purple]

yeah pretty much everything has to come out, inc. the passenger airbag. If you do disconnect it don't forget to disconnect the battery for at least 30 mins or you may find the cable is really long and it can sit on the floor without having to pull the plug.

HTH

[shammon81]

could someone go though step by step what to do regarding airbag, i dont want the thing bopping me on the head when a take dash to bits

[dellsbells]

o my god if anyone trys to do this do not take all the dash out,,,,
tis easy just pop your head under glovebox and remove two scews that hold motor twist and it falls down,,,,,
you dont have to take anything out,,,,,,
as to the airbag just disconect battry and wait for 5 mins,,,

[shammon81]

i wanna get to the blue wires that conect to the heater switch tho, so if you no a way without all this ball ache pls share

[Stualfa146]

My cable from the back of the heater knob has snapped so did you just remove the trim with the vent in down in the passenger footwell to reach this summer/winter changeover? What do you do in order to swap it; push? pull? slide? Any help would be appreciated as it is so cold in the car!!! Thank you!

[Stualfa146]

Does anyone know what the control valve on the heater feels like to switch from summer to winter; I can't seem to find it. I have located the blue wires from under the footwell on the passenger side, but there is too much to remove around the centre console for an amateur! Am I sliding a lever, pulling something towards me or what? Or is there no summer/winter control. Hope someone can help! Thank you

[mh1000]

Reckon Im going to be spending the Bank Hol weekend doing this.... fan heater has always been noisy but has reached new levels this week . I think maybe 10 years worth of leaves have built up and have broken some blades off - the whole thing must be way out of balance as it now seems to make the whole dash board vibrate....

Just the sort of job I love looking forward to tackling at the weekend. Hopefully can follow Dels approach (and be down the pub 30 mins later)

[kirk46]

Reckon Im going to be spending the Bank Hol weekend doing this.... fan heater has always been noisy but has reached new levels this week . I think maybe 10 years worth of leaves have built up and have broken some blades off - the whole thing must be way out of balance as it now seems to make the whole dash board vibrate....

Just the sort of job I love looking forward to tackling at the weekend. Hopefully can follow Dels approach (and be down the pub 30 mins later)

how did you get on m8?

i dont understand dells advice noway can i fit my head under the glovebox to even look lol