No HEAT!! Getting cold in the North East... - LotusTalk

AKerchoff · 11-02-2009, 03:42 PM

I have a problem that is going to get more dire soon!

My 2005 Elise has no heat! While that might not be a problem down south, here in Connecticut it's starting to get cold and this is my daily driver!

Please HELP!!

The blower motor works, the A/C works, the recirculate function works, but absolutely no heat comes out at any set temperature. I'll even settle for luke warm over nuclear hot but I gotta get something... any ideas??

Cold in CT,
AK

doug_porsche · 11-02-2009, 04:19 PM

check two things.
1) does the heater/AC door move to the heat side (Check Vipers Improved AC thread for how to do this)
2) if so, is any hot water making it to the heatercore. I bet it is, but...

doug_porsche · 11-02-2009, 04:20 PM

it neither of those are it, could be a bad rheostat on your temp control knob?

TheViper · 11-02-2009, 04:36 PM

I agree with what Doug Porsche stated. Remove the center air duct and watch what the "flap Valve" does. It should move when you change the temperature setting to redirect air across the heater matrix.
Cheers,
Michael

AKerchoff · 11-02-2009, 04:38 PM

I think I'll start with a new reostat and see what happens. It makes sense as I have had trouble getting any desired temperature out of the climate control system.

AK

AKerchoff · 11-02-2009, 04:40 PM

Then the flap valve check will be the first thing i check tomorrow morning.

AK

HabitatBoardCo · 11-02-2009, 06:05 PM

i'm also having those exact same symptoms. guess i'm gonna have to take out my center vents. what do i do if the flap isn't flapping? also, more on the rheostat thingy... is that something i can take care of myself with my basic/general car maintenance knowledge? thanks in advance for any help!

TheViper · 11-02-2009, 06:10 PM

In sequence, the first thing to check is the operation of the two flap valves. If they are not operating then the cause is either the "stepper" motor or the dash control (temperature actuator).
Cheers,
Michael

nsxmatt · 11-02-2009, 07:43 PM

I had the same problem, but was stuck on heat during the summer. The blend actuator was not working. In a pinch, take the right front cover off, pull the "dryer vent" hose out, and move the flap doors manually.

Mine worked fine this way when my actuator went out, well till the blower motor resistor went out. Gotta love Lotus quality!

billt · 11-03-2009, 06:18 AM

If you have absolutely no heat it's not the reostat. If there's heat but not enough of it then I'd check the reostat.

AKerchoff · 11-03-2009, 06:37 AM

I'm going to put the car up on a lift tonight and check everything out. Per TheViper's write up on AC and heating system I am going to check out the whole system and see if i can find what i think must be a stuck valve (or flapper thing). If need be I'll open or close all the "flaps" so I have heat and I'll worry about getting A/C when we get to spring time.

AK

nsxmatt · 11-03-2009, 10:58 AM

No need to put it on the lift, there is nothing to access from the bottom of the car.

TheViper · 11-03-2009, 11:44 AM

Here is a diagram of the two flap valves. There is a stepper motor that directly drives the top one and a belt to the lower.
Cheers,
Michael

AKerchoff · 11-03-2009, 01:09 PM

I put the car in the air just to check out the "other side". Yes, there is nothing there. ;-)

I went thru the whole climate control system and I can't find the cause of the problem. I'll have to take it in and try out service @ Premier Lotus in Branford, CT. I believe it has to be either the rheostat (sp?) or one of the actuators.

Thanks for all the help folks!
AK

tesprit · 11-03-2009, 06:12 PM

I know this is a really basic thing, but did you check to make sure the heater matrix is actually getting hot and doesn't have air trapped in it? Just get the engine up to full operating temperature and feel the heater hoses going in and out of the heater box. If the inlet is hot, but the oulet is cold, you have a heater core full of air and that would be the reason you have no heat.

11-02-2009, 03:42 PM	#1 (permalink)
AKerchoff Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 10	No HEAT!! Getting cold in the North East... I have a problem that is going to get more dire soon! My 2005 Elise has no heat! While that might not be a problem down south, here in Connecticut it's starting to get cold and this is my daily driver! Please HELP!! The blower motor works, the A/C works, the recirculate function works, but absolutely no heat comes out at any set temperature. I'll even settle for luke warm over nuclear hot but I gotta get something... any ideas?? Cold in CT, AK

11-02-2009, 04:19 PM	#2 (permalink)
doug_porsche Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Denver, CO Posts: 381	check two things. 1) does the heater/AC door move to the heat side (Check Vipers Improved AC thread for how to do this) 2) if so, is any hot water making it to the heatercore. I bet it is, but... __________________ "They swap ends at remarkable speed" - David Hobbs Japanese Grand Prix Practice 2009

11-02-2009, 04:20 PM	#3 (permalink)
doug_porsche Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Denver, CO Posts: 381	it neither of those are it, could be a bad rheostat on your temp control knob? __________________ "They swap ends at remarkable speed" - David Hobbs Japanese Grand Prix Practice 2009

11-02-2009, 04:36 PM	#4 (permalink)
TheViper Alarmed & Dangerous Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Boca Raton FL Posts: 3,201	I agree with what Doug Porsche stated. Remove the center air duct and watch what the "flap Valve" does. It should move when you change the temperature setting to redirect air across the heater matrix. Cheers, Michael __________________ Cobra OEM - Alarm, Immobilizer, CDL Emergency Override with warranty Additional Emergency Touch Keys - see link above Brand New Cobra Alarm Remote with warranty Cobra Remote Key Fob Strap Cobra Window Closing Module - Add to your existing Cobra alarm 3 Piece Front Clam Protection Kit with Center Bumper Undertray Removal Tool INFORMATION Improved AC & Heating System Battery Choices & Information Remote Key Fob, Alarm & Immobilizer Programming Light Bulb Conversions 2005

11-02-2009, 06:05 PM	#7 (permalink)
HabitatBoardCo Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Lawton, OK Posts: 15	i'm also having those exact same symptoms. guess i'm gonna have to take out my center vents. what do i do if the flap isn't flapping? also, more on the rheostat thingy... is that something i can take care of myself with my basic/general car maintenance knowledge? thanks in advance for any help! __________________ '05 ST Elise, Sport Pack, Hardtop, Flat Black LSS Wheels, Alpine CDE-9874 HU, Custom Sub/Amp, Porterfield R4-S Brake Pads, Green Filter w/ Snorkel Delete, Odyssey PC680MJ Battery, 2bular Stainless Steel Exhaust 4.5 Ultra GT3 Burnt Single Tip, Von Hep Rear License Plate Bracket, Lidbone, WorksBell Rapfix II Quick Release, 280mm Momo Team Steering Wheel, Bridgestone Potenza RE760 Sport Tires, 6000k HID Kit, Re-enforcer (Awaiting Install : SS Brake Lines, Seat Grommets)

11-02-2009, 04:38 PM	#5 (permalink)
AKerchoff Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 10	I think I'll start with a new reostat and see what happens. It makes sense as I have had trouble getting any desired temperature out of the climate control system. AK

11-02-2009, 04:40 PM	#6 (permalink)
AKerchoff Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 10	Then the flap valve check will be the first thing i check tomorrow morning. AK

11-02-2009, 06:10 PM	#8 (permalink)
TheViper Alarmed & Dangerous Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Boca Raton FL Posts: 3,201	In sequence, the first thing to check is the operation of the two flap valves. If they are not operating then the cause is either the "stepper" motor or the dash control (temperature actuator). Cheers, Michael __________________ Cobra OEM - Alarm, Immobilizer, CDL Emergency Override with warranty Additional Emergency Touch Keys - see link above Brand New Cobra Alarm Remote with warranty Cobra Remote Key Fob Strap Cobra Window Closing Module - Add to your existing Cobra alarm 3 Piece Front Clam Protection Kit with Center Bumper Undertray Removal Tool INFORMATION Improved AC & Heating System Battery Choices & Information Remote Key Fob, Alarm & Immobilizer Programming Light Bulb Conversions 2005

11-02-2009, 07:43 PM	#9 (permalink)
nsxmatt Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 43	I had the same problem, but was stuck on heat during the summer. The blend actuator was not working. In a pinch, take the right front cover off, pull the "dryer vent" hose out, and move the flap doors manually. Mine worked fine this way when my actuator went out, well till the blower motor resistor went out. Gotta love Lotus quality! __________________ 2005 Elise

11-03-2009, 06:18 AM	#10 (permalink)
billt Registered User Join Date: Apr 2009 Posts: 15	If you have absolutely no heat it's not the reostat. If there's heat but not enough of it then I'd check the reostat.

11-03-2009, 06:37 AM	#11 (permalink)
AKerchoff Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 10	I'm going to put the car up on a lift tonight and check everything out. Per TheViper's write up on AC and heating system I am going to check out the whole system and see if i can find what i think must be a stuck valve (or flapper thing). If need be I'll open or close all the "flaps" so I have heat and I'll worry about getting A/C when we get to spring time. AK

11-03-2009, 10:58 AM	#12 (permalink)
nsxmatt Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 43	No need to put it on the lift, there is nothing to access from the bottom of the car. __________________ 2005 Elise

11-03-2009, 11:44 AM	#13 (permalink)
TheViper Alarmed & Dangerous Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Boca Raton FL Posts: 3,201	Here is a diagram of the two flap valves. There is a stepper motor that directly drives the top one and a belt to the lower. Cheers, Michael Attached Images __________________ Cobra OEM - Alarm, Immobilizer, CDL Emergency Override with warranty Additional Emergency Touch Keys - see link above Brand New Cobra Alarm Remote with warranty Cobra Remote Key Fob Strap Cobra Window Closing Module - Add to your existing Cobra alarm 3 Piece Front Clam Protection Kit with Center Bumper Undertray Removal Tool INFORMATION Improved AC & Heating System Battery Choices & Information Remote Key Fob, Alarm & Immobilizer Programming Light Bulb Conversions 2005

11-03-2009, 01:09 PM	#14 (permalink)
AKerchoff Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 10	I put the car in the air just to check out the "other side". Yes, there is nothing there. ;-) I went thru the whole climate control system and I can't find the cause of the problem. I'll have to take it in and try out service @ Premier Lotus in Branford, CT. I believe it has to be either the rheostat (sp?) or one of the actuators. Thanks for all the help folks! AK

11-03-2009, 06:12 PM	#15 (permalink)
tesprit Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Racine, WI Posts: 1,925	I know this is a really basic thing, but did you check to make sure the heater matrix is actually getting hot and doesn't have air trapped in it? Just get the engine up to full operating temperature and feel the heater hoses going in and out of the heater box. If the inlet is hot, but the oulet is cold, you have a heater core full of air and that would be the reason you have no heat.

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