Interior Fan Flaky: Works Only After Driving a Bit

[IBCJ]

So I took off for a road trip on Friday in the Elise, and a couple hours in I stopped for gas. When I went to restart the car, the interior fan didn't work when I switched the car to the on position. I checked the 20A fuse under the passenger well, it was fine. I replaced it, no change. I visually inspected the fuses under the passenger side front access cover, they all look fine.

So I'm down to relay (doesn't make much sense, and I'm not sure there is one actually), or maybe a dying DC motor on the fan. My theory is that once I start driving, the air being forced through the ventilation system is spinning the fan a bit at speed, and that allows the motor to start. Maybe not the best theory, but it's all I got.

Oh yeah, and it isn't consistent. It's worked 50% of the 4 starts since before driving. FUN!

[TheViper]

Sounds like the infamous "resistor pack" corrosion, unfortunately an expensive clam off job BTW there is no relay for the blower fan.
Michael

Originally Posted by IBCJ

So I took off for a road trip on Friday in the Elise, and a couple hours in I stopped for gas. When I went to restart the car, the interior fan didn't work when I switched the car to the on position. I checked the 20A fuse under the passenger well, it was fine. I replaced it, no change. I visually inspected the fuses under the passenger side front access cover, they all look fine.

So I'm down to relay (doesn't make much sense, and I'm not sure there is one actually), or maybe a dying DC motor on the fan. My theory is that once I start driving, the air being forced through the ventilation system is spinning the fan a bit at speed, and that allows the motor to start. Maybe not the best theory, but it's all I got.

Oh yeah, and it isn't consistent. It's worked 50% of the 4 starts since before driving. FUN!

[IBCJ]

Originally Posted by TheViper

Sounds like the infamous "resistor pack" corrosion, unfortunately an expensive clam off job BTW there is no relay for the blower fan.
Michael

Great, I feel so lucky. Who want's to come over for a "clam-off" party?

Thanks Viper, sounds like the culprit. Now what else should I do while I'm in there - other than relocate it?

[TheViper]

Personally, I would locate it to an accessible location because resistor packs have a limited life span even under the best conditions.
Additionally I would check that the whole HVAC box is sealed around it's joints as there are reports of leakage. Insulate the heater pipes to reduce heat soak. IMPROVED A/C & HEATING SYSTEM
I am sure others could come up with ideas too.
Cheers,
Michael

Originally Posted by IBCJ

Great, I feel so lucky. Who want's to come over for a "clam-off" party?

Thanks Viper, sounds like the culprit. Now what else should I do while I'm in there - other than relocate it?