Vauxhall Zafira CDTI1.9 - Intermittent AC/Heater problems

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Wed 17 Dec 2014 15:10
Vauxhall Zafira CDTI1.9 - Intermittent AC/Heater problems - Haqi

I've been having a problem with the heating and AC in my wife's car for a while but as it gets colder the nagging gets louder.

When I turn on the heating it doesn't always come on straight away, sometimes it doesn't come on at all, sometimes after a random amount of time. If I understand correctly the heater should only start blowing once the car has warmed up, but this is not the case. I could be driving for a while before it starts to blow.

I spoke to my mechanic who recommended I get Vauxhall to run a diagnostic, they have now told me they need to replace the heater motor (£350) and resistor (£25) plus labour (£120). I appreciate I know nothing about mechanics, but is there any chance the motor could be fine if it can blow when it wants to and the problem may just be the resistor?

I did suggest buying the wife a new coat and gloves instead, but she didn't seem best pleased with the idea.

Thanks in advance.

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Wed 17 Dec 2014 15:22
Vauxhall Zafira CDTI1.9 - Intermittent AC/Heater problems - skidpan

As the weather gets colder the engine takes longer to heat up to normal operating temp.

This means it takes the heater longer to produce heat.

The car is also colder inside thus your wife notices it more.

I see its a diesel and they generally take longer than petrols to heat up especially this time of year.

Probably absolutely nothing wrong with the car but if you want to spend your money go ahead.

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Wed 17 Dec 2014 16:30
Vauxhall Zafira CDTI1.9 - Intermittent AC/Heater problems - Haqi

Thanks for your response, it was an issue with the AC blowers starting in the summer too, and I haven't had this issue in the last two winters. It won't blow hot or cold, even when I try to demist the front windows it doesn't always blow.

Definitely not excited to spend the money!!

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Wed 17 Dec 2014 17:03
Vauxhall Zafira CDTI1.9 - Intermittent AC/Heater problems - elekie&a/c doctor

The blower/fan motor should work as soon as the engine is running,either hot or cold.I would suggest you take it to a specialist that understands how the system works and can fix it at a more economic cost,without using genuine GM parts.

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