Astra F (1997) Heater Controls

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Tue 21 Oct 2003 12:42
Astra F (1997) Heater Controls - KevDGill
I've just bought a 1997 P Astra Van, and the heater only works on full (4). I'm guessing this is a problem with the switch, but what I find strange is that the 4 on the dial is on a separate indentation to the 1,2 and 3, and the owners manual says to use 4 for demisting the windscreen, but says to rapidly warm the car I should turn the dial to 3.

Has anyone had a similar problem to this, and if so, what's the easiest/cheapest/best way to fix it?

Thanks in advance

Kev
Preston, Lancs.
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Tue 21 Oct 2003 12:59
Astra F (1997) Heater Controls - Dynamic Dave
I take it you\'re actually refering to the blower fan speed and not the actual temp control?

If the blower is only working on speed No.4, then the resistor pack has failed. Assuming it\'s in the same place as the Cavalier, it\'ll be right next to the blower motor - which sits under the plastic panel, between the bulkhead and windscreen. Quite easy to change, and around £20 ish for the parts.
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Tue 21 Oct 2003 13:16
Astra F (1997) Heater Controls - KevDGill
I take it you're actually refering to the blower fan speed and not the actual temp control?


I am indeed referring to the blower control. Right then...

Plastic panel between windscreen and bulkhead - whereabouts do you mean and do you think I'll need to remove much to get at it? Sorry to sound thick but I've only just bought the van and I don't really know my way around it yet.

Thanks for the reply.

Kev
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Tue 21 Oct 2003 13:59
Astra F (1997) Heater Controls - Dynamic Dave
Plastic panel between windscreen and bulkhead - whereabouts
do you mean and do you think I'll need to remove much to get
at it?


Lift bonnet and its the panel along the back edge of the bulk head. You'll have to pull off the rubber strip that runs the entire length of the engine bay (from wing to wing). You should then be able to lift up the panel to reveal the motor. If you're lucky you *might* be able to gain access to the motor once you've removed the pollen filter - if one is fitted. I must admit to not being too familiar with the Astra Van, but I'm assuming the layout is similar to the car model.
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Tue 21 Oct 2003 14:03
Astra F (1997) Heater Controls - KevDGill
Cheers very much for that. I'll have a look at it tonight.
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Mon 10 Nov 2003 09:38
Astra F (1997) Heater Controls - KevDGill
Just to update this thread - I finally got round to having a go at it yesterday. Went to a scrap yard a couple of weekends ago and picked up a resistor pack (eventually after much wrestling with the wires) and an intact jack (probably destined for a construction project of some kind) for a fiver. Cleaned up the slightly rusty resistor pack a bit then yesterday I removed the old one which was as rusty as a very rusty thing. Had a nightmare with the cowl panels (the inner black plastic bit didn't want to go back in and when the whole thing was back together the seal strip didn't lie flat on the windscreen very well). Got the new one in ok in the end (much easier to put em in than to get em out) and the blowers are fine. Cheers for the advice.

-- Kev
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Wed 24 Mar 2010 22:17
Astra F (1997) Heater Controls - burnskev

I had the same problem, and got this fix, but the panel under the windscreen, i could get to lay flat and there is a gap, I noted from your post you had the same problem and wondered if you manage to get this panel to lie flat, and if not have you had any problems.

many thank

Kev B

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Mon 17 Nov 2003 21:35
Astra F (1997) Heater Controls - bunny
Think the heaters not working correctly is an OLD astra problem - mines an old daddy at an H (1991), and its heater will only work on full - otherwise it squeaks and blows outside temperature air whatever. Not so nice on chilly days..having said that - the highest burns my hand like nothing else! Youd have thought theyd have fixed it by now! Esp. as it makes rear wind screen visability difficult!
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Tue 18 Nov 2003 09:29
Astra F (1997) Heater Controls - KevDGill
Mine was just the blower failing at 1,2 or 3 settings while 4 was fine. The temperature setting part of it was always ok.

So yours blows cold on 1,2 and 3 but only blows hot on 4? weird.

-- Kev
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