I have a W reg polo which has been without heating since november (I have been putting off doing anything that's not totally essential until I get job with this fantastic MSc that will supposedly make me a desirable employee). Anyway, I wondered if there were any suggestions of what it could be and how much it will set me back? I don't appear to have any leaks anywhere that I can find and I don't think it's the dial. The blower itself currently only works on two settings it seems to manage luke warm but never seems to run particularly cold or warm. Is there a possibility this could be related to electrics as I think mine are a bit dodgy?
I'm sick of getting ripped off or being partonised, it would appear that being a young, female who's not a mechanic equals big bucks to the garage! I am genuinely interested in learning to do bits and bobs myself though suspect this is one for the experts. All the same I would appreciate some input if anyone's had simialr problems or has a diagnosis!
cheers :)
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i would check the wire connectors behind the knobs in the dash even though you say you have checked them,they are made of plastic and a bit cheap and nasty
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ha sometimes I think my whole car is cheep and nasty! Shouldn't say that really he's done me proud so far. Can't hurt to try, the fact that the lights on the heating unit go off when I touch it might give it away that there's a loose connection! But then my right indicator doesn't work properly either. I had a new indicator switch fitted but it only fixed the problem for a few months, I've now had to revert back to randomly flashing other drivers as I fidget with the switch to make it work. I can't help but think this may all come down to electrics. But then I'm no mechanic, nor an electrician. Cheers.
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W-reg, getting on a bit, could be lots of things. Here's some ideas:
Car is running too cool, have you had a new radiator which might be overcooling it.
Thermostat is stuck open, this would delay the build up of heat in but eventually the heater should get hot.
Heater matrix is blocked with sludge, preventing a good flow of hot water getting thru
Air lock somewhere in the cooling system preventing flow thru heater matrix
Pipes into / out of heater matrix are blocked
For all the above try draining all the coolant and flushing thru under pressure to dislodge any sludge, then refil with correct coolant avoiding air locks, Haynes manual will describe how to do this. Also when the engine is hot feel the temp of the pipes into and out of the heater matrix, If the inlet pipe feels hot and the outlet pipe feels cold then the heater may be blocked. If the inlet feels cold then there must be a problem in the pipe between the engine and the heater.
Air flow thru the heater matrix into the car may be blocked. Checking under the dash will help spot any problems here.
Does the heater feel hotter when you are driving fast, If so it suggests a partially blocked matrix / pipes because when the engine is revving faster the water pump will be pushing water thru at a faster rate overcoming any blockage.
Does the heater feel hotter whan you are stationery, If so it suggests that the car is running too cool and when it is stationery the lack of air flow thru the radiator will raise the temp of the water, thus increasing the temp of the water going thru the heater.
Hope you find the cause, Overall I don't expect it will be expensive to fix, just needs time and a methodical approach.
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Now that you mention it, it does seem slightly warmer when I'm driving fast. I shall rake out my folks haynes manual and have a good look over the weekend, cheers.
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Water pump. Impeller is breaking up.
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