Could be a range of problems, but a quarter of an hour spent eyeballing the
problem will find many autoelectrical problems. I'm a radio sparky, so I
should know...... whether I do or not is another question.
Most car heaters have power fed from the fusebox to a switch with a single
power wire, then to a resistor network via several wires so different speeds
are available, then to the fan motor and back to earth.
Common problems are as our friend suggested (still attached at the bottom if
you need to go back to it, but I've top-posted to save the RSI on the mouse
wheel finger!) a loose connection, that can melt things, or rubbing of the
insulation on a wire somewhere under the dash which will normally (on every
other car you have ever worked on but this one!!!) cause the fuse to blow.
Have a good look with your mark 1 eyeball and inspect for damaged wires from
the area of the switch, to the resistor network which will normally be
mounted so it's "bare wires that get hot on lower speeds" resistors are in
the cooling airflow from the fan, and normally fairly close to it. A good
collection of leaves from parking under trees will cause a smouldering fire
in the heater vent if they stack up against the exposed resistors. Last time
I had one it gave a beautiful smell of gum leaves burning, heaps of smoke
throughout the car, and stopped shortly after turning off the fan. Scared
the crap out of the ex, so it wasn't all bad!!
The heater fan can also be clogged with leaves or grass, and this will
prevent it from turning, but may not draw enough to blow the fuse.
Hope this helps,
Peter
"the_dawg" <patrick@hilux.ace.unsw.EDU.AU> wrote in message
news:1157273059.864903.269330@m73g2000cwd.googlegr oups.com...
>
> Terry wrote:
>
>> Any ideas? I just want to know if its a simple fix, or if I need to take
>> it
>> to Holden / auto electrician.
>
> Friend had a similar problem on his Toyota Smurf. One of the pins in
> the plug on the switch had become a bad contact and heated up,
> therefore melting/stuffing the switch. Can't remember how much it
> was for him to buy a new switch from ToyCo, however wen't cheap.
>
> I have no idea on your make/model of vehicle how much labour is
> involved. Does not take me long with Smurf/Hilux as I've worked
> on them for more times than I wanna remember.
>