Heater Matrix/blower assembly

[whaleys]

Evening chaps/chapesses,

I have what seems to be the common problem of the resistor pack going on the heater, the fan is only operating at numbers 2 and 3. I did some reading an it seems straight forward, buy a new resistor pack or the new "upgraded" one. Access it via the passenger service panel or clam off and job done. I have a 2002 Elise and it doesn't seem to be that straight forward. My heater blower is not located below the passenger service panel its central to the car. It would also seem that the blower, matrix, and resistor block are one unit.

The heater fan has also been getting a bit noisy so I had figured I would just replace the fan and the resistor unit, it seems this will not be the case. I'm hoping that someone can give me some super advice that means I'm not going to have to replace the whole shooting match but I'm thinking that's probably just wishful thinking.

Does anyone have any experience with these units and any money saving advice? (someones going to say just leave it broken ) It's just from what I can gather its a REALLY expensive part.

Thanks,
Graeme

edit: I have some blurry photos if it helps

[DavieK]

Dont know if the S2 is the same as an S1 but when ours was noisy it was the fan rubbing on the flap that controls the amount of air going through the matrix. I just drilled a hole slightly further out on the control arm so that the flap didnt move as much and the noise stopped.

[Stumpy Nugget]

I have not had to play with this part of the car yet but if it is this part you are talking about replacing

http://www.eliseparts.com/products/show ... trol-unit/

Then I think I will be looking to see if I could also find a cheaper way than spending 111 quid also. Nothing on SELOC? I am sure someone there has built one out of bottle tops and a TV remote control.

[cstrachan]

If it is the same as the VX220 heater (most likely is) then have a look on vx220.org as loads of people are upgrading and fixing heaters at the moment, plenty of threads about soldering and replacing the resisters also.

[Stumpy Nugget]

Found this.. Talks about ohms and things, must be right then. "I do science me".

http://forums.seloc.org/viewthread.php? ... pid4375494

[whaleys]

Found this.. Talks about ohms and things, must be right then. "I do science me".

http://forums.seloc.org/viewthread.php? ... pid4375494

You're on to something with that thread on Seloc. The heater unit described is the same as mine.

If it is the same as the VX220 heater (most likely is) then have a look on vx220.org as loads of people are upgrading and fixing heaters at the moment, plenty of threads about soldering and replacing the resisters also.

I never even thought to check the VX220 forum .

The VX220 does have the same heater unit for anyone else having the same issue as me here is a good thread:

http://www.vx220.org.uk/forums/index.ph ... ntry991863

Dont know if the S2 is the same as an S1 but when ours was noisy it was the fan rubbing on the flap that controls the amount of air going through the matrix. I just drilled a hole slightly further out on the control arm so that the flap didnt move as much and the noise stopped.

That may be what is causing the rubbing noise I'll be able to take a look at it when I take it apart. Either way I'm not so worried about it now, was concerned as I was getting signs of prices around £650 just for the replacement part! but it looks like I will be able to fix it myself.

As always, thanks very much,

Graeme

[cstrachan]

Glad it helped

.Org has lots of good how too's and most will be the same or simlar to the elise

[111Rxpress]

just for info, my 2005 S2 has had the thumbs up for some warrnety work rgds this problem. my heater would not blow on settign two, but was okay on one and three. anyway is covered under warrnety and that was lucky as the bill was +£500 !! are Lotus mad?

Rgds
Robert

[delands]

Its the labour that puts the Lotus price up as they take the clam off.

New blower units have drain holes in them to stop water damage, so if replacing resistor only, drill a few holes!

http://www.elise-shop.com/heater-fan-re ... p-312.html

http://www.elise-shop.com/heater-fan-re ... p-771.html

[neil]

There's a guide on how to do the resistor pack with the clam on here - http://www.scottishelises.com/phpbb/vie ... =5&t=16457