Mike.Gayner 0 Report post Posted May 6, 2009 Yesterday I was using the heater in my car as usual, and when I pulled into the driveway I switched it off, but it didn't switch off. What appears to be happening is that the fan stays on but all the vents close, so the air is forced through a small gap in the windscreen vent, creating quite a loud, high pitched (almost whistling) noise. Otherwise the heater/AC is working fien - the fan and temperature variables are working in good order. Is this is known issue? Anyone know a simple fix? Thanks. Attached is a picture of the same heater that's in my car. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
*Glenn* 854 Report post Posted May 6, 2009 The heater fan resistor block that controls fan speeds is probably faulty.... do all the fan speeds work ? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mike.Gayner 0 Report post Posted May 6, 2009 Yes the heater is otherwise fine. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
*Glenn* 854 Report post Posted May 6, 2009 When you turn the heater off....what fan speed does is sound like its on...high speed ??? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Simon* Report post Posted May 6, 2009 I had the same problem with my E34 Mike. Had to pull the fuse in the end to get the thing to stop. It was the heater fan resistor like Glenn said, mine was the "sword" type. Just replaced it and problem solved. There are lots of DIY guides on the net, it is a very common failing of the E34 unfortunately Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mike.Gayner 0 Report post Posted May 6, 2009 Thanks guys. Glen - it sounds like it's on very high speed, but I'm pretty sure it's actually on the lowest speed setting, but forcing air through closed vents, hence the noise. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
*Glenn* 854 Report post Posted May 6, 2009 Thanks guys. Glen - it sounds like it's on very high speed, but I'm pretty sure it's actually on the lowest speed setting, but forcing air through closed vents, hence the noise. Then it is the resistor block thats faulty. It will also flatten your battery Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BM WORLD 1262 Report post Posted May 6, 2009 i have those to. 021433600 brenta1@clear.net.nz Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mike.Gayner 0 Report post Posted May 6, 2009 I'm having trouble locating the right part on Realoem - can someone please advise me of the part number I need? Thanks. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Simon* Report post Posted May 6, 2009 This is using my serial number Mike but it is the same vintage E34 Part 2 in this diagram Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mike.Gayner 0 Report post Posted May 6, 2009 Is that price correct? $517.82 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Simon* Report post Posted May 6, 2009 I didn't pay that much! That's Euros too - pretty scary Try the parts people, Euro-Italian, BM Warehouse, etc and Ray (HellBM) and Brent above too Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mike.Gayner 0 Report post Posted May 6, 2009 According to this website: http://www.bmwe34.net/E34main/Maintenance/...rical/Sword.htm I have a different type of resistor - anyone know anything about this? Thanks. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Simon* Report post Posted May 6, 2009 This type? I know this site, use it a lot actually. I thought because I have a late '94 build E34 that I would have the small block type resistor too but I was wrong. I had the "sword" as per below. The only way to be sure is to check I guess Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
*Glenn* 854 Report post Posted May 6, 2009 It could be either / or Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
HELLBM 1531 Report post Posted May 6, 2009 Have both in stock.. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mike.Gayner 0 Report post Posted May 6, 2009 (edited) Thanks, I'll have a look tonight when I get home. Just had a play with the car in my lunch break, and the symptoms are unfortunately deteriorating. The fan speed control now doesn't work at all, giving about 75% air volume over the whole scale, except for the top detent which increases air flow to 100%. Turning the heater/AC off now leaves the fan blowing at about 75%, with the vents closed casuing the loud whistling noise. If it makes any difference, the chassis number on my car is GF21213. Thanks. edit: Phoned Coombes Johnston, they want over $1,000 for the "sword". Ridiculous. Edited May 6, 2009 by Mike.Gayner Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BM WORLD 1262 Report post Posted May 6, 2009 Thanks, I'll have a look tonight when I get home. Just had a play with the car in my lunch break, and the symptoms are unfortunately deteriorating. The fan speed control now doesn't work at all, giving about 75% air volume over the whole scale, except for the top detent which increases air flow to 100%. Turning the heater/AC off now leaves the fan blowing at about 75%, with the vents closed casuing the loud whistling noise. If it makes any difference, the chassis number on my car is GF21213. Thanks. normally the resitor block type is used on heater dials like this one which have 4 speeds . as aposed to the variable type speed ones Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
*Glenn* 854 Report post Posted May 6, 2009 (edited) By chassis number BMW are telling me there is only one type for your car... its $137 + Gst retail New Edited May 7, 2009 by *Glenn* Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mike.Gayner 0 Report post Posted May 7, 2009 Now I'm very confused I'll look at it tonight if I get a chance, though it's looking like another late night in the office Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
blakamin 0 Report post Posted May 7, 2009 Have both in stock..How much is a sword? (mine has failed too) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mike.Gayner 0 Report post Posted May 8, 2009 Confirmed my car has a sword type resistor - interestingly on a short trip to replace the T20 wrench I lost, the heather started working correctly again, albeit with a strong burning smell. The smell leads me to believe that a failing sword is a potential fire hazard, so it's worth replacing as soon as possible. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BM WORLD 1262 Report post Posted May 8, 2009 How much is a sword? (mine has failed too) Confirmed my car has a sword type resistor - interestingly on a short trip to replace the T20 wrench I lost, the heather started working correctly again, albeit with a strong burning smell. The smell leads me to believe that a failing sword is a potential fire hazard, so it's worth replacing as soon as possible. yes have couple in stock . 021433600 brenta1@clear.net.nz Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
