Aux Heater ?

[badsimian]

Hi all - had my Alhambra for about 5 years, I don't think the aux heater has ever worked on it. I've read through most of this excellent thread but I don't quite understand how to work out which glow plug I need? Do I need to try and take it all apart first, identify it, put it back together. Order it and when it arrives then try to fit it?

 

Also what is the cheapest way to get a VAG-COM interface to reset any codes that I need to?

 

Thanks!

[BrianH]

Hi all - had my Alhambra for about 5 years, I don't think the aux heater has ever worked on it. I've read through most of this excellent thread but I don't quite understand how to work out which glow plug I need? Do I need to try and take it all apart first, identify it, put it back together. Order it and when it arrives then try to fit it?

 

Also what is the cheapest way to get a VAG-COM interface to reset any codes that I need to?

 

Thanks!

 

Ebay for the lead, ross tech website for the latest version of software (lite version should be fine, the cheap leads should be fine for what you require).

 

No idea on the glowplug though. I'd have a look on the software side first to see if the problem is the glow plug first if i were you. Think they normally either smoke excessively or log flame out errors with a duff plug, but there are other things that can cause them to lock out till cleared.

[gregers]

does the run on pump work?

iirc if not then the aux heater wont work?

you should hear a buzzing noise when you turn the engine off.

plenty of info on here about that also, :35:

[badsimian]

I can hear a pump or something similar going yes, sounds like a jet engine and clouds of smoke.

[BrianH]

I can hear a pump or something similar going yes, sounds like a jet engine and clouds of smoke.

Pump is under the bonnet - it circulates coolant from engine to the rear. Cloulds of smoke sounds like either glowplug or gauze to me, though have a read though yourself and look. probabbly eaiser to fix than some of the faults they throw up though.

[PeterMoon]

Hi ,i have a 2003 model with aux heater that didnt work.I replaced with correct glow plug but it still doesnt work.What should i check next please? 

[gregers]

iirc if it has locked out,then the codes need reading and resetting,if it still dont work then its something else.

[PeterMoon]

Thanks for reply,have code reader and there was no fault codes  ,yep something else 

[BrianH]

Thanks for reply,have code reader and there was no fault codes  ,yep something else 

Code reader as in a obd code reader or VCDS? A normal code reader won't do the Aux heater, only the engine.

 

You need a vcds lite compatable lead - one of the cheap VAG-COM or VCDS lite leads from ebay will work, then the free version of VCDS from Ross Tech, and a laptop (or a computer if you can get one close enough will work). Scan the aux heater module once you've got it setup and you should either have codes that want clearing, or find you can't access it. Either way you should have a start once you've got that sorted.

[badsimian]

So I tried this and read the codes from the Aux heater. First one was "Short to ground" and then there were others it said I had to unlock to see. Does that mean there are other codes and I need to stump up the 99 quid? I was using the VCDS lite version.

[gregers]

follow the instructions a bit furthur up,then clear them all.and sit back and watch/listen to our heater(hopefully)start.

[BrianH]

So I tried this and read the codes from the Aux heater. First one was "Short to ground" and then there were others it said I had to unlock to see. Does that mean there are other codes and I need to stump up the 99 quid? I was using the VCDS lite version.

No - it shows those due to using the free version, its to prompt buying the full version, nothing more (automatic scans of all modules and some of the more advanced functions won't work in lite, but nothing you need for this - some of the speedo functions won't work, but aux heater should be fine).

 

Clear it and see if it comes back - it may be the glow plug has failed and done so in a way that left the short, it may be something else. But if its something else it will come back so you will know either way,

[xavier]

You still see the code numbers on the free version, only the description is hidden. The codes can be looked up via google or on the ross tech site for free, it's just a small bit of inconvenience to encourage you to upgrade. The fact you can communicate with the heater is a good sign.

[jaunsbuks]

Hello!

I know this is mainly a Seat Galaxy forum, but I will still give this a shot.

 

I have a Seat Alhambra 1.9tdi (85kw) 2003.

My auxiliary heater is not working.

When I had the opportunity, I saw that the wires were not corroded.

 

I want to know:

1. Can I tell what exact model of the aux heater I have by VIN?

2. How many consecutive fails would cause blocking of the aux heater? Ive read here that for Fords the number is 3? After which you must clear the faults before you are able to start it.

[badsimian]

 

Hi all - had my Alhambra for about 5 years, I don't think the aux heater has ever worked on it. I've read through most of this excellent thread but I don't quite understand how to work out which glow plug I need? Do I need to try and take it all apart first, identify it, put it back together. Order it and when it arrives then try to fit it?

 

Also what is the cheapest way to get a VAG-COM interface to reset any codes that I need to?

 

Thanks!

 

Ebay for the lead, ross tech website for the latest version of software (lite version should be fine, the cheap leads should be fine for what you require).

 

No idea on the glowplug though. I'd have a look on the software side first to see if the problem is the glow plug first if i were you. Think they normally either smoke excessively or log flame out errors with a duff plug, but there are other things that can cause them to lock out till cleared.

 

 

 

So I got a lead, no faults found now after I cleared the ground one. Still getting smoke though.

[BrianH]

 

 

Hi all - had my Alhambra for about 5 years, I don't think the aux heater has ever worked on it. I've read through most of this excellent thread but I don't quite understand how to work out which glow plug I need? Do I need to try and take it all apart first, identify it, put it back together. Order it and when it arrives then try to fit it?

 

Also what is the cheapest way to get a VAG-COM interface to reset any codes that I need to?

 

Thanks!

 

Ebay for the lead, ross tech website for the latest version of software (lite version should be fine, the cheap leads should be fine for what you require).

 

No idea on the glowplug though. I'd have a look on the software side first to see if the problem is the glow plug first if i were you. Think they normally either smoke excessively or log flame out errors with a duff plug, but there are other things that can cause them to lock out till cleared.

 

 

 

So I got a lead, no faults found now after I cleared the ground one. Still getting smoke though.

 

Sounds like it needs the plug/gauze to me then, though the fact your getting it to try now is a good sign! Will be a case of take it apart and have a look really.

[jaunsbuks]

Seat Alhambra 2003 1.9tdi 85kw

 

AUX heater still not working, glow plug is not faulty.

 

Could someone please explain to me how the auxiliary heater functions in  general? I mean - all of its components and the logics of its operation? What switches on, when it switches on etc?

 

I have yet to get the codes read, but for now I want to know what the components are and how this system works in general.

 

I was also told there is a circulation pump inside the engine bay which is also connected to the AUX heater?

 

Also, is it number 12 fuse for alhambra as well?

Edited February 27, 2017 by jaunsbuks

[gregers]

circulation pump,also known as run on pump,you should hear a slight humming noise

when you turn the engine off,iirc runs for about 5-10 mins.

if you look under the bonnet right hand side back of the engine but near the top

you should see it,search on the forum for more info.

all info you need should be on hear,if not on this short thread,then its elsewhere,

take a look in the tech section in the faqs.

 

iirc,the aux heater on a mk2 comes on at 10 degrees,mk1 comes on at 5 degrees.

 on my old 1 it still came on up to around 12 degrees.

 

if the run on pump doesnt work then the heater wont run.

Edited February 27, 2017 by gregers

[jaunsbuks]

Thanks for the info!

I asked it because the previous owner said he already had to replace the circulation pump once that caused the AUX heater to not run at all.

 

Will wait for the garage to be free, so I can check that pump. Its location I dislike a lot lol

 

EDIT: so, to sum it up - if I do not hear the circulation/run-on pump run after I turn the engine off, it is defective? or is there any other more reliable way to diagnose it

 

if I dismantle it, can I somwehow connect a power source and test it?

Edited February 28, 2017 by jaunsbuks

[BrianH]

Thanks for the info!

I asked it because the previous owner said he already had to replace the circulation pump once that caused the AUX heater to not run at all.

 

Will wait for the garage to be free, so I can check that pump. Its location I dislike a lot lol

 

EDIT: so, to sum it up - if I do not hear the circulation/run-on pump run after I turn the engine off, it is defective? or is there any other more reliable way to diagnose it

 

if I dismantle it, can I somwehow connect a power source and test it?

its just a simple 12v pump. 2 connections to it go to the motor, easiest bet is either power it as you say, or look for 12v across the input to it.

 

Brushes typically wear out, theres no detection of the pump state its a dumb motor, so diagnostics won't show a failure, will see the rear heater getting too hot though.

 

Repeated errors will lock the heater out though, and will need clearing (see vcds info further back) to allow you to try it again even if the run on pump has been made to work again. Lead for VCDS can be had from ebay for less than a tenner though, just need a laptop and download the free vcds lite software then.

[jaunsbuks]

OK. Thanks.

Going to try out a different laptop.

Did not get VCDS Lite to work with my cable on the current laptop.

[BrianH]

OK. Thanks.

Going to try out a different laptop.

Did not get VCDS Lite to work with my cable on the current laptop.

You will need the drivers that come with the cable to be installed - if it shows up in device manager as unknown device, or with an ! exclamation mark or similar, then sorting that problem should allow it to work.

[daddyfixit]

its time to get out & get under again !!!  cold weather is here and heater is off again !!

 

will post more after I have spent the weekend fighting with it !

[tiger]

Right for all you lot having probs with the heater, I'd advise either a diagnostic to pinpoint - or take it out and test the glowplug!! I have spoken to the German manufacturers of the units who also recon them, they advise that a high percentage are returned with a single fault... Ie the glow plug..

 

Here's the little bugger - excuse the dirty hands!

http://img138.exs.cx/img138/5459/dsc022880xf.jpg

 

 

It takes all of 10 mins to remove the booster heater, and you DO NOT have to remove the coolant pipes, as you can strip it on the floor whilst they are still attached.. Just disconnect the wiring plug and pull of the fuel hose! Anyone who tells you otherwise (prob Frauds) is full of B/S - I've done it twice now, first to confirm the glow plug was dead, (it was) and 2nd to replace it with the (according to Fraud) "unavailable as a seperate part, you'll be needing a complete unit" replacement.. Mine now works like a treat!

Here's the heater on the floor still attached to the car:

 

http://img145.exs.cx/img145/8325/dsc022909nu.jpg

 

And here's where it lives!

http://img138.exs.cx/img138/6349/dsc022944tn.jpg

 

They CAN be bought from:

 

 

Hans Motors

22 The Fort Ind Park

Birmingham

B35 7AR

 

Tel 0121 749 8820

 

Speak to Lloyd Parchment - mention my name (Mike Fenlon) and the forum!!

The original Beru (OEM) part no is 0 100 226 228 but it has now been superceeded, although Lloyd is aware of the new part No.

 

It is not a stock item, and has to be ordered from Germany, but it is the GENUINE OEM part. Cost is...... �22.32+vat Carriage is �5+vat - total �32.10

A hell of a lot cheaper than a new unit!!!

 

 

 

 

HTH

 

Mike

 

PS, FWIW - maybe this reply could be a "st

Can't see the pics ... Are they still available plz?

[tiger]

Right for all you lot having probs with the heater, I'd advise either a diagnostic to pinpoint - or take it out and test the glowplug!! I have spoken to the German manufacturers of the units who also recon them, they advise that a high percentage are returned with a single fault... Ie the glow plug..

 

Here's the little bugger - excuse the dirty hands!

http://img138.exs.cx/img138/5459/dsc022880xf.jpg

 

 

It takes all of 10 mins to remove the booster heater, and you DO NOT have to remove the coolant pipes, as you can strip it on the floor whilst they are still attached.. Just disconnect the wiring plug and pull of the fuel hose! Anyone who tells you otherwise (prob Frauds) is full of B/S - I've done it twice now, first to confirm the glow plug was dead, (it was) and 2nd to replace it with the (according to Fraud) "unavailable as a seperate part, you'll be needing a complete unit" replacement.. Mine now works like a treat!

Here's the heater on the floor still attached to the car:

 

http://img145.exs.cx/img145/8325/dsc022909nu.jpg

 

And here's where it lives!

http://img138.exs.cx/img138/6349/dsc022944tn.jpg

 

They CAN be bought from:

 

 

Hans Motors

22 The Fort Ind Park

Birmingham

B35 7AR

 

Tel 0121 749 8820

 

Speak to Lloyd Parchment - mention my name (Mike Fenlon) and the forum!!

The original Beru (OEM) part no is 0 100 226 228 but it has now been superceeded, although Lloyd is aware of the new part No.

 

It is not a stock item, and has to be ordered from Germany, but it is the GENUINE OEM part. Cost is...... �22.32+vat Carriage is �5+vat - total �32.10

A hell of a lot cheaper than a new unit!!!

 

 

 

 

HTH

 

Mike

 

PS, FWIW - maybe this reply could be a "sticky?"

Couldn't see pics plz... can you upload them again