355 - Heater blower not blowing air through vents | FerrariChat
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355 Heater blower not blowing air through vents

Discussion in '348/355' started by Red_SLR, Jul 18, 2022.

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  1. Red_SLR

    Red_SLR Karting

    Jul 22, 2019
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    #1 Red_SLR, Jul 18, 2022
    I seem to have lost air flow through my main dash vents.

    It will run on the foot area (weakly) but if I select defrost or main upper vents then I get no air. Nada.

    The motor is running, and speeds up and slows down depending on which speed you set it.

    But there is nothing coming through. I assume there is a flap valve type set up somewhere that changes the air flow direction through the vents... I guess thats the issue? Had a look on youtooobe but cant see much.

    Any advice? Much appreciated!
     
  2. Mike Morrissey

    Mike Morrissey Formula 3
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    #2 Mike Morrissey, Jul 18, 2022
    There is a motor called a Timing Actuator Part# 63307100, NLA, that moves the air direction tambour. It suffers from a gear disintegrating due to composition and age. Replacement gears are available. It is located on the evaporator/heater box, behind the passenger airbag. I recently sent mine in and was successful in correcting the problem.
    Specialized ECU Repair in Florida, repairs this and other ECU modules including the AC climate module if necessary.
    https://www.ecudoctors.com/

    Also, here is a FerrariChat link to a thread with discussion of the repair.
    https://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/threads/new-owner-with-ventilation-problem.514304/page-9

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  3. Red_SLR

    Red_SLR Karting

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    #3 Red_SLR, Jul 18, 2022
    Thanks!!

    On RHD is it still behind the pax airbag?
     
  4. Mike Morrissey

    Mike Morrissey Formula 3
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    #4 Mike Morrissey, Jul 18, 2022
    Last edited: Jul 18, 2022
    Here is a diagram. For RHD, item 12 is the actuator, accessible by removing the center air vents item 14 along with the instrument panel binnacle.

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  5. MAD828

    MAD828 F1 Rookie

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    #5 MAD828, Jul 18, 2022
    On RHD it is an absolute PITA to remove and even more so to re install!

    Before removing it you can test it’s functionality by unplugging it and powering it up with a rigged battery and connector. Mine was not changing air direction but it proved to be the ECU not the motor itself.
     
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  6. Qavion

    Qavion F1 World Champ
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    #6 Qavion, Jul 18, 2022
    Can it be accessed from below the dash without removing the vents and instrument binnacle, Elliott? (with mirrors and right angled screwdrivers?)

    I'm trying to understand what part of the dash I'm looking at here. It looks a lot bigger than the central vents

    [​IMG]
     
  7. MAD828

    MAD828 F1 Rookie

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    #7 MAD828, Jul 18, 2022
    There is no access at all from the top on a RHD you have to do it almost blind with a very stubby Philips head screwdriver. Taking it out is not too hard getting the screws back in is the main issue. Very tight and your on your back in the foot well.
     
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  8. Qavion

    Qavion F1 World Champ
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    #8 Qavion, Jul 18, 2022
    Thanks, Elliott. That's what I heard, but the photo above is from a RHD car. I just can't figure out what I'm looking at in the photo.
     
  9. m.stojanovic

    m.stojanovic F1 Rookie
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    #9 m.stojanovic, Jul 18, 2022
    The photo appears to be from a LHD car showing the glovebox opening.
     
  10. Qavion

    Qavion F1 World Champ
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    #10 Qavion, Jul 18, 2022
    It does, Miro. It was a UK car, so perhaps LHD. RHD and LHD are optional. The photo of his car seemed to be RHD, but maybe not:

    https://www.ferrarichat.com/forum/posts/144548481/
     
  11. m.stojanovic

    m.stojanovic F1 Rookie
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    #11 m.stojanovic, Jul 19, 2022
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  12. Red_SLR

    Red_SLR Karting

    Jul 22, 2019
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    #12 Red_SLR, Jul 19, 2022
    Thanks for the info chaps, all good stuff. I dont like this sound of it. I am mechanically ok on big stuff but I am never very good with small fiddly stuff and dash trims etc I never seem to be able to get stuff apart without breaking clips etc... this is sounding like a bit of a nightmare!!

    Is there any way to test if its the motor or the ECU?

    Basically whats happening is it seems to blow only from the window demist vents and from the foot vents on hot. If you move the selector to main vents you get nothing at all.

    On cold you get a trickle out of the foot vents and window demist vents. Then occasionally a nice blast from the foot vents then it seems to die off again.

    I was on a long run with friends at the weekend and the only way to keep air moving through the cabin was to have it set to demist with the AC on it did get a tiny bit cooler but not by much.

    I really need to get this sorted before a run to France next year in the summer!!
     
  13. radback

    radback Formula Junior
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    #13 radback, Jul 19, 2022
    I’ve got the exact same problem as you (except I’m already in France :D )
     
  14. Red_SLR

    Red_SLR Karting

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    #14 Red_SLR, Jul 19, 2022
    LOL I will update as I go will prob try and get it out this week some time and test it :/
     
  15. Qavion

    Qavion F1 World Champ
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    #15 Qavion, Jul 19, 2022
    No easy way. You would either have to pull out the "timer actuator" (motor).... or do checks of the actuator from the HVAC ECU connector. You would have to pull the luggage compartment to pieces to get to the ECU.

    It seems like it's stuck in one position. The variations in speed may be due to the automatics trying to control temperature, based on sensor information.

    Timer actuators are rarely for sale (even second hand). I see someone is offering a repair service, but it's not cheap.

    https://www.ecudoctors.com/products/ferrari-355-climate-control-a-c-63307100-br-timing-actuator-repair#
     
  16. Qavion

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    #16 Qavion, Jul 19, 2022
    Can you hear the timer actuator motor running when you change the air direction? Mine is quite noisy on startup (just turning on the ignition). The most common problem with the actuator is broken cogs, so it’s likely that you’ll hear them spinning uselessly (with no air direction change).

    If there is no sound at all, then I would suspect the ECU (or a combination of both).

    Note that in cold weather, when you first turn on the system, the ECU will not command the air to blow directly on your face/body. Someone on the forum said that the system does this even with manual direction selections, but I haven’t been able to confirm this (the temperatures here in Sydney rarely goes below the temperature required for this). Anyway, if you do have to check air direction in cold weather, make sure your car has warmed up first.
     
  17. Red_SLR

    Red_SLR Karting

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    #17 Red_SLR, Jul 19, 2022
    Not sure is the honest answer at this stage but once it cools down later in the week (40c in the UK rn) then I will be out in the garage having a tinker.
    I have called a few breakers and no one has the timing motor.... so I reckon I am looking at a repair if it is that.
     
  18. Mike Morrissey

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    #18 Mike Morrissey, Jul 19, 2022
    There are gears available that people have 3D printed once they found the correct pitch. I decided "bite the bullet" and go with ECU Doctors and not chance a gear that didn't work properly and have to open the sealed housing to install it.
    Their turnaround time was quick and they guarantee their work for 1 year. They also repair the Climate Control ECU if need be. Even on a LHD car, the actuator is not easy to remove and re-install. I tried from beneath the dash and ended up working from up top.
     
  19. lanab

    lanab Formula Junior

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    #19 lanab, Jul 20, 2022
    Yes it's a ***** to remove.....
     
  20. Red_SLR

    Red_SLR Karting

    Jul 22, 2019
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    #20 Red_SLR, Jul 31, 2022
    Ok so I am in the garage today...

    I have taken the trunk carpet out and checked all connections to the front part of the heater motor etc and fuses etc.

    I took the recirc motor off and thats had the brass upgrade done.

    However when I press recirc its not moving the flap. However I read on here it has to be over 25c?19c here currently..

    The flap moves ok once the motor is removed.

    No weird noises coming from the motor unit when I give it a shake.

    So I think thats ok?

    pt2...
     
  21. Red_SLR

    Red_SLR Karting

    Jul 22, 2019
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    #21 Red_SLR, Jul 31, 2022
    Now onto the good stuff.

    The motor in the cabin that controls the distribution I really cant see how I can get on it.

    I might try some wiggle bars shortly. Part of my issue is I am not the smallest of people. I am hardly 6ft 6 or anything but I am quite broad and I am struggling to get my arms up no matter how I lie down in the foot well.

    Any tips on that apprecaited!

    I also cant get the plug off - tried pulling and twistings. The round one with 5 wires.
     
  22. Red_SLR

    Red_SLR Karting

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    #22 Red_SLR, Jul 31, 2022
    Oh one last thing can someone expelain how the "stop" button works.

    Mine seems to do different things!!!??
     
  23. Red_SLR

    Red_SLR Karting

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    #23 Red_SLR, Jul 31, 2022
    Shes out.... broken ribs dont take long to heal right? I have a feeling I am going to be a tad sore tomorrow LOL

    So....

    With the ignition on if I change the position from feet to screen or whatever the motor does nothing.

    On ignition on it also does nothing.

    So is it time to crack open the motor (will it go back together easily?) or is it possible the ECU is the cause?

    Anyone know where the hvac ecu is?
     
  24. Red_SLR

    Red_SLR Karting

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    #24 Red_SLR, Jul 31, 2022
    Final post of the evening.... I put power to the motor and she runs just fine.. so its looking like its the ECU.

    I am not sure if that makes me happy or not.... looking at the prices to repair I think I am going to stay on the fence on this one.

    Part No looks to be 462001300 if anyone happens to have one!
     
  25. MAD828

    MAD828 F1 Rookie

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    #25 MAD828, Jul 31, 2022
    Repairing the ECU is very cost effective, the surface mount chips are cheap and you just need to find a proficient electronic tech who can work on the board. Under 200 USD to repair it.
     
    Mike Morrissey likes this.
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