Tech Updates – January 2010

January 15, 2010

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Troubleshooting Poor Heater Performance

Although a heater may be a simple system, poor performance can be difficult to diagnose, according to Red Dot. Here are two troubleshooting tips that Red Dot says will help with the diagnostic process.

Wireless ground connections: A bad ground can rob the blower motor of the voltage it needs. If the motor has a black ground wire, follow it from the motor to its terminus and make sure there is no rust, paint, dirt or other obstruction impeding the connection.
If the motor depends on its mount for a good ground, and if the mount’s ground path is interrupted, the blower motor will not be grounded. Use a multimeter to make sure full voltage is getting to the motor. If the voltage is adequate, look for worn brushes, dirty squirrel-cage fans, damaged fan blades and other motor problems.

Deteriorating hoses: Hoses tend to deteriorate from the inside out and shed material into the coolant. Make sure you change coolant at the recommended intervals and replace hoses that feel spongy.

Randall-Reilly™