windscreen heater seems ineffective

[iamsamtaylor]

The front windscreen heater fan on my bongo is really innefective on clearing a misted windscreen when van is used at first from cold or damp and even when on max fan setting on screen-only setting, it takes 5-10 mins to clear and driving is hazardous, I have to open window. Once whole cab temperature raises, it's fine.

Unsure where to start with remedying, I imagine heater becomes blocked with sediment in time? Not sure how tricky heater is to remove and if flushing or replacement is required.

Does anyone else have similar prob's they have remedied? Any advice much appreciated

Thanks

Sam, Edinburgh

[munroman]

Hi Sam, an easy thing to check is that the recirculation flap on the heater unit under the bonnet hasn't stuck in the closed position, so it just recirculates the same air round and round.

Mine stuck, even though the slide on the dash was at the fresh air setting. The symptoms were the same as yours, even in the hot, dry climate of the Glasgow area!

If you look under the bonnet you can see where there is a cable about half way along the square trunking going to the cabin. In my case some WD40 on the lever and the pivot on the other side and some twisting back and forward it freed up and works OK now.

Also worth checking that the little drain in the centre of the gutter is clear so that water isnt getting into the heater unit. I cleaned one on Friday, I pulled the wee tube off then used a piece of conifer to push down the hole to clear it, (or a pen inner or knitting needle!)

Slainte!

[ScubaBongo]

The front windscreen heater fan on my bongo is really innefective on clearing a misted windscreen when van is used at first from cold or damp and even when on max fan setting on screen-only setting, it takes 5-10 mins to clear and driving is hazardous, I have to open window. Once whole cab temperature raises, it's fine.

Unsure where to start with remedying, I imagine heater becomes blocked with sediment in time? Not sure how tricky heater is to remove and if flushing or replacement is required.

Does anyone else have similar prob's they have remedied? Any advice much appreciated

Thanks

Sam, Edinburgh

tried it with the air con turned on?

[missfixit70]

Is the fan blowing at full power when not on demist?
Have you got manual air con or digital climate control?
If the fans are working ok, the recirc is the first suspect, linkages under the drivers seat next.

This FAQ may help - http://www.igmaynard.co.uk/bongo/forum/ ... 43&t=28727