Why does the front heater blow very hot when it's set cold?

[paulim]

Just sat in a lot of traffic in the queue for Volksfest and although I was pleased to see the temperature gauge was rock solid despite the hot day, I was disappointed to feel that the front heater was blowing very hot even though it was set to cold. The rear, however, blew almost cool. The aircon button makes little difference for either despite the previous owners having recharged it a year or two ago.

Anyone else had this problem? Anyone else found a solution?

Ta.

[Gasy]

Are the links next to drivers left knee still connected?

[paulim]

Hi, thanks for your reply. I haven't really had time to check which levers you mean (presumably behind the lower steering column fascia?) but the heater selects hot and cold in "normal" (ie this morning!) weather conditions, it seems it's only a problem when the weather's hot (ie when you really need it cold!).

[Driver+Passengers]

There is a level for "winter/summer" on the plastic air intake hood just under the bonnet - I can never remember which way round it is, but in the "winter" setting, it will draw air up in from the under-bonnet area - in "summer", it will draw air in from outside.

[mikeonb4c]

There is a level for "winter/summer" on the plastic air intake hood just under the bonnet - I can never remember which way round it is, but in the "winter" setting, it will draw air up in from the under-bonnet area - in "summer", it will draw air in from outside.

I don't think mine has one of these - are they fitted to all models?

[Driver+Passengers]

There is a level for "winter/summer" on the plastic air intake hood just under the bonnet - I can never remember which way round it is, but in the "winter" setting, it will draw air up in from the under-bonnet area - in "summer", it will draw air in from outside.

I don't think mine has one of these - are they fitted to all models?

Possibly not. Perhaps only the "northern" Bongos...? It might explain warm(er) air on a cold setting. It will never blow colder than ambient without A/C, though.

[Muzorewa]

Don't forget that the coolant is freely circulating through the heater even when you set it to cold, it's just the flaps that direct the heat into the cabin or otherwise depending on how you have them set

[mikeWalsall]

The air flap control under the bonnet on some Bongos, is to direct hot / colder air into the engines air intake system .. not the cars interior ..

The one place to look when you have 'iffy' interior heating, is the control linkage at the bottom of the heater 'box' (by your feet) as the clips / linkage are known to part company ..

[g8dhe]

Check the linkage between the servo and the heat control vane inside the air box, its down in the passenger foot well;

It should move as you adjust the temperature setting.

[Driver+Passengers]

The air flap control under the bonnet on some Bongos, is to direct hot / colder air into the engines air intake system .. not the cars interior ..

The engine air intake is in behind the offside headlight, the flap in the center housing is definitely directing air towards the blower fan. I've always thought that there should be a filter in there, too... perhaps all are removed on import?

[Muzorewa]

There is a level for "winter/summer" on the plastic air intake hood just under the bonnet - I can never remember which way round it is, but in the "winter" setting, it will draw air up in from the under-bonnet area - in "summer", it will draw air in from outside.

I don't think mine has one of these - are they fitted to all models?

Only the northern (twin battery) ones

[g8dhe]

It seems to vary mine isn't a Northern Japan one but has the adjuster it also has a filter in the air intake which others don't have;

[Driver+Passengers]

it also has a filter in the air intake which others don't have;

Is the air filter rectangular, situated between the fan housing and that long, flat scoop?

[g8dhe]

Its the long black thing that the three yellow arrows point at its a very coarse filter that lifts out upwards out of the air scoop above the radiator.

[Driver+Passengers]

Oh...