2005 W211 Estate - Heater Problem

[jacko028]

Hi all . Am new to this but just wondered if anybody could help with my heater problem. Basically in a nutshell it's not working properly , when the engine is cold the fan will not kick in it just sort of coughs and splutters and makes a very feeble attempt . I have tried the demist button and that is very slow and useless as is the fan . I also tried to use the rear window heater and that is also not working . However once I have been driving for a while ( having had to use a towel to dry the interior window .....I have dogs so probably wet blanket in the boot does not help this issue !! ) the motors seem to kick in and it gets nice and warm and all is good , and once the engine is warm it will start and stop as it should do.
If anybody could tell me what the problem is I would be extremely grateful ......I had a similar experience with my W210 and I had to have a hedgehog thing fitted ! ( this is a girl talking by the way ) .
Do I need to go to a MB specialist or do I get an electrical specialist .....or even better can I do whatever needs to be done myself !! Many thanks.....am in Dorset by the way.

 

[WG M-B]

Sounds like you have a battery consumer protection in place?

 

[jacko028]

Funny you should say that . I do keep getting a message on the dash which of course I have ignored saying something about battery protection not being in place ......could this be connected to that ?
The actual wording on the message was " Battery protection . Convenience functions temporarily unavailable "

 

[television]

If a 211 is only used on short journey frequently, then the rear battery should have a good charge once a month to stop the consumer message from coming up.

If you are getting poor heat but plenty of air, then the heater change over valve could be playing up,,, the only have mickey mouse motors, it sit against the firewall under the steering column, give it a whack and they often come back to life

 

[turbopete]

it sounds like the battery needs a good charge / good long run. or if its used for fairly long distances, perhaps a new battery.
the car disconnects the 'consumers' (ie fan, heated screens etc that arent really essential) when the battery voltage drops to a certain level, in an effort to ensure the car has enough batttery power to start the car. then, as the alternator charges the battery, the consumers are put back on after the battery reaches a certain voltage

 

[jacko028]

Thanks all - I have to admit I do quite a lot of short runs taking the dogs for a walk twice a day which is less than 5 miles , but last week when I really noticed the problem I was using it to go to and from work 15 miles each way , so it did have chance to have a bit of a run .....or maybe that is not long enough ? I seem to not be getting any air coming through or heat and then once the car has been driven for a few minutes it suddenly kicks in . It's been doing it a while , but this morning was the first proper frost so I needed to clear the screen before setting off but it just wasn't happening .
Shall I book in to a MB specialist or do you think that a long journey should put the problem right ? Thanks for all your help .
If I do need a new battery , can I just go to my local tyre place and buy a battery or does it have to be a specific type ??

PS Where do I find the firewall so I can give the heater change over valve a whack ????!

 

[television]

The fire wall is the piece of metal between the inside of the car and the engine.


There is an update for the software for the consumers off that may solve the problem, this can be done on online STAR

 

[rpe2]

Valve is under the brake master cylinder, don't hit it to hard.. A wheelbrace is ideal in size

Check also that the engine is warming up properly, it should get to 85~90c, if it gets no hotter than 70 c, the thermostat is probably duff

 

[rpe2]

My Echo...