Hi,

My heater is the basic 3 rotary control version and just today its just putting out Luke warm air. The fan speed control is ok. Does this mean its the heater flap thing ? Where is this ?.

Is it something I can replace myself?, will a fault here show up on diagnostic?. There was a faint clicking sound last week but I have forgotten about that.

Thanks.

Is your engine water  temp gauge getting to the 12 o clock position, if not sounds like a faulty thermostat 

Yes, the engine temp is fine. Bang on mid way. Is this something I can change or is it something my garage could handle? Not the heater flap module then ? Thanks for your reply.

Have you checked the coolant level .Also there may be air in the system

hmm, no but will do in the morning. How does the coolant level effect the heating?, Excuse my ignorance about engines but I am interested to know. If the engine temp reading on the dash is midway and ok why would there still be a coolant level issue..? 

I will let you know anyway.. 

Thanks again.. 

Its like your radiators in you house if there is air in them/or not enough pressure ( not enogh water in the system then you get a warm radiator at the bottom and cold at the top. Same principal with your car

ok cheers.. just to add.. I know that the low coolant light on the dash is not lit up.. 

Coolant level in the expansion tank is up to the max line.

The flaps might just need recalibrating, this can be done using VCDS and running the basic settings. doing this will also highlight any issues with the flap motors.

Thanks Mannyo. I will let my garage know ad its due an MOT early next month.

Hi I had the same problem last week & I checked the water levels, they were fine. so I removed the reservoir cap (when it cooled down) then I heard a gurgling noise & the levels dropped, topped up with water now all is good again. just need some anti freeze now. hope this is of some help, all the best Gerry.

Thanks Gerry, my levels are bang on. I am going with the motor flap recalibration route. MOT due plus new rear suspension coil are needed so I need to consider that bill first ! :-)

Cheers Mike. Thanks for the heads up.

I would seriously try Gerry's advice before anything else. Your levels may APPEAR OK, but you have no idea how much air is locked into the (sealed) coolant system. The fact that Gerry heard gurgling noises says to me that the trapped air came out, and left more room for coolant.

 

I have the same problem on one of the buses I drive -- if the coolant level drops during a day's service, it takes air in, and the heaters will go cold. The level in the expansion tank stays the same, but drops dramatically when the cap is removed with the engine hot, the engine gurgles like hell and it will then take half a gallon of antifreeze to refill the expansion tank.

 

Certainly worth having a look at.

Aren't the expansion tanks built with a release valve in case hot air needs to escape?

Mike

Hi Mike, 

 

yeah I agree.. I did remove the cap , heard a slight hiss (which is normal if the engine is slightly warm) but no sign of a gurgle or bubbles.. I think its something that will rectify itself if the system has a full drain and refill. The levels have been good. I checked it several times during the day.  

Like you I have a poorly performing heater and the coolant level checks out fine.

I've noticed that even with the engine up to temperature there is very little pressure in the expansion tank when removing the cap, certainly way less than I've experienced with previous cars, possibly a faulty relief valve in the cap.

Usually with symptoms like ours I would suggest finding the steepest incline and parking nose up and performing a bleed then turn around nose down and repeat, this I've found helps air in the system find a way out.

However the Octavia system is self bleeding and has no manual bleed screw so I too am at a loss.

I get the impression the heating system is one of the not so clever Skoda ideas.

well it started out being a great heater..  I am living with it now till the next winter.. or until I change my coolant at service time. 

Had the same type of problem last week with my air con,Then realised it was already warmer in the car than what i had the air con  temp set at, felt really silly.

Well after taking my own advice last week the heater is still not working properly, so what & where are the heater flaps I have read about & can I do this job myself or has it got to go to the garage.   Its starting to get cold again & snow is forecast, need some help please. Live & learn All the best Gerry.