heater blower not working

[malmac]

Hi,

Plugged my tyre inflator into the ciggy lighter socket to pump up my bike tyre, the inflator ran for a few seconds then stopped, checked fuses, all ok but now my heater blower isn't working.

Any ideas what else i can check?? My rear number plates lights also don't work but not sure if related.

My car's mk1 scirocco gti.

[Jack92]

Is the cig lighter working?

not 100% sure how the mk1's are wired but could be anything really for example the blower switch may run from the cig lighter.

sorry i can't really be much help but if the cig lighter is working or not may be of some help to someone else who can help

[Nate]

it does sounds like a fuse. try swapping the blower fuse, as they can look ok even when they're blown

[malmac]

ok folks, this is doing my head in now:

the ciggy lighter works, the wipers and blower have both stopped. replaced fuses, still nothing.

the wipers run off fuse no 10, blower no 11.

Not sure what else to check now, might just replace fuse box as i'm useless at diagnosing elec problems.

Any other ideas??????

[Nate]

Is there any sign of water ingress onto the fuse box?

With ignition on, have you checked for a live feed to the heater switch?

[Jack92]

Yeah I agree with Nate. Turn the ignition on and meter out from the fuse box seeing if there is power there and then also at the heater and wiper motor to see if there is power getting to them

Let me know how you get on

[malmac]

no signs of water, my next stop was to invest in a test light to check the feeds so looks like that's what i'll have to do.

Thanks for the advice

[Mr Funk]

Hook the blower directly up to the battery and make sure it works. That gives you a starting point, just work backwards from there.
I'd wire up a bulb and start tracing the wires back, perhaps find out where the switch wiring goes and try that.

[malmac]

Sounds like good advice - i'll have another attempt over the weekend.

Was supposed to be driving to Alton Towers tomorrow in it, but that's out the window, using in-laws rover 75 instead !!

[ianaudia4]

Invest in a simple multimeter, they can be bought for a few quid in the likes of Maplin.

[Jack92]

Invest in a simple multimeter, they can be bought for a few quid in the likes of Maplin.

agree but would say avoid maplins you'll get them for half the price somewhere else

[malmac]

Latest update,

As i was fiddling around with the wiring around fuse box the fan and wipers started to work then stopped, still unable to pin point fault though. I changed the fusebox today, problem still there.

been advised could be ignition, used spare ignition, same fault.

Checked all earths also.

Scoured the internet, will replace a relay which has been mentioned a few times part no 3119631418. So fingers crossed......

[Jack92]

Latest update,

As i was fiddling around with the wiring around fuse box the fan and wipers started to work then stopped, still unable to pin point fault though. I changed the fusebox today, problem still there.

been advised could be ignition, used spare ignition, same fault.

Checked all earths also.

Scoured the internet, will replace a relay which has been mentioned a few times part no 3119631418. So fingers crossed......

in the case could may well be the relay as you said or a break in the cable somewhere (under the sleeve)

easiest way if it isnt a relay would be to get a cable test (tone generator type can't remember there full name)

you put this on a bar end ie fuse box end and run a probe down the cable which will make a noise if it is getting the tone from the generator and when the tone stops theres your break

[malmac]

Problem solved at last !!!

The fault was indeed the relay - commonly known as 'the load reduction relay'.

not sure if it was just a coincidence that it went whilst plugging accessory into ciggy lighter, i'll never know.

Anyway, thanks for all the replies and advice, always welcome.

Shouldn't be too long till i come across another head scratcher !!!!

[Jack92]

Good to know mate glad it's sorted