QuestionI was having problems with my interior lights coming on while driving, then my car on occasion would not start, but I had power to the radio and heater/AC. My husband installed a new battery and cables and now the heater is stuck in defrost and we cannot change the fan position. What do you suggest my husband do next? Thank you.
AnswerHi Robin,
How did things resolve on the heater problem?
Earlier, last month, you asked me a question about that problem with your vehicle. Now I need to ask a favor of you. I am competing for the honor of being the "Expert of the Month" for December. You can help me by going the the 'thank/rate' tab below and look for the question that asks if you think I should be so-honored. If you would select the 'yes' option I would be most appreciative. Please do this before 6pm CST today, New Year's Eve when the competition ends. I wish that your Chrysler vehicle is running well and gives you good service in the New Year!
Roland
Hi Robin,
There are two types of heater control systems, one with conventional knobs the other has a digital readout. In either case there is some self-diagnostic capability which differs only in that the former gives you numberical fault codes by the blinking of a light, while the latter will display the fault code on the display screen. So I would start with that and we'll go from there based on the results. Let me know which type of unit you have, and also tell me does the blower work or not at all?
There is a rear window defogger that is initiated by a push button with an LED light. That light is the readout, by its blinking. To begin the diagnostic mode, run the vehicle at idle with the controls set as follows: the blower speed knob should be on any position other than OFF, the temperature knob should be set in full COOL, and the mode knob should be set on Defrost mode.
To enter the diagnostic mode, press the defogger switch in for five seconds, until it begins to blink, then release it. It will continue to blink for about 30 seconds while it calibrates. If it goes out, the calibration is OK and you can skip 3 paragraphs to "Position...mix mode" below.
If the light stayed on, switch the mode knob to the MIX (defroster-floor) position. If the light stays on there is a problem with the control head unit.
Switch the mode knob to the FLOOR position, if the light stays on, it indicates a problem in the blend door or the blend door actuator wiring.
Move the knob to the Bi-level (panel-floor) position where a continuous light indicates a problem with mode actuator or circuit.
Position the knob in the MIX mode. The LED light should now flash twice then pause, and continue a two-flash sequence, indicating that the MIX mode is OK.
In the FLOOR mode the light should flash three times, meaning that the FLOOR mode is OK.
In the Bi-Level Mode, a four-flash sequence indicates that mode is OK.
In the PANEL mode the light should flash 5 times to indicate no problems there, and in the recirc-panel mode 6 times and seven times in the recirc Bi-level mode.
The temperature control can be checked by switching the mode knob to Defrost and rotating the temperture knob. If the temperature contol is OK, the light will flash faster the more you turn the temperature knob up, until the light goes out at the hottest setting.
Switch the knob between Panel and Recirc-Panel and watch the recirc door (unit under the dash). Proper operation means that circuit and components are OK.
To get out of the self-diagnostic mode, turn off the blower or push the air conditioning button once.
Please let me know your results if any.
About the interior lights coming on while driving, that is due to one of the doors not be secured tightly enough by its latch pin. While at rest, try pushing outward on each of the four door to find the one that will cause the interior lights to come 'on'. Then adjust the striker pin mounted in the door frame in-board a small amount so that the door is secured more firmly into the frame which will stop this problem.
On the 'not start', do you mean the starter motor won't crank the engine, or that it will but the engine won't catch and idle? Those oare separate problems. Any other symptoms associated with it would be possibly helpful.
Roland
PS Use the 'thank/rate' tab to get back to me without having to wait for me to be 'available' to take a question. There is a space for comments. If you do follow that route I would appreciate your consideration for nomination as 'expert of the month'.
PPS The voting for 'expert of the month' ends tomorrow afternoon. If you would be so kind as to find the "nomination?" area of the 'thank/rate' tab and change the 'no' to a 'yes' that would give a vote. Thanks
