Heater goes to the defrost

Tiny
TJS123
  • MEMBER
  • 2002 MINI COOPER
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 140,000 MILES
When I place the heater to go to the floor, the heat goes to the defrost. Which blend motor would need to be replaced?

Thanks.
Wednesday, March 20th, 2019 AT 8:58 AM

11 Replies

Tiny
JOETECHPRO
  • MECHANIC
  • 705 POSTS
Hey TJS123,

Do any other heater positions work or do you only have air to the windshield?

Does the heat control work?

The air distribution motor is shown in the picture below. It is behind the heater control panel.

The only components in this system are the air distribution motor and the heating and ventilation control unit. This wiring goes directly down behind heater control panel so is easily checked.

Would you like the instructions on replacing this unit?

Regards, Joe
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Wednesday, March 20th, 2019 AT 1:43 PM
Tiny
TJS123
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Joe, Thanks for the response. All other controls work, except the floor control. When I turn the floor control on, the air flow goes to the defrost.
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Wednesday, March 20th, 2019 AT 1:48 PM
Tiny
JOETECHPRO
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Hey TJS123,

If it detects a fault with the system it will default to the windshield position for safety.

Do you have access to a scanner, can you list the codes you have for the HVAC?

Regards, Joe
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Wednesday, March 20th, 2019 AT 3:12 PM
Tiny
TJS123
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Thanks again.

The code I get is PO138 - High Voltage sensor 2 Bank 1.
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Wednesday, March 20th, 2019 AT 4:10 PM
Tiny
JOETECHPRO
  • MECHANIC
  • 705 POSTS
Hey TJS123,

So the only code you have is a PCM code which is not related to your heater problem.

For your heater vent control issue I think a good place to start is to replace the blend motor M150 from the previous picture.

The pictures below should describe the process.

Hope that helps.

Let me know how you progress with the repair.

If you have any further questions please let me know

Regards, Joe
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Thursday, March 21st, 2019 AT 8:22 AM
Tiny
TJS123
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Joe, Thanks for your help. I'll give this a try and let you know how it goes.
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Thursday, March 21st, 2019 AT 8:36 AM
Tiny
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Hey TJS123,

Please do keep us updated, also don't hesitate if you have any further questions regarding the repair.

Best of luck.

Regards, Joe
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Thursday, March 21st, 2019 AT 8:59 AM
Tiny
TJS123
  • MEMBER
  • 10 POSTS
Joe, got the heater panel off and accessed the motor. I have attached a video showing the gear movements.

The first movement goes to defrost.

The second movement goes to the panel.

The third movement appears to go to the floor. I still don't have any heat going to the floor.

Thanks
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Saturday, March 30th, 2019 AT 1:17 PM
Tiny
JOETECHPRO
  • MECHANIC
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Hey TJS123,

It looks like you have operation from the motor.

You could try removing the motor and operating the vent by hand.

If you can reach all the positions manually then you do not have an issue with the vent flap itself.

The only other thing to try before replacing the motor is a relearn of the vent motor positions.

From the information I have here I cannot see how to initiate a relearn, the dealer diagnosis system will be able to run this for you. Another aftermarket scanner system may have this function too but not all will.

You can try disconnecting the battery, leaving disconnected for fifteen seconds or more and then reconnecting and testing.

You can also try a battery reset. For this procedure you will need to remove both battery cables from the battery (negative and positive) make sure the clamps are clear of the battery terminals. Remove the battery if you are unsure, then you have no chance of shorting anything. To perform a battery reset you then need to connect the positive and negative cables on the vehicle together. If they will reach you can zap strap them together or use a jumper cable to clamp them together. If you leave the cables connected for around thirty minutes when you refit the battery and turn the ignition on the heater control should perform a relearn to find the end stops for all the flap position motors.

Only perform this battery reset if you are comfortable with this procedure.

You can end up with problems if not carried out correctly.

The safer option is to take it to a dealer and get them to perform the relearn.

If it will not relearn then replace the motor.

Hope that helps.

Any further questions do not hesitate to ask.

Regards, Joe
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Sunday, March 31st, 2019 AT 2:16 PM
Tiny
TJS123
  • MEMBER
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Joe, Thanks for your help. Sorry it has taken so long to get back to you. Since then the Mini was rear-ended and totaled.
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Wednesday, May 1st, 2019 AT 7:51 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
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Bummer, hope everyone is okay, Use 2CarPros anytime, we are here to help. Please tell a friend.
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Friday, May 3rd, 2019 AT 1:21 PM

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