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1990 Honda Civic DX - Heater broken
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Ditto
New User
Mar 23, 2006, 7:36 PM
Post #1 of 7
(3934 views)
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1990 Honda Civic DX - Heater broken
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It was cold outside when the heater/fan couldn't turn on.
Thought maybe motor would thaw with warmer weather (as did the windshield washer motor once) -- but no go
Thought it was the fuse - fuse is fine.
Could it be electrical wiring *to* the heater/fan?
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DanD
Veteran
/ Moderator
Mar 24, 2006, 6:44 AM
Post #2 of 7
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Re: 1990 Honda Civic DX - Heater broken
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Did you check the fuse with a test light or meter? At times a fuse will look ok but still be burnt? If you don’t have a test light, multi meter and an understanding of how to use them; it maybe more cost effective to have someone diagnose this for you.
Yea they will charge you the time to check it and give you an estimate on the repair but that doesn’t mean you have to allow them to do the repair. Once you have their findings; you can weigh it out as to whether it’s something you can handle or just let them finish the repair.
Something as basic as a HEATER (oops) system on a 90 Honda; I would charge a customer up to ½ hours labour for the check, that I would waive if I’m allowed to complete the repair.
When I say basic I don’t necessarily mean easy; but not computer controlled.
You still need the experience and a working knowledge of how the system is intended to function. Don’t feel bad about not figuring this out on your own and taking your car in, it takes years for a tech to become competent in this trade. The twenty or thirty bucks you spend to rent that knowledge can be more cost effective then guessing and throwing parts at the car.
Dan.
Canadian "EH"
(This post was edited by DanD on Mar 25, 2006, 1:35 AM)
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Mar 24, 2006, 10:44 AM
Post #3 of 7
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Re: 1990 Honda Civic DX - Heater broken
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As Dan said a test light or multimeter is cool stuff for checking stuff out. A cheapo test light is less than 5 bucks and a cheapo multimeter less that 10 bucks at Wally World. Don't expect more that you pay for these! I buy these for my trunk and the ones I count on cost a fortune! Test fuses that they have power at both sides and like Dan said some look good and are not. Go for it! T
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Ditto
New User
Mar 24, 2006, 11:01 AM
Post #4 of 7
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Re: 1990 Honda Civic DX - Heater broken
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Hmmm... I tested by taking the fuse-in-question and placing it where the lighter fuse goes (same amps). The lighter fuse worked with the fuse-in-question. So I ruled it out. But that's good to know that a fuse might not *look* burnt.
I'll try the meter with some assistance. Is there a wiring diagram available?
Thank you!
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DanD
Veteran
/ Moderator
Mar 25, 2006, 2:45 AM
Post #5 of 7
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Re: 1990 Honda Civic DX - Heater broken
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Your logic with interchanging fuses is good; so yes you’re right the fuse is ok but is there power at the blower motors fuse?
Sorry about the wiper motor mix-up, I read washers and then read in what I wanted. Oops. Me bad. LOL
To answer your question in your original post;
Could it be electrical wiring *to* the heater/fan? YES.
First; test for source voltage at the fuse panel; that will tell you whether the problem is before or after the panel. I’ll assume it’s after because you haven’t complained about other accessories not working.
If there is; go to the blower motor itself with the ignition on, heater controls set to floor and fan set to high. Test for power at the motors terminal connector. It’s likely only a two wire connector; one being power the other ground. If there is power at the terminal, check for ground. If you have both, it’s likely the motor itself or a melted motor connector due to the high current flow that the system draws. Again if you have power, ground and the connector is in good condition; try smacking the motor housing with your hand or a screwdriver handle. The armature maybe stuck due to worn motor bushings or a dead spot on the armature. If that works to get the motor spinning; it’s not fixed, replace the motor, it will do it again.
If you don’t have both power and ground you’ll have to work forward from the fuse panel to the switch, to the speed resistor through the relay (if it has one) to the motor, testing all wiring and connectors in between.
I likely do have a wiring diagram for this but I’m at home right now and don’t have access to them here.
Dan.
Canadian "EH"
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Mar 25, 2006, 5:29 AM
Post #6 of 7
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Re: 1990 Honda Civic DX - Heater broken
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I like your fuse test! I do that all the time with things as dumb as household lamps and bulbs .
Don't think you need a wiring diagram. If one doesn't show up here you can sign up with AllData for 25 bucks here and get more than you ever wanted to know about your car. As Dan said a few posts back don't feel bad about getting some pro advice and diagnostics. If a repair is going to cost you tons in new tools that you may not use again let the shops do it. I'm a real optimist and believe that most shops are good and want to help you. It won't or shouldn't cost that much for advice and speaking for myself I've spent more have equipment and tools than some homes cost!!!! T
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Ditto
New User
Mar 28, 2006, 1:03 PM
Post #7 of 7
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Re: 1990 Honda Civic DX - Heater broken
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Cool. Thanks Dan and Tom for getting back to me. I'll work on your suggestions thursday or this weekend some time. Atleast what I can do without said diagram.
The car has been 15 years in Oregon. This is it's first "cold" winter in Colorado. I don't hesitate taking it in to a pro, but it'll just be fun to find the problem myself.
Thanks again. I'll let you know how it works.
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