Heater fan speed

[Maxo]

Being that it has been so cold here lately I've had my heater blower on max quite a bit. I've really noticed that the blower will change speeds depending on what other electrical items are running. For example, when I have my turn signal on the fan will slow with every flash of the signal. Also, when I speed up from a stop it'll start blowing much more.

The alternator was replaced a couple years ago, and I haven't had any issues starting on -x° mornings. The heater blows fine otherwise.

So could this still be an alternator issue? Has anyone else experienced this behavior?

[Freeman]

Originally Posted by Maxo

Being that it has been so cold here lately I've had my heater blower on max quite a bit. I've really noticed that the blower will change speeds depending on what other electrical items are running. For example, when I have my turn signal on the fan will slow with every flash of the signal. Also, when I speed up from a stop it'll start blowing much more.

The alternator was replaced a couple years ago, and I haven't had any issues starting on -x° mornings. The heater blows fine otherwise.

So could this still be an alternator issue? Has anyone else experienced this behavior?

I've never noticed the turn signal thing, but when I slow down or speed up regulates the fan speed of my heater, I've noticed. I've got no solution and shrugged it off..

[1986nate]

Originally Posted by Freeman

I've never noticed the turn signal thing, but when I slow down or speed up regulates the fan speed of my heater, I've noticed. I've got no solution and shrugged it off..

Its because when you slow down, the rpms on the motor drop reducing the output from the alternator.

If the turn signals affect it that much, It is not a good sign. Your voltage coming from the alternator is not able to keep up. What other things do you have on when it is affected(rear defrost, heated mirrors, Lights???)

[Freeman]

Originally Posted by 1986nate

Its because when you slow down, the rpms on the motor drop reducing the output from the alternator.

If the turn signals affect it that much, It is not a good sign. Your voltage coming from the alternator is not able to keep up. What other things do you have on when it is affected(rear defrost, heated mirrors, Lights???)

So I'm at no risk regarding this issue then?

[1986nate]

Originally Posted by Freeman

So I'm at no risk regarding this issue then?

Not anything to worry about. You could help it by getting a high output alternator or by doing the extra wiring that some members have done(battery directly to alternator, grounding, etc). That provides a more "true" connection for less restriciton providing better electricity flow.

[dcarrb]

My silver's fan changes pitch in time to the blinkers when at idle, and the headlights pulse and dim as I approach a stop; been that way since I got it. The teal has never exhibited any such behavior. Guess which alternator recently died?

I've always thought these symptoms suggested a charging issue, but it hasn't been a problem with mine. Yet. I put in a new El-Cheapo battery when I bought the car 2+ years ago and it has never faltered.

dcb

[Maxo]

I usually have the low beams (HID) on but other than that usually just the cd player. I use the defroster but that's usually not on when he heater is blowing strangely.
I was thinking about doing the additional alternator wiring and probably will soon. That higher output alternator would be nice but it seems kind of pricey.

[1986nate]

Originally Posted by Maxo

I usually have the low beams (HID) on but other than that usually just the cd player. I use the defroster but that's usually not on when he heater is blowing strangely.
I was thinking about doing the additional alternator wiring and probably will soon. That higher output alternator would be nice but it seems kind of pricey.

How many miles are on yours?

[Maxo]

Originally Posted by 1986nate

How many miles are on yours?

There's about 160k on it currently but... if I were to take an average of all the major parts there would be far less

[1986nate]

Originally Posted by Maxo

There's about 160k on it currently but... if I were to take an average of all the major parts there would be far less

Yeah, isn't that the case with these cars- If there is 160k on the alternator it may be starting to weaken and could fail at any time. Or it could continue to work the way it is for many years-never can tell. Just keep in mind you might be looking for a replacement at any time.

[processengr]

Originally Posted by dcarrb

My silver's fan changes pitch in time to the blinkers when at idle, and the headlights pulse and dim as I approach a stop; been that way since I got it. The teal has never exhibited any such behavior. Guess which alternator recently died?

I've always thought these symptoms suggested a charging issue, but it hasn't been a problem with mine. Yet. I put in a new El-Cheapo battery when I bought the car 2+ years ago and it has never faltered.

dcb

Mine did this also. Cleaning and in my case replacing the bolt to the body from the battery ground helped.

[kwren]

I would connect a digital DC voltage tester to the positive and negative battery terminal and check the voltage.

Then start the engine and check the voltage adding different loads (components) and with various rpm's.

Make sure the alternator output is correct.

Keith

[kwren]

also... If you haven't oiled your fan motor, I would highly recommend doing that. Only need to remove the lower end of the motor with a Philips screwdriver. Be prepared for some icky stuff to fall out when you take the bottom of the motor off! That is about the simplest and easiest thing that we can do to our cars!

Keith