Heater not warming up

[battlecircus10]

Just got my first Transit.
Heater only blows on FULL (and I have to twiddle it to get it on), also is very cold. Temp gauge shows very low and obviously has a thermostat fault. I put a piece of cardboard in front of Rad and it warms up somewhat but not good enough even with temp. gauge going up to half way.

Would like to know if I change thermostat will this make a difference considering the fan is a constant belt driven one??? It's a 98 2.5 Di.
Thanks.

[ake]

Change thermostat, should make heater warmer, change fan speed resistor to get all 3 fan speeds to work. If you have a search you will find both subjects have been covered before

[battlecircus10]

Ok, will do. Thanks very much for reply.

[Jim Archer]

Having to twiddle with the switch means it's melted through over current. The resistor (usually beside drivers side headlamp) will have terminals broken as well.

Sounds as if the 'stat is jammed open, but check the heater temp control is actually working the inner flap as they do stick.

HTH

Jim

[angeleye]

flush system ,reverse flush if you can, buy a ford thermostat, dont buy motor factors, decent anti freeze

[battlecircus10]

Hi all.Thanks for your replies. Changed thermostat today. Old one was partially corroded and stuck open. Didn't flushed system out, just topped up due to time constraints. Heater is working better but takes a long time for temp. to climb up to around just under half way. Hetaer still not really that warm though.
I will flush it through next and have a look at the resistor see what's gone on there.

Is it difficult to get at the heater flap? Will I be looking to take all the panels off inside to get at it or can I get my hand around and perhaps feel for it? The heater control is really stiff and doesn't feel as if it's going all the way when I turn it to the red so that could be a problem.
Thanks again everyone.

[Jim Archer]

Heater control rack is often siezed with crap - remove the top dash facia panel for best access, but you can get at it through the radio/stereo appature - and give it a good squirt with WD-40 or the like and a good working of the control dial. Do the same with the rack for the air direction control whilst you're at it.

Jim