Heat Problem Stuck in Dual Mode

9213 Views 34 Replies 10 Participants Last post by Lormax, Jan 6, 2014

scurry1074

Discussion Starter · Mar 21, 2013

I have an unresolved issue with my heat. The heat comes out warm (normal) on the passenger side and cold on the driver side as though it is stuck in dual mode. The heat is set to the maximum temperature on both sides.

To temporary fix this problem I pull over and do a warm reset. I turn the vehicle off hit the lock button on the key fob. I sit and wait until a minute after the cube goes off (drive selector) and I restart the vehicle, the heat then works normal on both sides. This can happen several times in the course of a day.

The dealer replaced the HVAC Module with the flash-able version and nothing has changed. The problem is that after several resets the heat works fine so the dealer assumes the problem is fixed. During the normal course of driving, usually a day, it goes back to the original complaint.

When I took it back to the dealer they replaced the PTC Thermostat, filled and bled the cooling system. They road tested the vehicle twice and the heat works fine. Again, when I pick up the vehicle within a day or so it goes back to the original problem, cold air on the driver’s side and heat on the passenger side. A warm reset gives me a temporary fix. If anyone knows of a permanent fix for this problem please let me know.

Samuel

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Lormax

· #2 · Mar 21, 2013

Samuel,

Personally, I haven't ran into this problem (at least our customers haven't mentioned it). It sounds like the dealer is having a problem recreating the actual issue, which I'm all too familiar with being a dealer tech

My suggestion would be to schedule an appointment once more. Prior to you arriving, get the car to have the problem to the point that it's very easy for you to reproduce. At that point, take it in to the dealer, do not shut the car off. No reset means the problem stays (in theory). The dealer tech can then hook up their diagnostic software to watch the signals coming from the HVAC unit.

It's possibly a software issue and they may not be able to do much until an update comes, so just keep that in mind. Hope that helps.

flying dutchman

· #3 · Mar 21, 2013

scurry, I had the same problem. Dealer fixed it. I will be there next week and will ask what they have replaced.

Don A

· #4 · Mar 21, 2013

I had the same problem. They had to remove the dash and replace the damper mechanism. It was sticking on an intermittent basis.

Stefan

· #5 · Mar 21, 2013

... which in this case wouldn't be fixable by soft reset...
But at least, it's a chance!

Stefan
German Karma Forum
www.karma-forum.de

scurry1074

Discussion Starter · #6 · Mar 22, 2013

I’m happy to have this forum and I really appreciate you guy’s response. I didn’t want to take my car back to the dealer until I had some ideal what to tell them to look for.

They will keep the car for a week and when I pick it up it won’t take but a day for the problem to reappear.

The damper mechanism sounds reasonable to me. I’m in Detroit and I need my heat to work all the time. Thanks very much.

Samuel

Sandy Eggo

· #7 · Mar 22, 2013

Reminds me of the 80s offering from McDonald's...McDLT "Keep the hot side hot and the cool side cool"

Check out Jason Alexander hopping around (pre-Seinfeld, I think)

Anyway, hope they get you sorted out soon.

scurry1074

Discussion Starter · #8 · Mar 28, 2013

3

I sent an email to my dealer and ask them to explore with the technicians and Fisker the possibility that the "damper mechanism" may be the cause to my heat problem (cold on driver’s side and heat on the passenger side.) He talked to the factory and said the issue could be what I outlined, but there are 2 other issues that could cause my concern and need get the car back in for testing and "tss case for factory autz to fix". I was trying to avoid being without the Fisker for another week.

I another concern I have is the smoke from the side exhaust when the vehicle is stopped. For the most part this is not a problem because as the vehicle comes to a stop the ICE cuts off. But on occasions, especially when the ICE is cold, the smoke that comes up from the sides of the vehicle gives the impression to others that something is wrong. Have you guys experienced the same problem and shouldn't the ICE turn off all the time when coming to a stop especially when the battery still has a charge?

Samuel

2012 Fisker Karma Ecochic White
2011 Chevolet Equinox White
2010 Chevolet Camero Yellow

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scurry1074

Discussion Starter · #9 · Mar 28, 2013

The pic's were taken with my iPhone in downtown Detroit. This is in the front of the General Motors Head Quarters. This is how we do it in the D.

Samuel

Sandy Eggo

· #10 · Mar 28, 2013

scurry1074 said:
I another concern I have is the smoke from the side exhaust when the vehicle is stopped. For the most part this is not a problem because as the vehicle comes to a stop the ICE cuts off. But on occasions, especially when the ICE is cold, the smoke that comes up from the sides of the vehicle gives the impression to others that something is wrong. Have you guys experienced the same problem and shouldn't the ICE turn off all the time when coming to a stop especially when the battery still has a charge?

Mine did the same while stopped a light with a cold engine. Sometimes the engine just needs to run awhile to keep the systems pressurized and fluids moving. This will happen at random intervals (random to me anyway) in particular if you drive a lot in stealth mode.

I thought it was kind of cool to see the exhaust rising outside the front windows...but I can see how someone else might think "uh oh, she's gonna blow!" and call 911. Just tell them it's condensation from the nuclear reactor.

Sigurd

· #11 · Mar 28, 2013

Sounds like it's just water vapor from the exhaust before it warms up. All cars have steam coming out of the pipes in cold weather. It's just that people are used to see it coming from the rear of the car and not from the front fender. And, the drive only sees it if he's looking out his rear view mirror. The shorter the exhaust system the more noticeable it is. At times, you might even notice water dripping from the pipes. All normal.

flying dutchman

· #12 · Mar 28, 2013

Scurry,
I asked my dealer how the solved my heater problem.
There appears to be a valve in the airducts that malfunctions.
The motor to operate it was replaced.
Also they reprogrammed the module that regulates the heater.
But they were not sure if that was actually needed.
There was also an issue with thermostats. Your dealer should know. Mine were replaced by thermostats that had a higher max temp.
Good luck.

scurry1074

Discussion Starter · #13 · Dec 13, 2013

My heat is hot on the passenger side and cold on the driver's side. I've had this problem since I had the vehicle and reported it here. I never did anything about it because I was able to do a warm reset (wait 30 seconds after the drive selector goes off and wake the vehicle up again) and the heat comes out normal on both sides. This no longer work and It's cold in Detroit and I need to get this heat issue resolved.

One poster stated that he had the same problem and they removed the dash and replaced the damper mechanism that was sticking intermittently.

The flying Dutchman stated it appears to be a valve in the air ducts that malfunctions and that the motor that operated it was replaced.

Before I start taking things apart and trying to find parts I would like to have a better ideal of what I'm doing.

If anyone else have had this problem please let me know what was done to fix it

Samuel

8AVGMPG

· #14 · Dec 13, 2013

More than likely it's a bad blend/mix door actuator (damper) causing the temperature difference. They've been known to stick in certain positions like this.

I'm assuming the car has the updated hvac module since the PTC heater thermostat has already been replaced.

You'll probably have a related DTC stored that will confirm this.

scurry1074

Discussion Starter · #15 · Dec 14, 2013

Yes, the vehicle has the updated hvac module. When the dealer returned the vehicle to me it worked find but in a day or so the problem return. I pull over to the side turn the vehicle off wait 5 minutes and it works fine and may work all day with no problem. Now it seems to be stuck in the cold position on the drivers side. This has been to the dealer many times and they never mention any DTC stored code to confirm anything.

Where is the blend/mix door actuator and how difficult is it to replace?

Samuel

scurry1074

Discussion Starter · #16 · Dec 16, 2013

Has anyone had to remove the dash in the Fisker Karma to remove, replace or repair the blend/mix door actuator or fix the heating mechanism?

How difficult of a job is it?

Samuel

Harleyguy

· #17 · Dec 18, 2013

Removing the dash is a major undertaking . Then to remove the complete HVAC unit is also a lot of work . I've replaced a few complete HVAC units and with two guys working steady on it it's a full days work if not longer. The dash board comes out in three major sections I've been seeing a good amount of HVAC failures over the last few months where you no longer can adjust which vents you want the air to come out. Also when the car wakes up you hear a squeaking noise coming out of the center duct for the first 45 seconds . We never just changed a damper motor always changed a complete unit . I never even checked how easy or hard it is to gain access to the damper motors alone . But knowing how this car is built I wouldn't be surprised the complete dash has to be removed to gain access . I can dig up some pictures of the HVAC unit if you like and I have some pictures of what the car looks like with the dash board removed and the sections I spoke about not close ups but you can get an idea .

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Sigurd

· #18 · Dec 18, 2013

I have the squeaking noise coming out for the first 45 seconds all of a sudden when backing out of my garage. I also hear this when the car goes to sleep. Should I have Frank Kent Fisker look at this? What is the problem/remedy? Is it the damper motors?

Lormax

· #19 · Dec 18, 2013

That's probably not the same noise. The noise Harleyguy is talking about is coming from behind the dash.

Sigurd

· #20 · Dec 18, 2013

Yes, mine is from the dash. In fact it's from behind the display area. First 45 seconds after the car wakes up and same as it goes to sleep. Starts after about a minute or so of going to sleep.

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