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Technical => Electrical Tech => Topic started by: Camertbird on August 31, 2009, 08:25:36 AM

Title: Flashing Heater Control
Post by: Camertbird on August 31, 2009, 08:25:36 AM
This morning is was a little cool and I needed to use my defrost. I have a 86 elan with the automatic climate control. When I pressed the buttons for defost, both the number and defrost light flashed and kept flashing. They both would flash if I used the other features as well (panel, floor, etc).
Any ideas on where to start?
Thanks,
Title: Flashing Heater Control
Post by: Chuck W on August 31, 2009, 08:48:07 AM
Did the defrost work as intended?

You have a manual handy? (I assume not since you're asking this ;) ).  The EATC has a diagnostic feature. My old 30th had the same set-up, but that was years ago, and I doubt I still have that info.
Title: Flashing Heater Control
Post by: jcassity on August 31, 2009, 09:30:23 AM
this happens to me as well, various complaints about this as cold weather nears.

I learned that the easiest way to work around this is to shut off the car and reselect my options.

this is kinda hard to do once your in traffic though.  in that case, shut off the whole system and retry.

I have yet to have a code display but have had flashing lights like you.
Title: Flashing Heater Control
Post by: V8Demon on August 31, 2009, 10:03:30 AM
I get it on occasion too, but the system always passes the test.  My guess is the blend door sticks every now and again as I've never had issue with it in the warmer months. 

Quote
You have a manual handy? (I assume not since you're asking this ). The EATC has a diagnostic feature.

The info is here:  http://www.coolcats.net/tech/troubleshooting/atc.html

Quote
One of the first signs of a problem with the ATC system is the flashing display. The head unit (where you push the buttons) does a self-diagnostic as it's running. If it finds an actuator fault it will flash the display. Fortunately you can test the unit and get the error code yourself:

    * 1) Make sure the car is sufficiently warm, at least 50 degrees F (10 degrees C).
    * 2 ) Push OFF/AUTO and DEFROST at the same time, then press A/C within 2 seconds.
    * 3) The code will display. This self-test will stop all normal functions of the ATC unit.
    * 4) Exit the self test by pressing the COOL button.

When you get the code, compare it to this chart:
ATC Error Code    Meaning
01    Blend door actuator out of position.
02    Floor/Panel actuator out of position.
03    Panel/Defrost out of position.
04    Outside air/recirculation actuator out of position.
05    Blend actuator over current.
06    Floor/Panel actuator over current.
07    Panel/Defrost actuator over current.
08    Outside air/recirculation actuator over current.
09    No faults found in self-test.
10    If this appears with any other code, ignore it. If it appears alone, it's the same as code 88.
11    Clutch signal low.
12    Sensor string open (NOTE: if the interior of the car is very cold this error may appear. Try warming up the car, shut off the ignition, restart the car, and enter the self test again).
13    Sensor string shorted.
14    Control head unit worn or damaged (unit must be replaced).
15    Blower signal shorted.
88    No faults found in self-test.

Now a code 09 or 88 doesn't necessarily mean that there's nothing wrong with the system; it simply means that the self-test didn't find anything wrong. If you are experiencing a problem and you get either of these two codes, then obviously something's still amiss in the system.
Title: Flashing Heater Control
Post by: Camertbird on August 31, 2009, 02:49:36 PM
Tried the dianostic at lunch time and came back with the "88" reply.
Title: Updated
Post by: Camertbird on September 01, 2009, 07:30:18 AM
Updated: This morning the heater control worked fine.
Even when the display flashes, it still works (blows) properly.
Thanks everyone for the info.
Cam
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