Here is a simple guide on how to fix the common no-heating or the heating-always-on issues.
The first things to check are the coolant levels and the correct operation of the thermostat. The temperature gauge on the panda, should never drop under 70 C, even downhill in cold weather. If the temperature struggles to rise above 50-60 C in cold weather, you more than likely looking at a thermostat that is stuck open, hence not giving a chance to the engine to warm up the coolant.
If this is the case, change the thermostat before you do anything else, it will very likely solve your problem.
If the thermostat seems to work correctly and all the levels are good, the next thing to check is the correct operation of the flap that allows the intake of air to the heater matrix. This is located under the plastic grille that can be seen in the second picture. This is more than likely working fine, so we are down to the adjustable valve that changes the flow of the coolant in the heater matrix.
It seems to be a common fault, but easy to fix.
First of all the Fiat part number you need for a Mk2 Panda is 7754045, they are easily available from a fiat dealer and the pop up on ebay sometimes and looks like this.
Right, Here is list of things you will need to carry out this little repair:
So firstly we need to remove the battery (remember always remove negative terminal first) and pull back some of the sound proofing to gain access to the heater controls
Next undo the jubilee clip that holds the pipe to the valve (you'll spill some coolant, no matter what) and remove the self tapper that holds the cable clamp
then undo the 2 nuts that hold the tap to the heater matrix, one of the is a little tricky to get to, so a small socket with an extension will help.
next undo the little grab screw that clamps the control cable. I found it is easier if the heating control it is on the cold setting. You need a 2mm allen key, so make sure you have one before you start!
Now install the new heater valve, making sure you do not over tighten the 2 retaining nuts and make sure you clamp the control cable correctly.
Put back the sound proofing and reinstall the battery.
Check your coolant level, it might need topping up. I then started the car and bled the heater matrix by undoing the little bleeding screw on the water pipe. I heard a gurgle for a couple of seconds while all the air was getting expelled and I got a steady flow of coolant from the bleed screw.
That's it, you are done! Enjoy your warm and cosy Panda! Treat her to tenner worth of petrol or a new air freshener
Hope this will help someone at some stage
The first things to check are the coolant levels and the correct operation of the thermostat. The temperature gauge on the panda, should never drop under 70 C, even downhill in cold weather. If the temperature struggles to rise above 50-60 C in cold weather, you more than likely looking at a thermostat that is stuck open, hence not giving a chance to the engine to warm up the coolant.
If this is the case, change the thermostat before you do anything else, it will very likely solve your problem.
If the thermostat seems to work correctly and all the levels are good, the next thing to check is the correct operation of the flap that allows the intake of air to the heater matrix. This is located under the plastic grille that can be seen in the second picture. This is more than likely working fine, so we are down to the adjustable valve that changes the flow of the coolant in the heater matrix.
It seems to be a common fault, but easy to fix.
First of all the Fiat part number you need for a Mk2 Panda is 7754045, they are easily available from a fiat dealer and the pop up on ebay sometimes and looks like this.
Right, Here is list of things you will need to carry out this little repair:
- Socket set 1/4 " or 3/8"
- a Philips and a flat screwdriver
- a 10mm spanner (to remove battery)
- a 2mm Allen key
- some coolant to replace whatever you spill during the process
So firstly we need to remove the battery (remember always remove negative terminal first) and pull back some of the sound proofing to gain access to the heater controls
Next undo the jubilee clip that holds the pipe to the valve (you'll spill some coolant, no matter what) and remove the self tapper that holds the cable clamp
then undo the 2 nuts that hold the tap to the heater matrix, one of the is a little tricky to get to, so a small socket with an extension will help.
next undo the little grab screw that clamps the control cable. I found it is easier if the heating control it is on the cold setting. You need a 2mm allen key, so make sure you have one before you start!
Now install the new heater valve, making sure you do not over tighten the 2 retaining nuts and make sure you clamp the control cable correctly.
Put back the sound proofing and reinstall the battery.
Check your coolant level, it might need topping up. I then started the car and bled the heater matrix by undoing the little bleeding screw on the water pipe. I heard a gurgle for a couple of seconds while all the air was getting expelled and I got a steady flow of coolant from the bleed screw.
That's it, you are done! Enjoy your warm and cosy Panda! Treat her to tenner worth of petrol or a new air freshener
Hope this will help someone at some stage
