Heater blower / horn issues

[87quad]

Good morning guys (and gals, if any). Need help w/ 2 items (hopefully, i'll eventually be able to give some advise in return).

Item 1: Horn works everyother day. I double-checked the cable and seems fine. I banged a couple of times and that seems to do the trick. Could it be wiring or need to replace (can it be cleaned?).

Item 2: Can someone tell me where the Heater Blower motor resides in the 87alfa spyder. Before I start tering the inside of the car, I'd like a general idea as to where it could be.

As usual, any help is appreciated.

[papajam]

If the horn works after tapping on it, it would seem that the horn(s) are NG. The next time the horn doesn't work, use a voltmeter to measure the voltage at the horn. If there's 12+ volts, the horn is NG. If there's little or no voltage, then there's an electrical problem. When the horn button is pushed, does the horn relay click?

I'll ASSUME that the blower motor is in the same location as the earlier 105/115 series cars; wedged between the trans hump and the dashboard. Anyone know for sure?

[AlfaRomeo1750]

Hey guy,

I agree with Papajam, your horns are OLD and are no longer good. I would replace them with Ferrari FIAM air horns easily obtained from from Pep boys, or Auto Zone. They are really really cool, and let every one know you are there!!!!

As for your Heater, it is located under the dash in a very inconvenient place to work on. Basically to Repair/Replace the motor, you have to first remove the entire center dash and side panels. Then if that wasnt bad enough, You need a special elongated socket to get at the recessed bolts in order to free the plastic housing, Taking extra care not to disturb the vent slits. If you displace them...... it is a pain and a half to get them right again.

I have photos attached below for your viewing pleasure

I hope all goes well with your restoration.

Ciao Ciao

Martin.

71 Spider Veloce

87 Spider Quad.

[AlfaRomeo1750]

Photos

[AlfaRomeo1750]

more photos

[AlfaRomeo1750]

photos

[Roadtrip]

Does you're Quad have air conditioning?

[AlfaRomeo1750]

To answer your question Road Trip, Yes, my quad does have AC,

These are actually photos of my older spider, but the inside dash minus the AC ducts looks exactly the same. The AC blower motor is seperate from the Heater core motor, so I sent these photos to illustrate my point. I didnt have the foresight to take photos when I had the Quad Dash apart to fix some wiring issues. BUT, inside they basically look the same. The heater core is exactly the same, and even uses the same replacement parts. But the story still remains that to check and replace the heater motor, most of the dash has to come out.

If you want to reveal the AC motors and Ducts, you have to take off the dash guards that are below the glove box, and steering wheel on the later cars. Too much work if you ask me..... But for the heater..... The center console has to come off.... along with both side panels..... and a lot of wiring.

I hope this clears up things.....

Ciao Ciao Alfisti's

Regards,

Martin.

71 Spider

87 Quad.

[Roadtrip]

I had someone tell me that if the airbox under the windshield grate has it's drains plugged up (not uncommon) that the water can get into the bottom of the heater box, rust, and seize the heater motor. I guess the first symptom of that is Niagra Falls coming out of the side vents.

Sooooo, 87Quad, you may want to check those drains while you're at it.

[67GTV]

Quote:

Originally posted by AlfaRomeo1750 I would replace them with Ferrari FIAM air horns easily obtained from from Pep boys, or Auto Zone. They are really really cool, and let every one know you are there!!!!

[DaveC]

I too have problems with my horn and heater on my 87 quad. My horn sometimes sounds when I shift into the lower gears suggesting a short in the wiring in the console. The heater stopped working at the same time. Related?

Good luck. Dave

[AlfaRomeo1750]

Hey Dave,

As for your Quad Issues..... The wires for the horn do not go into the center console, SO... I wouldnt tear apart the dash and column trying to trace the horn wires there..... I would rather look at the fuse box, and see what else shares the same circuit. There may be a bare wire sending a surge through the horns, just something to check out.... Why do I say this? Well at least on my older spider..... My turn signals were constantly blowing..... WHY???? well because a switch in the center console wasnt grounded properly..... And it kept sending a surge through the circuit..... making the lights come on..... and eventually blowing the fuse...

As for the heater..... Another fuse thing..... when I bought my quad..... My heater would work sparatically, After checking all the stuff in the dash.... and behind...... My friend Alfa Taso and I actually traced the problem to the fuse box. After filing down the contacts, and replacing some of the more corroded fuses, everything started to work like a charm.... KNOCK ON WOOD!!!!.


So just in general I would file down your contacts..... just to make sure everything is making proper connections.

If at last resort, I would take apart the center console..... because take it from some one who has done it many times. IT IS SUCH A PAIN IN THE A$$ to put it back together..... especially in the Quad.


Best Regards.

Martin.

71 Spider

87 Quadrifolio.

[87quad]

Thanks for the replies everyone. I will replace the horn--although looking under there, I see a single (small) horn. I don't think I have room for the double-horn 67GTV showed. Anyway, I will take another look.

AR1750: Thanks for the Pics. It certainly helps and gives me a heads-up on the headaches. I was planning on testing the motor to ensure that it was not a connection or other type of problem before buying a new one. HOWEVER, I don't think I want to do this thing twice. I will buy it and, if it's not the motor, return it.

You guys are Da'man!! thanks again.

[DaveC]

Thanks for the info. I've discovered the problem with my heater. Just a dead spot in the motor. I open the floor vent and stuck my fingers in on the passenger side of the box. I pushed the blades of the fan a couple of turns then turned on the fan switch. The fan started right up.
As for the horn. I think its a common problem with all Alfas. Just other people blowing their horns in appreciation. Just not use to it yet.
Thanks Dave

[87quad]

DaveC, thanks for the hint. I tried it and it worked! However, when I turn it down or off it won't come on again. I let it sit and then it will start when switched on (by itseld, w/out me pushing the fan). Weird? Any similar issues w/ yours?