Climate control cutting out.

[SteveRW]

Just lately my climate control keeps cutting out. This happens when I haven’t selected the cooling button (I assume is the air con) but just want some blow from the fan. The interval between it working and switching off seems random, sometimes staying on for twenty minutes or so and other times just a few minutes. Had the car for just over a year now and this seems to be a new thing so now have to press the on/off button to restart it which doesn’t always work instantly. Am I missing something obvious here? I’m sure I have always just had the fan blowing without the cooling button pressed.

 

[fred12345]

Just lately my climate control keeps cutting out. This happens when I haven’t selected the cooling button (I assume is the air con) but just want some blow from the fan. The interval between it working and switching off seems random, sometimes staying on for twenty minutes or so and other times just a few minutes. Had the car for just over a year now and this seems to be a new thing so now have to press the on/off button to restart it which doesn’t always work instantly. Am I missing something obvious here? I’m sure I have always just had the fan blowing without the cooling button pressed.

Is this MK1 or MK2 ZS? My fan works all the time when I turn it on without Aircon. Haven't noticed it ever turning off by itself. Maybe it turns off if the car reaches the temperature you have set ? Check that.
Also, what happens if you use Aircon, it works OK?

 

[SteveRW]

It’s a first gen. Seems to work ok with air con pressed although I rarely need that on for very long so probably not tested sufficiently. Had it on minimum today - a warm day with fan needed just to be comfortable, as soon as switched off became quickly uncomfortable. Didn’t realise it would switch off when a temperature was reached.

 

[fred12345]

It’s a first gen. Seems to work ok with air con pressed although I rarely need that on for very long so probably not tested sufficiently. Had it on minimum today - a warm day with fan needed just to be comfortable, as soon as switched off became quickly uncomfortable. Didn’t realise it would switch off when a temperature was reached.

not only that but if you have the temperature set at 25°C, it will heat the car to 25 when you turn the fan without air-con.
in winter, keep the temperature at 21° or so and in summer on LOW

 

[SteveRW]

The point is for a year the fan blowing cool air has never just switched off. I needed it to stay on as I like a breeze directed at my face when I’m driving, especially on warm days.
Also I’ve never even realised that you could set a temperature - I just set the blue bar to minimum (assume this is the low you mention) and pink if I want heat. I rarely use the air con. This problem is a new thing and I’m not sure why something simple like a fan should just switch itself off when it’s still required. It’s not happened before so I’m thinking it must be a fault. Never had that in any other car!

 

[Lovemyev]

The Gen1 ZS EV has a more basic manually controlled A/C system that has NO climate control built in to it !.
The driver has to just select a coloured zone on the temperature control and then wait to see if it suits their requirements.
Setting it too cold ( blue area ) will make the cabin space feel very drafty / cold.
As you turn the temperature control towards the red section, the cabin space will become warmer and more comfortable in colder weather conditions.
As it’s a manual HVAC system, so the driver may need to make adjustments to the temp control through out the journey.
No big deal really.
On the Gen2 model however, it does have the more modern climate control system.
Which should have the ability to retain / hold a preset cabin temperature at all times.
I have owned both Gen1 & Gen 2 models and do not see a massive difference between the two systems TBH.
Once you have the Gen 1 system set correctly, then only a few minor adjustments may have to be made on route.
No big deal really I found.

 

[SteveRW]

Yes that is all understood and usually works fine. Mine keeps cutting out, that’s my current issue.

 

[Lovemyev]

Some owners of Gen1 model have had problems when the heater resister pack has failed.
This resistor pack is used to control the different heater fan blower speeds.
It looks like this ?.

 

[SteveRW]

Interesting, thanks for that. Wonder whether it’s covered by the warranty? At the moment it’s an intermittent fault so I assume could still be caused by this resistor failing? I can still alter the fan speed from hardly noticeable to full blast, it’s just that after an interval it switches off.

 

[javiermi]

Interesting, thanks for that. Wonder whether it’s covered by the warranty? At the moment it’s an intermittent fault so I assume could still be caused by this resistor failing? I can still alter the fan speed from hardly noticeable to full blast, it’s just that after an interval it switches off.

Steve I'm having the same problems with my MK 1 ZS, did you manage to fix the issue?
Thanks

 

[SteveRW]

Weirdly after several weeks of this happening it (so far) has behaved itself. Still no idea as to the reason for the malfunction. It seems it’s a bit like turning a computer off and on again and something sorts itself out? Bit random I know. I don’t entirely trust that it won’t misbehave again though so if it does I’ll be taking it to the dealer and will report back. Sorry I couldn’t be more help.

 

[Tim Green]

I would think you have a faulty resistor pack. It is a common problem on all cars.
I recommend getting it fixed asap because there can be a risk of fire with these items.
Vauxhall had a problem with the Zefira a few years ago.

 

[javiermi]

Thanks for your quick reply
I will try to escalate the problem with the dealer. It seems odd they can't fix a simple well-known HVAC problem, but can't discount anything at this point.