Heat coming into driver cockpit

[YellowHaze]

Looks like it's time to get some input from my fellow Primers. I bought my NSX last September (love this car!) and soon noticed warm air coming into the driver's cockpit area. This is only felt after the car has warmed up for 10 or more minutes. Warm air is coming from the lower cover instrument panel garnish roughly in the area below where your knees would be.

After making sure no heat or air conditioning controls or fans were engaged, I took my car to Cerritos Acura to get that and a couple of other things looked at.

The initial PPI performed by Cerritos Acura found a leaking coolant tube assembly- the big one that feeds coolant from the engine to the radiator. That was replaced. The second visit found a faulty climate control unit and vent motor. Both were replaced (expensive parts!). The warm air entering the driver's cockpit area persisted.

My third trip to Cerritos Acura found some kind of hose leak. I forget which one but it was located in the front hood area. My car has no know leaks of any kind, so not sure what that was about. On my way home, warm air was still coming from the lower instrument garnish assembly.

My car has a VIS CF hood with vent. As far as I know, this should help with radiator air flow and keep the front hood area cooler. Before I again take my car back to Cerritos Acura, can anyone shed some light or similar experiences regarding this warm air problem?

PS. I have the utmost respect for Cerritos Acrua, Jon Martin, and the entire service department staff. I have been treated well by them.

Steve

 

[Briank]

The control cable for the heater core water valve could be mis-adjusted and not closing all the way.

 

[YellowHaze]

The control cable for the heater core water valve could be mis-adjusted and not closing all the way.

Thanks for the tip, Brian. I'll add that to the "check it out list". Anyone else have any ideas?

 

[Hugh]

Anyone else have any ideas?

They would be irrelevant since Brian already answered your question. :biggrin:

 

[jdnsx]

I'd like to hear more... like has anybody had to fix this? What is involved? Do yo have to pull the dash?

I have had the same problem for years and it is more annoying than anything else.

 

[Hugh]

I have had the same problem for years and it is more annoying than anything else.

Anything? You've obviously never dated a Jewish girl! :biggrin:

 

[YellowHaze]

Anything? You've obviously never dated a Jewish girl! :biggrin:

LOL! Talk about an off-the-wall comment. I just happen to know what you mean.

Seriously folks, looks like at least one other NSX'er, jdnsx, has a similar problem. The previous owner of my car simply ran the AC all the time. He told me that only after I discovered the problem weeks after I bought the car. Oh well, at least I have one possible source of the problem that Brian suggested with a confirmation from Hugh.

Question to you, Brian. Is the control cable for the heater core water valve accessible so I can check it out without too much trouble or does it require a major unassembly operation and/or special knowledge? Thanks.

Steve

 

[Briank]

It's up front next to the blower assy. under the hood.

 

[drew]

Anyone else have any ideas?

Yes: treat any new data as a query. (It is a mantra.)_

Run all the new terms already given, so you can get additional information to either act or ask more questions.

However, you "ask" again without consulting your knowledge base (KB). Why?

You've already replaced a bunch of expensive parts and still your problem persists. It seems you spend money or other peoples time rather than searching on a big clue. (Interesting link that may apply to this situation: http://jeffjonas.typepad.com/jeff_jonas/2006/11/enterprise_inte.html )

The situation resolves down to a wedge: either the problem is common or it is rare. If it is common there should be multiple entries in the KB. If it is rare, then the odds of somebody stumbling on your post with a solution is unlikely, so you should consult the KB. Either way requires searching of the KB.

The solution is taking a few analytical steps on your part, which would start by asking a question (aka Search): "water valve" heater

Which I have neatly put in a link here:
http://nsxprime.com/forums/search.php?searchid=3042072

which *amazingly* enough comes up with a bunch of possibles, like this one:

http://nsxprime.com/forums/showthread.php?t=109707

 

[YellowHaze]

Yes: treat any new data as a query. (It is a mantra.)_

Run all the new terms already given, so you can get additional information to either act or ask more questions.

However, you "ask" again without consulting your knowledge base (KB). Why?

You've already replaced a bunch of expensive parts and still your problem persists. It seems you spend money or other peoples time rather than searching on a big clue. (Interesting link that may apply to this situation: http://jeffjonas.typepad.com/jeff_jonas/2006/11/enterprise_inte.html )

The situation resolves down to a wedge: either the problem is common or it is rare. If it is common there should be multiple entries in the KB. If it is rare, then the odds of somebody stumbling on your post with a solution is unlikely, so you should consult the KB. Either way requires searching of the KB.

The solution is taking a few analytical steps on your part, which would start by asking a question (aka Search): "water valve" heater

Which I have neatly put in a link here:
http://nsxprime.com/forums/search.php?searchid=3042072

which *amazingly* enough comes up with a bunch of possibles, like this one:

http://nsxprime.com/forums/showthread.php?t=109707

I understand your point, Drew. I usually research topics to death before either taking action or spending money. In this case, my car was already gone-over (twice!) by an NSX technician at arguably one of the best places to service an NSX in the US. So, it was time for me to post this up.

Looks like Brian is "da man" when it comes to AC issues and perhaps others as well. I'll see if I can figure out where the water valve control cable is and if it appears to be working OK or not. Otherwise, I will simply take the car back to the dealership along with my notes from this thread and verify that these things were checked out. This is my baseline strategy.

PS. Your help and time you took to incorporate the other related threads is appreciated.

 

[YellowHaze]

The control cable for the heater core water valve could be mis-adjusted and not closing all the way.

It has taken this long for my 'hot air in the cabin' problem to finally get resolved. You were right, Brian. The root cause was the heater core water valve. However, fixing it wasn't easy. The mechanic at Cerritos Acrua, CA. did realign the water valve cable on a prior visit when I brought my car in. It just became misaligned again. I also was not informed about this problem.

The cause of the water valve cable getting messed-up was when a prior owner had the GPS head unit installed. To get it to fit, the installer did a bit of cramming and ended-up doing a sloppy job. The cable housing was kinked causing the cable to get caught and not travel all the way. The hot water valve did not close completely creating the heat problem. None of this could have been diagnosed without tearing apart the dashboard. Cerritos had to do that 3 times.

So, a word of caution to all who have had new stereo and/or GPS combo units installed. Be sure the person doing the install knows what the hell they are doing. Grinding the corners of the climate control unit ($2000) or the vent control motor ($450) is "nicht gut!" Ask me how I know the cost of those two parts. :frown:

I am fortunate to have had my car serviced by Cerritos, a class act under the service managment of Jon Martin. :smile:

 

[ediddynsx]

Steve,


Sorry to hear about your problem.....as far as the parts are concerned you can always look at some other part dealers to save you money. They usually will give 20-30% off.....also I am having some AC issues myself...mine only blows AC on high, so I think my AC board has given up too

=(

At least you got your car fixed and done right with Jon.

My car is there right now getting inspected.

By the way Cerritos Acura is in Cerritos not Costa Mesa.....Costa Mesa is where we meet once a month.

 

[YellowHaze]

Steve,


Sorry to hear about your problem.....as far as the parts are concerned you can always look at some other part dealers to save you money. They usually will give 20-30% off.....also I am having some AC issues myself...mine only blows AC on high, so I think my AC board has given up too

=(

At least you got your car fixed and done right with Jon.

My car is there right now getting inspected.

By the way Cerritos Acura is in Cerritos not Costa Mesa.....Costa Mesa is where we meet once a month.

Hi Eddie. Yea, I meant Cerritos. What's your car in for? Also, do you know about Briank's ability to repair climate control units? He posted a comment on this thread. Good luck with your car.

 

[ediddynsx]

I haven't dealt with BrianK personally, but I have read a lot of positive reviews on his repair work. He's been on Prime for a while too, so he does have credibility....looks like I will need his services too once I find out about my AC.

My car is in for what I call a check up.....I don't drive my car often, but I do bring it in from time to time to make sure everything is ok.

I am also getting the SOS front pivot clamps installed on my car and I am waiting for the non compliance toe links to come in within 2 more weeks.

My AC only blows on high and passenger window does not roll all the way up with my drivers side button.....I replaced both motors two years ago and it still rolls up slow. :frown:

I heard they have been backed up at Cerritos too. I am not in a rush for picking up my car so its fine with me.

Well off to work now.....have fun everyone. :smile: