strange silver knob/screw thingie

[cleeson]

I've discovered a silver cylindrical screw thingie under the dash on the left side of my steering wheel on my s2 spider. Not sure what this does or how to use it. My guess is it is the trip computer and zeros the counter. If it is, it does't seem to work. If it's not, then I'm not sure what I've just done by pushing it up and turning it around.

Also, my interior light switch doesn't activate interior lights, nor does the fan switch (I think the switch on the far right of windscreen wiper switch is the fan switch) activate the fans. Any suggestions of where to look to fix these?

Thanks, Craig.

[harryf]

You have to push the cylindrical screw thing upwards jolly hard and then turn it - then it should work.

As for the others, should be fairly straightforward electrical fixes. Get familiar with your multimeter and work back.

[cleeson]

Tks Harryf.

[garwood1]

Re fan switch...most likely, the fan itself is siezed - it's a common problem.
I would ensure all connections to the switch are made first off;
When switch is operated, do you see the Blower light in the speedo illuminating ? It glows at 2 different intensities, depending on whether speed one or two is selected.
Down beneath the dash, you can see the heater unit hanging behind the centre console. The outlets for foot airflow on either side provide a means of accessing the blower fan (it is a squirrelcage variety, on a vertical axis.) You may need to manipulate the control levers in the console to open the flaps in these outlets. Once in the right position, with switch off, it is possible to reach inside the blower casing (using a wooden spoon handle, pencil, etc) and touch the blower fan. They often sieze in position, due to lack of use, and moisture ingress. Sometimes, you can get lucky, and just shoving the blower around can free it off, so that it responds to power from the blower switch.
There are several threads in this section regarding blower woes...worth a search. Good luck !

[cleeson]

Garwood1. I really am enjoying discovering these hidden gems. I never would have known that a light illuminated on the speedo if you hadn't pointed it out. Thanks for the tips. Am going to apply them now.

[Erik Loye]

Originally Posted by harryf

You have to push the cylindrical screw thing upwards jolly hard and then turn it - then it should work.

As for the others, should be fairly straightforward electrical fixes. Get familiar with your multimeter and work back.

On my 1750 S2 Spider I have pull the knob down after O'ing it, it says up if I down and will not count the trip.
Garwood is right about the blower, you can be lucky to unstuck it that way - common prob on many old cars.
Erik

[cleeson]

Thanks Erik,

I pulled off the down air hose connected to the fan unit and used my fingers to move the fan. It feels quite stiff and despite giving it five minutes and about 30 revolutions of movement, it still refuses to work. Lucky its summer!

[spiderserie4]

the usual cause for a seized blower motor is water leaking (maybe not now, but in the past) from the heater matrix.......it collects in that plastic basin and that is where the motor sits........water, electric motor....you get the point!

If ever you decide to take it out, drill a small hole in that plastic basin before you put it back in, works as a drain

You could try one other thing: get up under there and spray copious amounts of WD or Silicone in through the side floor vents, whilst turning the fan........sometimes, just sometimes, this helps.

Also check the fuse has not blown.

Otherwise you are looking at a big job to remove the heater........but nothing that a couple of afternoons work can't accomplish.

[cleeson]

SS4,

I'll try the wd40. Good tip on the drain hole. Thanks. I've pulled out the dash on my 91 bmw 325i convertible before. Took 2 weeks to figure that one out and put it all back together. I'm not a mechanic. Nor do I know anything about cars. But I am determined. If all else fails, there's always Alfaholics I guess. I'm sure the Spider won't be nearly as difficult. But if only this bloomin' UK weather would let up.