Editing Heater Actuator Replacement

__NOTOC__
Elise S2 to VIN ????? have manual temperature control.

MY?? onwards has electronic controlled temperature adjustment which is prone to failure.

<gallery>
Image:Diagram low level heater unit.jpg|2=Actuator, 4=New rainwater guard
Image:Diagram distribution unit.jpg|Exactly same actuator used on distribution unit
</gallery>

Part numbers:
* Actuator: A117M6052S (~£45 from Lotus dealer)
* Splash guard: ??

== Procedure ==
===1. [[Remove S2 front clamshell|Remove the front clam]]===

===2. Remove both rain water guards===
<gallery>
Image:Rain water guards.jpg|The two curved plastic radiator shrouds.  The left side one is shown in this photo.
</gallery>

===3. Remove rain water guard over wiper motor===
<gallery>
Image:wiper motor cover.jpg
</gallery>

===4. Remove large air pipe===
The large diameter air pipe which goes from the heater unit to the distribution unit is not secured in place.  It is a simple push fit.
<gallery>
Image:big air pipe.jpg|The large diameter air pipe can be seen centre picture here
Image:big air pipe on floor.jpg
</gallery>

===5. Move wiring out of way===
Before the heater unit can be removed the wiring loom needs to be temporary relocated out the way.  Snip the cable ties and drag towards the front of the car out the way.  Also unplug the wire going into the actuator and blower fan and drag out the way.

===6. Separate heater unit from blower fan===
The heater unit is attached to the fan with two hand clasps.  Undo these and forcibly seperate the heater unit from the fan.  There is matted material on the front of the heater unit which over time bonds itself to the fan.  Simply force these two units apart and take care not to damage the matted material too much!
<gallery>
Image:separate heater from blower.jpg 
</gallery>

===7. Remove securing bar===
Remove the securing bar across the top of the heater unit.  Two 8mm bolts.

===8. Remove coolant pipes from heater unit===
Remove the two coolant pipes going into the heater unit.  It's easier to remove these at the car rail pipe end and not on the unit itself.  Also provides better access to remove the unit.  A small amount of coolant will be lost and the car rail pipes can be blocked up with plastic shopping bags (or discarded rubber gloves make a better seal).

===9. Remove the heater unit===
Now the hard part!  Shove the fan as far right as it will possibly go and then some more!  Lift the front of the heater unit upwards and then diagonally towards the wiper motor.  The heater unit will be exiting on the right side of the car.
<gallery>
Image:Car void of heater unit.jpg|Note the small amount of coolant fluid loss and plastic bags blocking the pipes!
Image:Heater unit.jpg|Heater unit removed and turned through 180 degs to show actuator on reverse side.
</gallery>

===10. Clean heater unit===
There are actually two flaps within the heater unit with drive to the second unit via a small toothed belt.
<gallery>
Image:Rear of heater unit.jpg
Image:Inside heater unit full cold.jpg
Image:Inside heater unit full hot.jpg
</gallery>

===11. Replace actuator===
Make sure you fit the new (2006) splash guard over the actuator to avoid future breakages.
<gallery>
Image:actuator prized open.jpg
Image:actuator cover.jpg|New plastic cover fits snugly over actuator
Image:actuator diy cover.jpg|Or you could fashion something out of a used plastic tomato ketchup bottle!
Image:actuator diy cover fitted.jpg|Here you can see the cover fitted
</gallery>