SOLVED: Leaf, 2Gen: Service Manual & PTC heater replacement (w/heat pump)

[nowindstone]

Hi,

My car: Nissan Leaf, left side driving. 2014 mod, 2gen. (Registered 2013). Heatpump, Bose sound system, Black leather interior.

I am currently ripping apart my Leaf in order to replace the PTC heater. Plan is to be done during tomorrow.

1. Service Plug (SOLVED)
Currently I am stuck on removing the service plug. Picture attached shows the Service Plug. I am afraid of breaking something, so please provide me with a step by step procedure for operating it until it is has come off.

2. PTC heater replacement
The connectors for the PTC heater are on the passenger side. It appears the instrument panel (dashboard) on that side is one big piece (!). It seems impossible to extract the faulty PTC heater rightwards without removing most of the dashboard. Two qeustions:
a. Is it possible to dimantlte the PTC heater, separating the couplingsarea from the heater ribbons, and slide the heater ribbons in from the driver side (left to right) - and then press on the couplings from the right side after "jinxing" in it behind the dashboard plastic?

3. I would greatly appreciate if anyone could provide me with the service manual for the 2gen with PTC heater inside the cabin?

Thank you in advance,

Norway,

 

[atikovi]

I know Norway has long winters, but how far do you drive the car per day that you couldn't just put on another jacket and live without the heater? Or buy a cheap beater to use in the winter.

 

[ClassicGOD]

@Tinker2018 shared the service manual for 2nd Gen Leaf here: https://mynissanleaf.com/threads/where-are-leaf-service-manuals.34683/post-651786

 

[nowindstone]

I know Norway has long winters, but how far do you drive the car per day that you couldn't just put on another jacket and live without the heater? Or buy a cheap beater to use in the winter.

1. Lack of heat makes moist build up. This is bad in several ways. (Sudden) dew on windshield. Bad for interior climate etc. I got kids and they get wet, everbody drags som snow inside - not possible to avoid fully. This will never evaporate/dry up without a heater when it is cold outside.
2. From ca plus 2 degrees Celcius and upwards it can be handled. But at zero and below, you are at risk of getting (sudden) dew on windshield whilst driving, that you can not simply remove. This is dangerous. I have had it at my Ioniq 5 - due to faulty heater/cliamte system. You are practically and suddenly blind when driving.
3. Comfort? My model of the leaf is a "first gen 2", and therefor somewhat in between configuration and layout of a standard gen1 and gen2. However, I am figuring out as I go. Nearly dismantled it all now. Service plug and all High Voltage has been diconnected. Nothing is impossible, just takes at little longer.
4. Most importantly: By adding several layers of clothing you are at risk of degrading the effectiveness of the seat belt. Worst case, you may increase harm caused to you in an accident. Actually one should not use thick clothing when in a car due to this.

 

[Gpearce]

I know Norway has long winters, but how far do you drive the car per day that you couldn't just put on another jacket and live without the heater? Or buy a cheap beater to use in the winter.

The temperatures they go down to require heat to keep the windshield and windows free of frost inside and out. Just like us in Canada. -40 needs reliable heat.

 

[atikovi]

The temperatures they go down to require heat to keep the windshield and windows free of frost inside and out. Just like us in Canada. -40 needs reliable heat.

They do make external windshield defrosters,

https://www.amazon.com/JISADER-Windscreen-Defogger-Electric-Defroster/dp/B0DK6QGJHL?gQT=1&th=1

 

[nowindstone]

They do make external windshield defrosters,

https://www.amazon.com/JISADER-Windscreen-Defogger-Electric-Defroster/dp/B0DK6QGJHL?gQT=1&th=1

Ok, thanks for your suggestion. But let us end this, as this does not answer the original question asked in the thread.

 

[nowindstone]

Well I have completed the replacement of the PTC heater. Currently halfway in reinstalling panels etc. Will update and close thread if functioning ok - once tested tomorrow.

 

[nowindstone]

Tested the car today, and the freshly installed PTC heater is working. So job done.

 

[uHu]

Wonderful. How much did it cost you in money and time?
I got Elbilmek to do that job for me 2 years ago, for ~ 15 k nok, about 1,500 euro, parts & labour.

 

[nowindstone]

Wonderful. How much did it cost you in money and time?
I got Elbilmek to do that job for me 2 years ago, for ~ 15 k nok, about 1,500 euro, parts & labour.

Hi. I got an offer from a certified Nissan dealer: Approximately 23000 including new heater and labor. That was too costly for us since the car is 12 years old. Just did an overhaul of the parking brake and rear brakes, so did not want to scrap the car either. So:
I bought a used heater from a Norwegian car scrapper for 3400 NOK,- and then a pair of of Class 0 gloves. Total cost approximately 5000 NOK,-. Spent some hours on Friday evening and half of Saturday. Sunday was just an hour to test and verify. Most timeconsuming part has been investigating what type of heater part number I should get. Secondly I wasted some time trying to remove the old heater by dismantling the whole instrument panel. I also had some trouble with a stuck Service Plug I was afraid of breaking, and when working with High Voltage one does not want to make mistakes. I would not recommend to do this as a DIY unless one is familiar with and has worked with electrical circuits and understand the risks and possible consequences. I was unable to get my hands on a service manual for my car. Therefor I had to improvise. If it happens again I reckon I can complete the job in one evening.