'00 V6 Afterheater doesn't work

[gb3347]

Hi all,
A few nights ago I tried to use the afterheater function on my 2000 9-5 SE V6 and it didn't work. The coolant was warm enough (I had driven the car almost 1 hour), the ignition was off for less than a minute, I held AUTO for a few seconds but nothing. BTW, this is the 1st time I tried it since owning the car, so I doubt it ever worked.

I read that it might need to be activated by Tech 2 first, but the only one in my area charges $50 and I don't need anything else done via the tool, so it's not worth it. Is there any other way to activate the electrical cooling pump in order to have this feature? Thanks

[gghh]

Did you replace the SID? It needs to be coded to use the spare heater, tech2 is the only option.

[baco99]

spare heater feature is worth 50 bucks, IMO. we use it all the time. i don't understand why all cars don't have it!!!!

[raquettelaker2]

Originally Posted by baco99

spare heater feature is worth 50 bucks, IMO. we use it all the time. i don't understand why all cars don't have it!!!!

+1. Go get it programmed to work. That's the feature I miss the most after switching from my 2001 SE V6 to my Aero.

[gb3347]

Originally Posted by gghh

Did you replace the SID? It needs to be coded to use the spare heater, tech2 is the only option.

Yes, I replaced the SID as soon as I bought the car. So that's why it doesn't work...

Too bad Tech 2 is the only option, but from what I've heard I guess the feature is worth $50 in itself.

[ski]

just because I am not familiar with how the system works, but knew that it existed on the v6. Is there some sort of secondary pump to keep the fluid circulating (and warm) while this after heater is on? You would think if it were really cold outside it would not be effective for very long if there were no seconday pump to circulate the fluid.

[raquettelaker2]

Originally Posted by ski

just because I am not familiar with how the system works, but knew that it existed on the v6. Is there some sort of secondary pump to keep the fluid circulating (and warm) while this after heater is on? You would think if it were really cold outside it would not be effective for very long if there were no seconday pump to circulate the fluid.

Yeah, there's a secondary electric coolant pump. Pretty darn nifty. If it's real cold out it doesn't last all that long, but it sure makes a difference if you're running into the store for 15 minutes. Mmm. Afterheater.

[Dropframe]

I will probably just keep repairing my car forever b/c its the only car I have ever seen with that feature. It's my #1 must have feature on a car now

[gghh]

Mercedes has this also.