The document describes the Valeo Thermo Plus 230/300/350 heating system, providing operating and service instructions for this water heater.
Function Description
The Thermo Plus 230/300/350 is a water heater designed for use in vehicles. Its primary function is to provide heating, and it can be operated via a switch or a digital pre-selection timer. The heater's operation is generally unlimited up to an altitude of 1500 meters above mean sea level (MSL) without requiring a change in CO₂ adjustment. For short stays (e.g., pass crossings, breaks) in conditions up to 2000 meters above MSL, operation is also possible. However, for permanent operation above 1500 meters, the CO₂ setting must be readjusted by Valeo-trained personnel to account for changes in exhaust gas values due to environmental conditions.
The heater is designed to monitor all active operating phases, electrical components, operating voltage, and functional irregularities. In the event of a malfunction, it initiates a fault shut-off and enters a fault lock-out mode to prevent an automatic combustion restart. This safety feature is crucial to ensure reliable and safe operation. The system also provides fault codes, indicated by a sequence of flashes from the operating light or displayed on the pre-selection timer, to help diagnose specific issues.
Usage Features
The heater offers flexible control options. Users can switch it on using a simple switch or by programming a digital pre-selection timer. Before activating the heater, it is recommended to set the vehicle's heating system to "Warm."
The pre-selection timer is a key feature, allowing users to program the heater's start time up to 7 days in advance. It supports up to 7 different starting times, though only one can be active at any given moment. Activation of a preset time is possible for the current day and the following day. For instance, activation for Sunday and Monday can be done on Friday, and for Monday on Saturday. When the ignition is switched on, the display shows the current time and day of the week.
To access the timer's menu, the heating function must be disabled. Selections and settings are made using dedicated "up" and "down" selection buttons and confirmed with a confirmation button. If no action is taken for 10 seconds, the timer reverts to the standard display. Fast scrolling through options is available by pressing the selection buttons for more than 0.5 seconds.
The timer allows for setting the current time and day of the week, with options for 12-hour or 24-hour mode. Users can also program the operation duration, adjusting how long the heater will run. The remaining operating time can be viewed and adjusted, indicating how long the heater will continue to operate after the ignition is turned off. If no confirmation of the remaining operation time is received within 10 seconds, the heater will switch off.
For immediate heating, an "instant heating" button is available. If pressed with the ignition activated, a symbol flashes on the display and then appears permanently after positive feedback from the heater, indicating continuous operation. If pressed with deactivated ignition, the display shows the default programmed operation time, which can be adjusted before confirmation.
The system also includes features for reading out heater errors, with a flashing symbol (▲) indicating malfunctions. Error codes can be displayed by simultaneously pressing specific buttons. Remote control functionality is also mentioned as being equivalent to the "instant heat" function.
Maintenance Features
The manual emphasizes several critical maintenance and safety instructions to ensure the longevity and safe operation of the heater.
Installation and Initial Use:
- Heaters must be installed according to the attached installation instructions.
- The installation must be checked against statutory regulations.
- The year of first use must be permanently marked on the heater's model plate by removing inapplicable year numbers.
- Before starting the heater, ensure existing shut-off devices in the fuel return line are open.
- When renewing the vehicle's coolant, carefully bleed the heater after bleeding the vehicle's cooling system, and top up coolant as per vehicle manufacturer instructions.
- Regularly check and clean the combustion air intake and exhaust outlet openings.
Operational Restrictions and Safety:
- The heater must not be operated at filling stations or other refueling points.
- It should not be used in locations where inflammable vapors or dust may form (e.g., near fuel, plastic, coal, wood dust, or cereal storage facilities).
- Operation is prohibited if the heater or its exhaust outlet is near inflammable materials like dry grass, leaves, cartons, or paper.
- The heater must not be used in enclosed areas (e.g., garages, halls without proper ventilation), even with the pre-selection timer or Tele Start.
- Operation is forbidden if the exhaust outlet is partially or fully obstructed (e.g., by soil or snow, which can occur when moving the vehicle backward).
Malfunction Procedures:
- In case of extensive smoke, unusual combustion noises, or fuel odors, the heater must be shut down, and its fuse removed. It should not be used again until examined by Spheros-trained personnel.
- The heater must not be exposed to temperatures exceeding 110°C (storage temperature), as this can cause permanent damage.
- It must always be operated with at least 30% of a brand-name anti-freeze in the heating system water. An approved list of anti-freeze products is available on the Valeo website.
- The heater requires diesel fuel approved by Valeo in accordance with DIN EN 590 and the rated voltage shown on the model plate.
- It should be operated at least once per month for 10 minutes when the engine is cold. An expert inspection is required at the start of the cold weather season.
Fault Lock-out and Reset:
- The heater enters a fault lock-out mode under specific conditions, such as low voltage, failure to establish combustion, flame interruption, extrinsic light detection, or control device/peripheral component defects.
- To reset the heater after a fault lock-out, users can:
- Switch the heater off and then on again.
- Reset the control device (e.g., by disconnecting it from the power supply).
- Perform an "Off" and "On" switching via the S-Bus diagnostic interface.
- Erase data in the fault memory using a diagnostic tool.
- If a heater lock-out occurs due to safety-related components (indicated by fault code 12), the heater must be maintained and released by Valeo-trained personnel.
Liability:
- Valeo disclaims all liability if installation instructions are not followed, repairs are carried out incorrectly, or non-genuine spare parts are used. Such actions also void the ECE type approval and general operating permit.
- Liability claims are only valid if all servicing and safety instructions have been verifiably considered.
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