2000 Altima - Heater Temperature

[stocker2000]

Hi,

Does anyone have any info on what the air temperature out of my heater ought to be if everything is working properly, assuming that the car is up to operating temp, and my tmperature selector is at full hot?

I ask because it sure doesn't seem like I'm getting a lot of heat. I suspect the thermostat; system was bled before winter, and I don't have any visible coolant leaks. I was hoping to have a measurable way to determine if I do indeed have a problem.

Thanks.

[elwesso]

id expect the heater to get to about 80F if not more.. I suppose in theory, you should get close to what the engine temp is...

Can you tell if the car is running cooler than it should? See if its running where it should be (around 180F)

[stocker2000]

80F, huh? I'll have to check that. I figured that it really ought to depend on the outside air temperature. Since the HVAC fan brings in 100% outside air (when recirc. is off), and the heat output of the heater core is roughly constant when the engine has reached operating temp, and the volume of air is the reasonably constant, I would assume that I would achieve a constant temperature RISE between outside and discharge temperature. I haven't been able to find any publised data, though.

elwesso, how and where on the engine can I check the operating temp (I don't have a scan tool)?

[elwesso]

You may be right, i know in my Q even when it gets to full temp, it doesnt get much past 80, then again i have a auto climate controller.. not sure if the altima does but if memory serves it doesnt...

To my knowledge, the HVAC control system will try and make the heater/AC output temperature constant based on the position of the temperature selector.. This is why in the summer, the AC compressor cycles on and off more when its 60F compared to 90F.. IT doesnt need as much cooling to attain the same temperature... Granted, most other nissans use the variable displacement compressors, not sure if the altima has one or not...

Id suggest that you just take your car to autozone and have them scan it..... Autozone scans codes for free, and if you ask them to pull the coolant temp they can do that just as easy. Make sure youve driven the car at least 10 miles before you take it to autozone... Even if oyu have to shut off the car for a couple mins, thats fine.... Better yet, just leave it idling...

[stocker2000]

Sorry to bump an older thread, but I fixed my problem, and wanted to share my findings...maybe someone else will be helped by it.

My problem turned out to be a plugged up heater core. I alternated backflushing and flushing the core with a garden hose, and all manner of material came out; large flakes of...whatever. I replaced my thermostat at the same time, but I really don't think that was the problem because the car still takes just a long to reach temperature, and the gauge still reads the same as before.

I know have plenty of heat inside the vehicle, to the point where I need to move my temperature slider off of the full hot position!

Hope this is of some use.

[elwesso]

Glad you fixed it!!!!!