heater not getting very hot.

[tmorales509]

Hi, would the Radiator fans being on all the time(bad relay) cause the heater to not get hot fast in pretty much freezing weather? because, well my heater will get kinda hot then get cold then hot then cold etc etc.. it takes probly quite a while for it to get pretty hot. I just changed the thermo as well as the coolant temp sensor and sender so i dont think its that.

[maxhopper]

I'm not 100% sure on the 3rd gens, but if you start the vehicle with the A/C compressor (in defrost mode), it could take a bit longer to heat up, due to the fans automatically coming on once the compressor is engaged.

Try warming the car up for a few minutes, then turning to defrost once the engine is warmed up.

[boerne_ka-t]

If you've already changed the thermostat and the your temperature gauge in the car reads normal.. Make sure it's full of coolant.. low coolant level could cause the heater not to blow as hot.Could be a clogged up heater core.. after the motor warms up, pop the hood and find the heater hoses that go into the firewall, inlet and outlet should be equally hot (just grab em with your hand) if inlet is hotter than outlet, then you should replace your heater core..

hope that helps..

[MinisterofDOOM]

I'm not 100% sure on the 3rd gens, but if you start the vehicle with the A/C compressor (in defrost mode), it could take a bit longer to heat up, due to the fans automatically coming on once the compressor is engaged.

Try warming the car up for a few minutes, then turning to defrost once the engine is warmed up.

Yeah, this is the case with 3rd gens as well. I'm pretty sure it's just one fan for A/C alone but that does make a difference.

[Sentientbydesign]

Have you tried flushing your coolant? Prestone makes one that sits in your system for 5-6 hours of driving (doesn't have to be continuous).

Maybe someone else can chime in with a better product, but that's what I've used before.

[mtcookson]

First thing to always check in the 3rd gen when having heater issues:



Make sure the lever is pointing down when you want heat. If that doesn't do it, there's a chance there is air in the heater core as the heater core placement was poor in the early 3rd gens. It was mounted a little too high, which allowed air to get trapped in the core.

I believe the recommended fix for that is to jack up the front of the car around 30" (could be slightly less because 30" is quite a bit, I can't remember for sure) and top off the coolant. I'd jack it up as high as you can and top it off. Another thing you can try is to take the radiator cap off while the car is cold, then start the car and let the coolant circulate. Sometimes you will get luckily and the air bubbles will come out. Be sure to run it for a few minutes to get as much air out as you can and top the coolant off as they do.

If that's no go then there's a chance the core is clogged up. Best and easiest way I've found to clean it is to take both heat core hoses off (on the fire wall, passenger's side), get a normal garden hose with one end cut off, and run water through both of the ports. I've had the best luck cleaning mine out doing it that way plus its very easy to do.

Also, if the radiator fans are running there's a good chance it will take a little longer to heat up as they are pulling very cold air in through the radiator. If the fans are constantly on and the a/c is not on then its highly likely your coolant temp sensor is shot. There are two coolant temp sensors though... one for your gauge and one for the ECU, which triggers the fans. The sensor with the large plug is for the ECU and the sensor with the blade connector is for the gauge.

Good luck!

[tmorales509]

thanks, u guys been helpful. I will 1st try flushing my coolant and adding new as i was thinking of doin that anyway and so ill take it from there after that. THanks