Heater problems!

[nuQ]

I usually always go outside and warm up the Q before driving. The other night I went out to start the car to set up my Sirius. I noticed I heard some "gurgling" through the dashboard, like the coolent going through hoses. Well, when I went back out the temp. gauge showed a normal oper. temp but only cold air blowing through the vents. What's weird is that I seem to get "warm" air when I push the defrost button. The other night I drove around the block and got slightly warmer air through the dash vents, but not much. Tonight it was only with defrost pressed. Don't know if this has any baring, but most times the display on my HVAC unit doesn't light up, but the button functions all work. Because of this I cant run the codes!!! I just got a used HVAC off ebay. Any ideas?? Thanks

[qship96]

have you checked coolant level in radiator and overflow tank with engine cold? gurgling usually indicates low coolant-if low shine flashlight into recesses of plenum to look for coolant puddles,or check hoses and waterpump areas for leaks- sounds like heater core may not be full of coolant.

[elwesso]

agreed... Also check your mix doors too.

[nuQ]

thanks guys----looked under the hood and saw it was one of two things......the radiator cap that i replaced about 5 months ago (got what i paid for when i bought the cheap autozone replacement instead of OEM. when i took it off tonight the entire spring setup came apart from the cap!!!!,,,), or what i really think the problem is........the liquid gasket is leaking under the radiator cap. the level was low and i could see the splattering of coolent around the radiator area. will be replacing both!