The job of a car heater is to blow air from a heated engine over a heater core. This heated air is then channeled into the car compartment through the vents.
If there is no movement of air through the car vents, or if only cold air is blowing, then you have a serious problem on your hands.
There could be several reasons for the car heater to fail. It could be the level of coolant is insufficient or not circulating properly, or a blown fuse could be the culprit.
In any event, you will need to have this checked out as soon as possible for the simple reason that the car heater is an essential component of your car’s cooling system. A problem with even one component could spell trouble for your entire heating and cooling system.
Reasons Behind Car Heater System Issues
If there is a problem with the heater, the cooling system could be broken or damaged, meaning there is every possibility of your car engine getting overheated–leading to further damage. But there could be several other factors behind your car heater not working. Keep the following in mind:
Insufficient Coolant in the System
This is the first thing that should be checked if you suspect there is a problem with your car heating system. Consider this:
- Insufficient coolant levels could be due to a slow leak in the cooling system.
- It could also be a leaking radiator cap.
- Once your car engine has cooled down, check the antifreeze level in the radiator.
- If the level is low, top it up per the required level and ensure the ratio of coolant and water is maintained.
- Consult with a professional mechanic to address the leaking coolant issue.
Check the Thermostat
A failed thermostat is another reason why your car might not be heating up. Here’s what you should know:
- If the thermostat is jammed in the closed position, the coolant won’t be able to circulate properly.
- The simple fix to this issue is to remove the lower radiator hose and fix a new thermostat.
If you are an accomplished DIY car repairs enthusiast, this will be an easy task for you. If you are not confident, a licensed mechanic can get this done for you in no time.
Air Pocket in the Heater Core
A problem could occur if an air pocket gets created in the heater core. What you need to know:
- Warm water flows in and out of the heater core through hoses.
- Because of this, both the inlet hose and outlet hose usually heat up or feel warm when the engine is running.
- However, if the outlet hose doesn’t feel warm, it could be because of an air pocket restricting the flow of water through the heater core.
In addition, the heater core could be clogged with debris which would cause it to malfunction. Sometimes the heater hose might be twisted or have a kink.
Faulty Heater Control Valve in the Heating System
Hot coolant passes through the heater control valve into the heater core. If there is a problem with the heater control valve this is what will happen:
- The heater won’t be able to generate warm air.
- It could cause the coolant to leak.
- It could lead to sporadic functioning of the heater.
Blown Fuse
If no air is blowing out of the vents, an electrical fault could be causing the issue. Try this:
- Start your car and set the heater and fan to the highest level.
- As soon as you turn on the heater, you should be able to hear the fan engage.
- If the fan does not engage, it could be because of a blown fuse.
- If this is your problem area, then the fuses will have to be replaced.
No Reason to Wait
If you suspect there is a problem with your car heating system, it is best to have your car checked up by a professional mechanic as soon as possible.
As mentioned earlier, if the problem is with the cooling system, the bigger damage could come to your engine. And engine repairs as we all know, are among the most expensive of all car repairs!
Car Mechanics you can Trust!
Are you facing heater issues? You don’t have to worry when you come to us. Accurate Service’s professional mechanics can help you with any kind of car trouble. Give us a call today at 520-620-9129 or schedule an appointment online at your convenience!