8001 Minnetonka Blvd.

952.931.9696

Mon-Thu: 7am -6pm
Friday: 7am – 5pm

6407 West Lake Street

952.922.9696

Mon-Thu: 7am -6pm
Friday: 7am – 5pm

Thank you for choosing D&D Autoworks for your vehicles’ service, maintenance and repair.

Reasons why the Heater may not be working in you Vehicle

by | Jan 27, 2014 | Auto Repair, Car Heater, Checking Engine Fluids, Coolant Flush

If you notice an issue with the heater of your vehicle, the problem may actually be from the radiator. As the radiator transfers heat from the engine to the environment, so does the cabin heater. Hot water from the engine will circulate through the heater core and air flowing through the core picks up the heat. This will then transfer the heat to the interior of the vehicle. If there is an issue with the heater or lack of heat being produced, make sure to bring the vehicle in as soon as possible. We can inspect the vehicle and the heating system. Fixing an issue when it is minor is more cost efficient than if you wait until it becomes worse.

Having Low Coolant Levels

The most common cause of heater problems is having a low coolant level. The heater depends on an adequate flow amount of hot engine coolant to produce heat. It is recommended to check the coolant level on a regular basis. If the engine has been running for awhile, make sure to have it cool down before removing the radiator cap. If the coolant it hot and has pressure, it could spray and burn you. You can also bring the vehicle in and we can inspect the coolant for you. We can also check for any signs of leaks if you notice the coolant level decreasing frequently.

Poor Water Flow for the heater

Another frequent cause of heater problems is an insufficient water flow through the heater core. Depending on where the temperature sensor is located on the vehicle, the temperature gauge may be in the red or in the cold. Make sure to bring the vehicle in if you notice the vehicle over heats more frequently than it should. We can inspect it for if there is an issue with the thermostat or heater.

Parts that are Obstructed

Partially obstructed water jackets, heater hoses, or damaged water pumps could lead to an issue with the heater. If the temperatures are low with little to no heat being produced, there could be an issue with the engine. The thermostat could stick closed. There could also be a blocked radiator core or an obstruction to the engine. If there is poor efficiency for the heater, it could be caused by a heater valve. If you notice the heater is not working like it used to, make sure to bring the vehicle in as soon as you can. If you notice that the heater will work, but then starts to blow out cold air, which could also be a reason for concern. Make sure to make an appointment to bring the vehicle in. We can inspect it for any parts or components that have worn out. We can also inspect it to see if parts are sticking or have become covered. This can help to provide you with a safe and reliable vehicle when you need it.