Low Coolant Level
The coolant (usually a mixture of water and antifreeze) in your engine doesn’t just work to keep the engine from overheating: It’s also the source of heat supporting the heating system. If there isn’t enough coolant in your system, the heater core will blow cold air into your car.
Why did my heat suddenly stop working in my car?
Here are the most common reasons why your car heater isn’t blowing hot air. Low coolant: Whether caused by a leak or water evaporation, low coolant is the most common source of poor heater output. Thermostat: A stuck-open thermostat prevents the engine (and coolant) from heating up.
Why does my air work but not my heat in my car?
If the thermostat can’t signal to the car that the engine is warm, the coolant won’t be sent over to provide heat to your heater core and the air will stay cool. Thermostats are a relatively easy and inexpensive fix, so installing a new one can get your heater working again quickly.
How much does it cost to replace a heater core in a Chevy Equinox?
The average cost for a Chevrolet Equinox heater core replacement is between $965 and $1,189. Labor costs are estimated between $605 and $763 while parts are priced between $360 and $426. This range does not include taxes and fees, and does not factor in your specific model year or unique location.
Why is my Chevy Equinox heater blowing cold air? – Related Questions
What are two signs that the heater core has failed?
First, the heater core could be malfunctioning and, as such, the defrosters aren’t working. Second, the core could be blowing fog/smoke into your vehicle’s cabin. Both are bad signs and need to be checked into right away.
How do I know if my heater core is blown?
Signs That Your Car Has a Bad Heater Core
- It’s foggy in your car.
- Your car smells odd.
- Your car is devouring coolant.
- You have a chilly passenger compartment.
- Your car’s cabin is cold, but its engine is hot.
Is it worth fixing a heater core?
If you fix the heater yourself, you’ll only have to pay for the cost of a new heater core which runs between $100 and $300. Fixing the heater core yourself will save you money but can be a challenging do-it-yourself repair due to its location within the engine bay or underneath the dashboard.
Can you drive with a messed up heater core?
Driving with a faulty heater core can be risky, as it can lead to overheating and extensive engine damage. Even a clogged heater core can prevent proper coolant circulation, causing your engine to run hot. But if you must continue driving for a short distance, keep an eye on the temperature gauge.
Can you drive with failing heater core?
You can still drive on with the condition; however, you should not, for a long time. The heater core uses the engine’s coolant, and a faulty heater core affects the cooling effect which then raises the temperature. Not curing the issue and continue to drive the vehicle this way can lead to further engine damage.
How many hours does it take to replace a heater core?
6-8 hours,2 people,if they know what they are doing!
Can I replace my heater core myself?
If the heater core came with an access cover, then install it. Recheck the radiator to ensure there is enough coolant present as air pockets may escape the system and need additional fluid. This job is doable, it just ranges from easy to challenging, depending on where the heater is located inside your car.
Will heater core leak if heat is off?
Usually there is a leak because there is a hole in the heater core. Whether the heater is on or not, it should still leak.
What happens when your heater core blows?
It could be that the heater core blew up while cruising down the road. If this component blows up, it’ll cause warm coolant to leak into the car cabin. When the warm and temperature-regulated coolant leaks out, it will evaporate as steam and cause a severe fog in the cabin and car interior.
How do I unclog my heater core?
To clean the blockage, you need to flush water or air through the heater core. By doing so, the grime and dirt that’s causing the clog will come out through the inlet hose. Now, insert a water hose into the outlet hose. If you have access to an air compressor, you can use that to push out the coolant and grime.
How do I test my heater core?
Start your engine, allow it to warm up for a minute and turn the heater lever to full blast. If the system is ok, you should feel a blast of cool air. Now, turn the heater lever to full heat. If you feel warm or hot air flowing into the cabin, your heater core has no leaks.
How do you diagnose a heater problem?
Use these steps to troubleshoot your car heater.
- Check the Coolant. Low coolant can’t reach the heater core and generate warm air.
- Assess the Heater Core. Make sure heater hoses are in good shape.
- Inspect the Water Pump.
- Listen to the Fan.
- Look for Blown Fuses.
Why is my heat blowing cold air?
If your furnace is blowing cold air in your home, this is a sign of an issue with the flame detector, gas supply, air filter, pilot light, or condensate lines. Many of these issues are able to be easily solved on your own by sanitizing or replacing components in the gas furnace.
Why is my heater running but no heat?
When you turn the furnace on but no heat comes out, there may be an obstruction. Dirty air filters restrict airflow, which can make it feel like not much heated air is coming out of your vents. Check the furnace filter and replace it if its surface is covered with contaminants.
Can a blown fuse cause car heater not to work?
If you think the cause for your car heating not working is related to the blower fuse, be sure to replace it with one of the same amperage. The fuse may have blown due to age, or it may suggest an underlying problem. If the replacement fuse (of the same amperage) does not blow, you may well have identified the problem.
How can you tell if a blower fuse is blown?
Once you’ve located the fuse, check its wires to see if they’re broken or look for signs of discoloration or cloudiness. If so, you have a blown fuse that will have to be replaced. You can also use a multimeter to check if the fuse is blown.
Why did my car heater stop blowing hot air?
Faulty heater cores and low or contaminated coolant levels often come hand in hand, and both issues may lead to your engine overheating and your heater not blowing hot air.