Have you ever hopped into your car on a frosty Cedarburg morning, expecting to feel a wave of warmth, only to be met with an icy draft instead? You’re not alone. A malfunctioning car heater is a fairly common — and annoying — occurrence among aging vehicles. Not only does it make your entire drive uncomfortable, but it could also be a safety hazard when you need to defrost your windshield. There are several reasons your car heater might not be blowing hot air, like low coolant, a faulty thermostat or more.
At 5 Corners Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram, we know just how frustrating losing heat in your vehicle can be, so we put together this quick list of common car heater failures for your reference. If you find your car heater blowing cool air one morning, this guide is for you!
Reasons Your Car Heater Doesn’t Blow Hot Air
Low Coolant
Your car’s heating system uses engine coolant to warm up the air that flows into the cabin. When the coolant level is too low, there’s less heat to go around. This issue can be especially common in winter, as colder temperatures cause fluid levels to drop.
Solution
Check your coolant level. If it’s low, top it up with the recommended type of antifreeze for your vehicle — which you can get here at our authorized Mopar parts center. Just remember, if you’re not familiar with how to do this, it’s best to consult a professional, as coolant systems can get quite hot and potentially dangerous to handle.
Faulty Thermostat
The thermostat’s job is to regulate your engine temperature. When it’s working properly, it lets the engine warm up and then circulates that heat through the car’s heater core. But if the thermostat gets stuck open, the engine might not reach the temperature needed for heating your car’s interior.
Solution
Replacing a thermostat isn’t too complicated, but it’s not always a job for the weekend mechanic. That’s why we recommend having your faulty thermostat replaced by one of our certified service technicians here at our service center in Cedarburg. Our team of factory trained technicians perform quality work with genuine Mopar parts to ensure your vehicle blows hot air even in the coldest of weather. Book your appointment online or visit our service center today!
Clogged Heater Core
The heater core is like a mini radiator that transfers heat from the engine coolant to the cabin air. Over time, mineral deposits, rust, and dirt can build up inside the heater core, reducing its effectiveness.
Solution
A clogged heater core might need a flush to clear out the blockages. In severe cases, it may require a full replacement. If your car is blowing lukewarm air or has a sweet smell inside, it could indicate a heater core issue. In the event you’re experiencing this, we recommend purchasing a new heater core from our Mopar parts center or scheduling a repair at our authorized Mopar service center in Cedarburg. To schedule your appointment, visit our website or speak with a service advisor today!
Broken Heater Control Valve
The heater control valve allows coolant to flow to the heater core. If this valve is broken, coolant won’t reach the heater core, which means no hot air for you. Heater control valves are more common in older car models, but they can wear out over time.
Solution
A mechanic can test and replace a faulty heater control valve if that’s the issue. While not every car has this component, for those that do, it’s a crucial part of a functioning heating system.
Blower Motor Issues
The blower motor is what pushes air through the heater core and into the cabin. If the blower motor isn’t working right, you might feel weak airflow or no airflow at all. Sometimes, the issue could simply be with the blower motor’s resistor, which controls the fan speed.
Solution
If you’re not getting any air from your vents, it’s worth having the blower motor and resistor checked. Replacing a blower motor isn’t overly expensive, but it’s best left to a mechanic to diagnose.
Air Pockets in the Coolant System
Sometimes, air pockets can form in your car’s cooling system, especially if the coolant level has been topped off or changed recently. These air pockets can prevent coolant from flowing correctly, which disrupts your heater’s performance.
Solution
“Bleeding” the cooling system can remove trapped air. This process can be a bit technical, so if you’re not familiar with it, it’s a good idea to have a professional handle it.
Electrical or Climate Control Problems
Today’s cars have more electronics than ever, and climate control systems can have electrical issues that prevent the heater from functioning. Whether it’s a blown fuse or a more complex wiring issue, electrical problems can disrupt the entire heating system.
Solution
If you’ve checked the basics and everything seems fine, it could be worth looking at the fuses or consulting a professional like the ones here at our state-of-the-art service center in Cedarburg to further diagnose the issue.
Visit Us Today
When it’s cold outside in Cedarburg, having a vehicle with a functional heater is a must! If your vehicle’s heater isn’t blowing hot air and you’re not feeling a repair, don’t despair — at our used car center we have plenty of cars, trucks and SUVs with working heating to choose from. Check out our inventory of quality used vehicles online or stop by our used car center at 1292 Washington Avenue in Cedarburg today!
