Heater Performance Test

Heater Diagnosis:

Before performing the following tests, refer to Cooling System for the procedures to check the engine coolant level and flow, engine coolant reserve/recovery system operation, accessory drive belt condition and tension, radiator air flow and the fan drive operation.

Temperature Reference Chart:

MAXIMUM HEATER OUTPUT
Engine coolant is delivered to the heater core through two heater hoses. With the engine idling at normal operating temperature, set the temperature control knob in the full hot position, the mode control switch knob in the floor position, and the blower motor switch knob in the highest speed position. Using a test thermometer, check the temperature of the air being discharged at the Front HVAC housing floor outlets or the rear unit outlet in the passenger side rear quarter trim panel. Compare the test thermometer reading to the Temperature Reference chart.

If the floor outlet air temperature is too low, refer to Cooling System to check the engine coolant temperature specifications. Both of the heater hoses should be hot to the touch. The coolant return heater hose should be slightly cooler than the coolant supply heater hose. If the return hose is much cooler than the supply hose, locate and repair the engine coolant flow obstruction in the cooling system. Refer to Cooling System for the procedures.

Obstructed Coolant Flow
- Faulty water pump.
- Faulty thermostat.
- Pinched or kinked heater hoses.
- Improper heater hose routing.
- Plugged heater hoses or supply and return ports at the cooling system connections.
- A plugged heater core.
- If proper coolant flow through the cooling system is verified, and heater outlet air temperature is still low, a mechanical problem may exist.

Mechanical Problems
Possible locations or causes of insufficient heat:
- An obstructed cowl air intake.
- Obstructed heater system outlets.
- A faulty, obstructed or improperly installed blend-air door or actuator.
- A faulty blower system.
- A faulty heater-A/C control.

TEMPERATURE CONTROL
If the heater outlet air temperature cannot be adjusted with the temperature control knob on the heater-A/C control panel, the following could require service:
- A faulty heater-A/C control.
- Faulty blend door actuator.
- A faulty, obstructed or improperly installed blend-air door.
- An obstructed cowl air intake. The engine cooling system.