Before performing the following tests, refer to Group 7 - 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. Also be certain that the accessory vacuum supply line is connected at the engine vacuum source.
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 heater-A/C housing floor outlets. Compare the test thermometer reading to the Temperature Reference chart.
If the floor outlet air temperature is too low, refer to Group 7 - 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 Group 7 - Cooling System for the procedures.
An alternate method of checking heater performance is to use a DRB scan tool to monitor the engine coolant temperature. The floor outlet air temperature reading should be no more than 4.5 C (40 F) lower than the engine coolant temperature reading.
OBSTRUCTED COOLANT FLOW
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:
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:
Heater Diagnosis | ||
CONDITION | POSSIBLE CAUSE | CORRECTION |
INSUFFICIENT HEATER OUTPUT. | 1. Incorrect engine
coolant level.
2. Air trapped in engine cooling system. 3. Incorrect engine coolant temperature. 4. Temperature control cable improperly installed or not adjusted. 5. Blend-air door not operating properly. 6. Insufficient air flow through heater housing. 7. Improper blower motor operation. |
1. Check the engine coolant level. Refer to Group 7 -
Cooling System for the procedures.
2. Check the operation of the coolant reserve/recovery system. Refer to Group 7 - Cooling System for the procedures. 3. Check the performance and operation of the engine cooling system including: thermostat, water pump, fan drive, accessory drive belt, coolant flow (plugged radiator or heater core, plugged or kinked coolant hoses), air flow (missing or improperly installed radiator air seals or fan shroud). Refer to Group 7 - Cooling System for the procedures. 4. See Temperature Control Cable in the Removal and Installation and in the Adjustments sections of this group. 5. Check for a damaged, obstructed or improperly installed blend-air door or seals. See Heater-A/C Housing Door in the Removal and Installation section of this group. 6. Remove foreign material or obstructions from cowl air intake. 7. See Blower Motor in the Diagnosis and Testing section of this group. |