Heater Performance Test

Before performing the following tests, refer to Cooling 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.

Temperature Reference:

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 HVAC housing floor outlets. Compare the test thermometer reading to the Temperature Reference chart.

If the floor outlet air temperature is too low, refer to Cooling 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 for the procedures.

An alternate method of checking heater performance is to use a DRBIII 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 Possible locations or causes of 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 door.
* GA faulty blower system. A faulty a/c heater control.

Temperature Control
If the heater outlet air temperature cannot be adjusted with the temperature control knob on the a/c heater control panel, the following could require service:
* A faulty a/c heater control.
* A faulty blend door actuator.
* A faulty obstructed or improperly installed blend door.
* An obstructed cowl air intake.
* The engine cooling system.