Can you bypass the heater control valve?
Heater control valve bypass is not standard on vehicles; it is a modification. When bypass hoses are installed, the coolant in your car will always be circulating through the heater core – that means that if the core starts leaking, you won’t be able to turn it off.
Will a bad heater control valve cause overheating?
Another symptom of a problem with the heater control valve or it’s hoses or connectors is a coolant leak. A coolant leak at the heater control valve is not only a problem in that it will disable the heater, but it will also compromise the cooling system which can cause the engine to overheat.
How much does it cost to fix a clogged heater core?
Replacing the heater core can be an expensive job, and usually costs between $564 – $927 for parts and labor. The parts aren’t particularly expensive, normally costing $80 – $234, but the location of the heater core means that labor costs tend to be quite high.
Why is my heater control valve not working?
Depending on the amount of vacuum, the vacuum motor will close off the flow of engine coolant fully or partially. However, even if the heater control supplies vacuum the mechanical portion of the valve can fail, preventing the heater control valve from closing.
What to do if your heater control valve breaks?
On a cable operated system, the cable can break or detach from the control levers, leaving the valve in the fully open position. Adjust the heat to the full on position with the engine at operating temperature. Then check the temperature of the hose on the inlet and outlet sides of the heater control valve.
Where is the control valve on an A / C heater?
Heater Control Valve. It may be located on the inlet or the outlet port of the heater core, and activated by a cable, electronic control or a vacuum signal. This valve may be normally open, allowing coolant to flow until activated, or normally closed, allowing coolant to flow only when activated.
Why do I need a heater control valve in my car?
You wouldn’t want your cold AC air to pass through a hot heater core before it enters the passenger compartment, so this heater control valve regulates coolant flow into the heater core. If this valve has an issue, it can cause no heat or AC that doesn’t cool enough.