Where is the heater core on a car?
Unfortunately, diagnosis isn’t always easy. Because the heater core typically is behind the passenger-side firewall, you can’t see it without taking apart the dashboard and other surrounding components. But there are a few signs you can look for that indicate a failed or failing heater core.
Why is my car heater core not working?
Low coolant in the radiator can be a major reason the heater core isn’t getting enough fluid circulating into it to warm the vehicle. Fill the radiator and overflow tank as needed with equal parts antifreeze and water.
How can you tell when a heater core needs to be replaced?
Determine whether you’re smelling antifreeze, seeing wetness on the passenger side floor or getting a greasy mist on the interior of the windshield when the defroster mode is on the temperature control panel. This may indicate the heater core is leaking and will need to be replaced. It will also keep losing antifreeze until it is replaced.
What happens when there is no coolant in the heater?
Room-temperature air occurs when there’s little or no coolant flowing through the heater core, which is usually the result of a leaking heater core. The blower motor will still force air into your car’s cabin, but without hot coolant flowing through the heater core, it won’t produce hot air.
Can a bad heater core be replaced in a car?
Note: If both heater hoses are cold, the heater control valve (if the vehicle is equipped) may be faulty. In some cases, you may be able to flush the heater core to fix the problem. But if that doesn’t work, the heater core is likely faulty and should be replaced.
What should I do if my car heater is not working?
A little test you can do is leave the can running, stationary at home and take a look at your temperature gauge that should be in your dash. Once you see it get to the middle turn on your heaters and see if you’re getting heat. If you are getting heat, your thermostat needs changing.
How does a car heater core work in a car?
You’ll also notice that the heater core, with its tanks and fins, looks just like a mini radiator. The heater core has an inlet and an outlet pipe that connect to the car’s cooling system. Hot engine coolant enters the heater core through the inlet pipe.
What are the symptoms of a bad heater core?
When that happens, you’ll likely notice one or more of the following bad heater core symptoms: As you might guess, a faulty heater core can cause your car’s heater to perform poorly. Anything that impedes coolant flow through the core (i.e., an external leak or internal obstruction) can prevent the core from keeping the cabin toasty.