How to Diagnose Car Heater System Failure

Now that we’re coming into the colder months, have you noticed that nothing happens when you turn up your car heater? Or that when you’re trying to defrost your windows, only cold air is coming out? Unfortunately, you may have a problem with your car’s heater system!

Thankfully, we have a few ways to diagnose issues within the thermostat, radiator, heater core and any other components that can make the heating system fail into this blog!

Check your car’s coolant levels

First things first, checking your coolant levels. Be sure to do this while your engine is cold, as it could lead to serious injuries! Remove your car’s coolant reservoir cap and check your levels. If you notice that your coolant levels are low, this could a reason for no heat being transferred into your car.

Check the thermostat valve

Get into your car and start it as normal, while your car is warming up, pay attention to the cold and hot indicator on the dashboard. Is it taking longer than normal to reach the halfway point? This problem could be due to a stuck thermostat valve. This will cause a lack of heat!

Check the fan

On your dashboard, underneath most glove compartments will be a small fan with the function of circulating warm air in the cabin area. If there is no air coming through the fan vents, you could have faulty fans on your hands. You can use the owner’s manual of your car to find the fuse box location and locate the fan fuse. If the fuse is not the problem, it could be due to a faulty fan!

Check for a clogged or leaking heater core

You will find this component of your car’s heating system located inside the car compartment underneath the dashboard. Warm coolant will flow inside the heater core, and when the heater is turned on, it transmits the heat to the cabin area. If the heater core becomes clogged, it will reduce the heat inside the car as the coolant can’t flow through.

Have you noticed that your car’s floor mats are damp or smell like coolant? If your heater core is damaged, it can result in leaks and this is how you are able to diagnose it!

Car heater repair near me

If you’re not comfortable completing any of the above steps yourself, you could always get a local mechanic to check for you.

Get a quote today!