Heating Performance Diagnostic
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Saturn Vue. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
Heating Performance Diagnostic
| Step |
Action |
Yes |
No |
| DEFINITION: Heating system performance. |
| 1 |
Were you sent here from Symptoms or another diagnostic table? |
Go to Step 2 |
Go to Symptoms - HVAC Systems - Manual
in HVAC Systems - Manual |
| 2 |
- Start the engine.
- Allow the engine to idle.
Does the engine reach a normal operating temperature? |
Go to Step 3 |
Go to Step 9 |
| 3 |
- Allow the engine to idle.
- Select the FLOOR mode.
- Select the minimum blower speed.
- Select the warmest temperature setting.
- Feel the temperature of the inlet and outlet heater hoses at the heater core.
Does the inlet heater hose feel warmer than the outlet heater hose? |
Go to Step 7 |
Go to Step 4 |
| 4 |
- Install a thermometer into the center I/P PANEL air outlet.
- Secure a thermometer to the heater core outlet hose.
- Select the PANEL mode.
- Select the maximum blower speed.
- Select the warmest temperature setting.
- Record the temperature at the following locations:
- The center I/P PANEL air outlet
- The heater core outlet hose
- Compare the recorded temperatures.
Are the two temperature readings about equal? |
Go to Step 5 |
Go to Step 6 |
| 5 |
- Inspect and repair the following areas of the vehicle for cold air leaks:
- The cowl
- The recirculation door
- The HVAC module case
- Perform the necessary repairs.
Are the repairs complete? |
Go to Step 10 |
- |
| 6 |
- Inspect the temperature door operation. Refer to Diagnostic System Check - HVAC Systems - Manual
in HVAC Systems - Manual.
- Perform any necessary repairs.
Are the repairs complete? |
Go to Step 10 |
- |
| 7 |
- Turn OFF the engine.
- Backflush the heater core.
- Start the engine.
- Select the FLOOR mode.
- Select the minimum blower speed.
- Select the warmest temperature setting.
- Feel the temperature of the inlet and outlet heater hoses at the heater core.
Does the inlet heater hose feel warmer than the outlet heater hose? |
Go to Step 8 |
Go to Step 10 |
| 8 |
Replace the heater core. Refer to Heater Core Replacement . Is the repair complete? |
Go to Step 10 |
- |
| 9 |
Repair the low engine temperature concern. Refer to Engine Fails To Reach Normal Operating Temperature
in Engine Cooling. Is the repair complete? |
Go to Step 10 |
- |
| 10 |
Operate the system in order to verify the repair. Did you find and correct the condition? |
System OK |
Go to Step 2 |