Pinpoint Test H: Insufficient, Erratic Or No Heat
- Normal Operation and Fault Conditions
When the engine is at operating temperature hot coolant flows from the engine through the heater core and back to the engine. Correct coolant temperatures are critical for good heater performance.
Possible Sources
- Low engine coolant level
- Plugged or partially plugged heater core
- Temperature door binding or stuck
- Temperature door actuator
Visual Inspection and Pre-checks
- Inspect for low engine coolant level.
- H1 CHECK FOR CORRECT ENGINE COOLANT LEVEL
- Ignition OFF.
- Check the engine coolant level.
Is the engine coolant at the correct level (hot or cold) as indicated on the engine coolant recovery reservoir?
Yes GO to H3 No GO to H2 - H2 CHECK THE ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM FOR LEAKS
- Pressure test the cooling system for leaks. Refer to the appropriate Engine Cooling System article.
Does the cooling system leak?
Yes REPAIR the coolant leak. No FILL and BLEED the cooling system. Refer to the appropriate Engine Cooling System article. After filling and bleeding the cooling system, GO to H3 - H3 CHECK FOR COOLANT FLOW TO THE HEATER CORE
- Run the engine until it reaches normal operating temperature.
- On the HVAC controls, select the FLOOR position, then set the temperature control to full warm and the blower to the lowest setting.
- Using a suitable temperature measuring device, check the temperature of the heater core inlet hose.
Is the heater core inlet hose temperature above 65.5 deg.C (150 deg.F)?
Yes GO to H4 No DIAGNOSE the engine does not reach operating temperature. Refer to the appropriate Engine Cooling System article. - H4 CHECK FOR A PLUGGED OR RESTRICTED HEATER CORE
- Using a suitable temperature measuring device, measure the temperature of the heater core outlet hose.
Is the heater core outlet hose temperature similar to the inlet hose temperature, within approximately 6-17 deg.C (10-30 deg.F)?
Yes DIAGNOSE an inoperative temperature door actuator, GO to Pinpoint Test K No INSTALL a new heater core. REFER to the appropriate procedure in REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION .