Q: New thermostat and truck is still blowing only warm air. It blows cold air when idling

asked by on November 23, 2016

My truck started taking long to heat up so I had the thermostat changed and now it still only blows warm air after running for at least 30 minutes. When I sit at red lights the truck blows cool air

My car has 179000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

Heater Control Valve Replacement $168.19 - $1039.92 Get a Quote
Heater is not working Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote

Trapped air in the cooling system can sometimes account for this but you are indicating that you are getting heat, at times, which would indicate that coolant is flowing. There is a heater control valve and you want to make sure that the valve is fully open. If it is not fully open, delivery of heated engine coolant to the heater core will be much reduced. Once you have confirmed that the heater control valve is fully open, check the temperature of the heater hoses leading to the valve. The hoses should be hot, just like the radiator hoses. If the valve is open, the hoses are hot and the heat is still inadequate in the passenger compartment, that means the blend door in the dash is stuck in the wrong position, not allowing air flow over the heater core, and/or the heater core itself is plugged and thus not allowing adequate circulation of hot engine coolant. If you desire that a certified Mechanic from YourMechanic diagnose and fix your no heat condition please contact YourMechanic to set up a mobile visit.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

How do I open and close the windows and the moon roof with the key?
You can use the key to open and close the windows and moon roof on your Accord. Just follow these steps: Place the key in the driver side door lock. Turn it to the right and let go. Turn it...
Problems with the cooling system
Hello. It is possible that your radiator is clogged or is beginning to fail. If the radiator cap isn’t holding the proper pressure this may prevent coolant from being pulled up from the overflow tank. I would suggest that you...
Idle too high. 1994 Chrysler New Yorker
Hey there, thanks for writing in about your 1994 Chrysler New Yorker. Start your engine and let it idle in park for at least 5 minutes. Listen and check the engine for any vacuum leaks or inlet air tube leaks....
When I turn the key the lights come on fine, but sometimes it is hard to crank up. It makes a fast ticking noise
Hello, thanks for writing in. It sounds like either your battery voltage is low, or you have a corroded battery terminal, or both. Check the battery posts for corrosion, if you find a blob of blue green fuzzy stuff there,...
I put a new transmission the truck will not move until high RPM
It sounds like a defective torque converter or a bad transmission to me. Double check your fluid level after cycling the shift lever through the gears. Check your electrical connections and the adjustment of the range sensor (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/transmission-position-sensor-switch-replacement). Check for...
Front brakes lock up is that the ABS module or the pump
The ABS system should of been put into bleed function when bleeding out the brake lines or you may not be able to get all the air out of the system. This is most likely the cause of the rear...
new key and theft deterrent module
Unfortunately, I believe on GM vehicles the key and the theft deterrant module both require programming from the dealership. I am also pretty sure that these are two separate procedures and therefore my cost more for labor. Without the proper...
power steering fluid
A power steering fluid service (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/power-steering-fluid-service) should be done every 3-4 years. It was once an overlooked service but like any other fluid service (engine oil, transmission fluid, etc), the more frequently you change it, the more life you will...
My car shakes and sometimes turns off.
The mechanic that looked at the vehicle is partly correct in that the repairs cannot be known until the problem can be verified and diagnosed. If the problem cannot be verified then you will have a hard time getting a...

Related articles

The Best Used Cars to Buy If You're an Uber or Lyft Driver
Are Are you thinking of becoming a driver for Uber or Lyft? That could be an exciting career change – you’ll get to meet a lot of interesting people, and if you love to drive, what better way to spend...
How Long Does a Heater Bypass Tube Last?
In In order for the cooling system on your vehicle to work, you will have to make sure that all of its components are repair free. The thermostat that is on your vehicle helps to regulate the flow of coolant...
Top Five Selling Cars in Colorado in 2012
Colorado Colorado offers a varied climate depending on where drivers are located. Those in lower elevations see plenty of sunshine all year, while those in the mountain areas can see as much as 300 inches of snow. Due to this,...