Front defroster problems

HECKELG

MEMBER
1 POST
2005 CHEVROLET IMPALA
4 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
106,000 MILES

I have a 2005 Impala and the heat is not working well. When on defrost, it blows air that is of average temps and when on regular heat from the vents, it is warm but never hot. Where should I start looking for the problem?

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Tuesday, January 16th, 2018 AT 1:27 PM (Merged)

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,755 POSTS

Check for blend door operation and check the heater core to make sure it isn't plugged. Also, make sure the coolant is full and the engine is warming up to a normal operating temp.

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Tuesday, January 16th, 2018 AT 1:27 PM (Merged)

KMART448

MEMBER
1 POST
2007 CHEVROLET IMPALA
6 CYL
AUTOMATIC
123,000 MILES

It takes a long time before I get heat or defrost. Once it comes on, it doesn't last long. My commute to work is about 35 minutes. In that time, I have about 15 minutes of heat.

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Tuesday, January 16th, 2018 AT 1:28 PM (Merged)

WRENCHTECH

MECHANIC
20,761 POSTS

You will probably need a scan tool to first verify the actual engine temp to be sure the thermostat is working properly. They do have a lot of problems with them running too cool. Once that is verified, locate the 2 heater hoses where they go into the firewall and feel them to see if they are both hot to the touch. If they are both hot, the heat in that vehicle is controlled by a blend door that regulates heated air flow. It is operated by an electric motor/actuator. The problem can be that the actuator is stripped or inoperative or the door itself could be damaged.
If they are not both very hot, the heater core may be restricted and you can try flushing it out with a garden hose right at the core.

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Tuesday, January 16th, 2018 AT 1:28 PM (Merged)

JES521970

MEMBER
1 POST

I found myself in the same situation (No front defrost on 2002 Chevy Impala) but my resolution to the problem was very different.
My problem turned out to be very simple and was a stripped mode switch handle. I thought I was turning the control but in turn while it was moving it wasn't actually connected to the actual handle pole. So I was able to just pull off the handle and the inner part of the handle that went around the metal pole was cracked. Fortunately, I had a very small compression clamp that you squeeze open with pliers that fit around the center plastic holder perfectly. Yes, I was amazed I had the exact clamp I needed in stock in my garage. First time for everything I guess. Usually, when I have replaced actuators they have been clicking as previously discussed in other discussions. Because there was no front defrost & no clicking actuator noise I tried the reset procedure to no avail and then remember a previous experience where it was a stripped handle control. Turned out this stuff does repeat itself.