2003 Buick Century

2003 BUICK CENTURY
73,500 MILES • 6 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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WINSTONSCAMP
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
My heater works fine. The problem is that it is taking at least 10 minutes to get warm. It never used to. I realize this can be complicated but I am wondering what your first thoughts would be. Thanks.
Apr 10, 2010 at 6:20 AM
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CARADIODOC
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 34,407 POSTS
Hi winstonscamp. If you have a temperature gauge on the dash, and it is also taking longer to reach a normal reading, suspect a thermostat that isn't closing completely when the engine cools down. If the engine is reaching normal temperature as fast as normal, and just the heater is slow to produce warm air, I would suspect a partially plugged heater core, but based on your comment about it working fine, I'd look at the thermostat first.

The heater core can be back flushed with a garden hose. A non-closing thermostat can be identified by pinching the upper radiator hose closed. If the heater gets hot faster that way, replace the thermostat.

caradiodoc
Apr 10, 2010 at 7:25 AM
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