Cabin heater not producing hot air

DENSAILS

MEMBER
2004 BMW 530I
3.0L
6 CYL
RWD
AUTOMATIC
81,000 MILES

My heater is not working properly in my car. I have some heat but its very little. I can have the heat turn on high and can hear it but when I out my hands next to the vents, I can feel very little or no air at all. Once I have driven it for 30mins, its a little warmer but never full air coming out of the vents. It always sounds like the window defroster is on and it receives more power and heat but never the full capacity.

5 Replies

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,885 POSTS

Is the problem that the heat is not hot or is it there is little air flow from the vents? Is it coming out the defroster with full power?

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Wednesday, January 1st, 2014 AT 6:08 PM

DENSAILS

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Air comes out of the foot wells but is barely warm never hot. The air from any of the vents and defroster is not "hot". Engine coolant is full and no leaks. Thanks.

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Thursday, January 2nd, 2014 AT 2:22 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,885 POSTS

Okay, that leaves only a couple issues that can cause this. First, I need you to start the engine and allow it to warm up to normal operating temp. (You can do this after a trip too). With the heater on high, I need you to feel both heater core hoses. Both should be very hot to the touch. If only one is hot and the other warm, chances are the heater core is partially plugged. If both are hot, then I suspect the blend air door is not opening properly and allowing the heat to enter the vehicle.

Check that and let me know what you find.

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Thursday, January 2nd, 2014 AT 2:46 PM

DENSAILS

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Heater core hoses are both hot. How can I access the mixing doors. Is the problem likely an open vacuum line or the dash controls or a fuse somewhere?

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Tuesday, January 7th, 2014 AT 7:49 PM

JACOBANDNICKOLAS