1994 Cadillac Deville Medium heat

Tiny
WESARRING
  • MEMBER
  • 1994 CADILLAC DEVILLE
  • V8
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 339,900 MILES
This condition happened once before, and a new heater core solved the problem(core was half plugged). Installed new heater core, still medium heat!(Opened core - no blockage) Engine operational coolant temp 206-212F, no leaks and system full including the overflow tank. Input hose to core, very hot; output from core, cool. Max heat selected (eliminates electronic contol). Air mix valve(door) = full heat.
On board diagnostics: Commanded position = full heat; actual position = full heat. Override air mix door = max heat and max cold, full travel, no binding or hesitation. Disconnected control linkage. Door moved fully and freely into and out of both positions. Manually held door to full heat, no change. NOTE: This summer, airconditioning was not giving a full cool. No leaks, drew down system, held perfect vaccum, and recharged, only need 1/4lb. Tested cooling system, worked perfectly.

Thanks for the help. My conjecture: Has any one heard of the door frame giving a little or maybe the door seal wearing out?
Sunday, November 16th, 2008 AT 5:49 PM

5 Replies

Tiny
JAMES W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 2,394 POSTS
This is the first post I have responded to with so much "useful" information. Usually it's, "I"have no heat. Blower runs. What's wrong?' Anyway, yes the foam seals will deteriorate over time, but It's usually not enough that you would ever notice unless a damper gets jammed and won't close. Question, does your AC compressor run when you are calling for full floor heat? It should run in defrost, but not "max" heat. The other thing, is the heater core air locked. Sometimes the volume of water going through the core is not moving fast enough to displace all the air. I have actually had to connect a garden hose to the core hoses to get sufficient volume to force out the air. Let me know if any of this helps you and in the interum, I'll do a little research, Jim.
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Sunday, November 16th, 2008 AT 6:48 PM
Tiny
IMPALASS
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Hello -

If the heater hose going into the core is hot but coming out is not, it isn't getting through. I think I understand that you just changed it.

Remove the outlet hose and backfill it until fluid runs out the inlet hose. Put all back together and try again.

Since you gave the operating temp it looks like your thermostat is working okay. Normally air in the system causes this. If both hoses were hot and still no cabin heat I would say it is your blend door etc.

Has the car thrown any codes? Please go to Auto Zone or O'Reilly's and for FREE they can pull the codes to the car. Most important: Once they check your codes, if they find something and you don't get it fixed and need to get back with us, please make sure you tell us exactly what the code was, number and all. Example, if the code was E0568 O2 Sensor bad. Then make sure you give us all of that. While there for FREE also they can bring their tester out and check your battery, alternator and starter.

I went through about 360 TSBs and this is what I came up with.

I have attached a TSB on the heater core for your review.

I have also attached a TSB on Heater - Insufficient Heat Distribution, Low Air Flow Notes

Also attached a TSB on Heater - Poor Heat Distribution Notes

And I found one on Doors - Front Auxiliary Weather Strip Loose Notes

Water pump - with that many miles. . .when was that changed last and have you done a good inspection on that?

Let us know if this helps. . .. . .or you need more

Cooling System - Aluminum Radiator/Heater Core Info.
Notes

Information on Aluminum Heater Core and/or Radiator Replacement # 05-06-02-001 - (Feb 24, 2005)

Models:
2005 and Prior Passenger Cars and Light Duty Trucks
2005 and Prior Saturn Vehicles

This bulletin is being revised to add model years and enhance the content. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 73-62-13A (Section 06 - Engine Cooling).

Important: 2004-05 Chevrolet Aveo (Pontiac Wave, Canada Only) does not use DEX-COOL(R) Refer to the flushing procedure explained later in this bulletin.

The following information should be utilized when servicing aluminum heater core and/or radiators on repeat visits. A replacement may be necessary because erosion, corrosion, or insufficient inhibitor levels may cause damage to the heater core, radiator or water pump. A coolant check should be preformed whenever a heater core, radiator, or water pump is replaced. The following procedures/inspections should be done to verify proper coolant effectiveness.

Caution: To avoid being burned, do not remove the radiator cap or surge tank cap while the engine is hot. The cooling system will release scalding fluid and steam under pressure if the radiator cap or surge tank cap is removed while the engine and radiator are still hot.

Important: If the vehicle's coolant is low, drained out, or the customer has repeatedly added coolant or water to the system, then the system should be completely flushed using the procedure explained later in this bulletin.

Technician Diagnosis

Verify coolant concentration. A 50% coolant/water solution ensures proper freeze and corrosion protection. Inhibitor levels cannot be easily measured in the field, but can be indirectly done by the measurement of coolant concentration. This must be done by using a Refractometer J 23688 (Fahrenheit scale) or J 26568 (centigrade scale), or equivalent, coolant tester. The Refractometer uses a minimal amount of coolant that can be taken from the coolant recovery reservoir, radiator or the engine block. Inexpensive gravity float testers (floating balls) will not completely analyze the coolant concentration fully and should not be used. The concentration levels should be between 50% and 65% coolant concentrate. This mixture will have a freeze point protection of -34 degrees Fahrenheit (-37 degrees Celsius). If the concentration is below 50%, the cooling system must be flushed.

Inspect the coolant flow restrictor if the vehicle is equipped with one. Refer to Service Information (SI) and/or the appropriate Service Manual for component location and condition for operation.

Verify that no electrolysis is present in the cooling system. This electrolysis test can be performed before or after the system has been repaired. Use a digital voltmeter set to 12 volts. Attach one test lead to the negative battery post and insert the other test lead into the radiator coolant, making sure the lead does not touch the filler neck or core. Any voltage reading over 0.3 volts indicates that stray current is finding its way into the coolant. Electrolysis is often an intermittent condition that occurs when a device or accessory that is mounted to the radiator is energized. This type of current could be caused from a poorly grounded cooling fan or some other accessory and can be verified by watching the volt meter and turning on and off various accessories or engage the starter motor. Before using one of the following flush procedures, the coolant recovery reservoir must be removed, drained, cleaned and reinstalled before refilling the system.

Notice: Using coolant other than DEX-COOL(R) may cause premature engine, heater core or radiator corrosion. In addition, the engine coolant may require changing sooner, at 30,000 miles (50,000 km) or 24 months, whichever occurs first. Any repairs would not be covered by your warranty. Always use DEX-COOL(R) (silicate free) coolant in your vehicle.

If you use an improper coolant mixture, your engine could overheat and be badly damaged. The repair cost would not be covered by your warranty. Too much water in the mixture can freeze and crack the engine, radiator, heater core and other parts.

Flushing Procedures using DEX-COOL(R)

Important: The following procedure recommends refilling the system with DEX-COOL(R) P/N 12346290 (in Canada, use P/N 10953464), GM specification 6277M. This coolant is orange in color and has a service interval of 5 years or 240,000 km (150,000 mi). However, when used on vehicles built prior to the introduction of DEX-COOL(R), maintenance intervals will remain the same as specified in the Owner's Manual.

If available, use the approved cooling system flush and fill machine (available through the GM Dealer Equipment Program) following the manufacturer's operating instructions.

If approved cooling system flush and fill machine is not available, drain the coolant and dispose of properly following the draining procedures in the appropriate Service Manual. Refill the system using clear, drinkable water and run the vehicle until the thermostat opens. Repeat and run the vehicle three (3) times to totally remove the old coolant or until the drained coolant is almost clear. Once the system is completely flushed, refill the cooling system to a 50%-60% concentration with DEX-COOL(R), P/N 12346290 (in Canada, use P/N 10953464), GM specification 6277M, following the refill procedures in the appropriate Service Manual. If a Service Manual is not available, fill half the capacity of the system with 100% DEX-COOL(R), P/N 12346290 (in Canada, use P/N 10953464), GM specification 6277M. Then slowly add clear, drinkable water (preferably distilled) to the system until the level of the coolant mixture has reached the base of the radiator neck. Wait two (2) minutes and reverify the coolant level. If necessary, add clean water to restore the coolant to the appropriate level.

Once the system is refilled, reverify the coolant concentration using a Refractometer J 23688 (Fahrenheit scale) or J 26568 (centigrade scale) coolant tester, or equivalent. The concentration levels should be between 50% and 65%.

Flushing Procedure using Conventional Silicated (Green Colored) Coolent

Important: 2004-2005 Chevrolet Aveo (Pontiac Wave, Canada Only) does not use DEX-COOL(R). The Aveo and Wave are filled with conventional, silicated engine coolant that is blue in color. Silicated coolants are typically green in color and are required to be drained, flushed and refilled every 30,000 miles (48,000 km). The Aveo and Wave are to be serviced with conventional, silicated coolant. Use P/N 12378560 (1 gal) (in Canada, use P/N 993089 (4L). Refer to the Owner's Manual or Service Information (SI) for further information on OEM coolant.

Important: Do not mix the OEM orange colored DEX-COOL(R) coolant with green colored coolant when adding coolant to the system or when servicing the vehicle's cooling system. Mixing the orange and green colored coolants will produce a brown coolant which may be a customer dissatisfier and will not extend the service interval to that of DEX-COOL(R). Conventional silicated coolants offered by GM Service and Parts Operations are green in color.

If available, use the approved cooling system flush and fill machine (available through the GM Dealer Equipment Program) following the manufacturer's operating instructions.

If approved cooling systems flush and fill machine is not available, drain coolant and dispose of properly following the draining procedures in appropriate Service Manual. Refill the system using clear, drinkable water and run vehicle until thermostat opens. Repeat and run vehicle three (3) times to totally remove old coolant or until drained coolant is almost clear. Once the system is completely flushed, refill the cooling system to a 50%-60% concentration with a good quality ethylene glycol base engine coolant, GM P/N 12378560, 1 gal (in Canada, use P/N 993089 4L), conforming to GM specification 1825M, or recycled coolant conforming to GM specification 1825M, following the refill procedures in the appropriate Service Manual. If a Service Manual is not available, fill half the capacity of the system with 100% good quality ethylene glycol base (green colored) engine coolant, GM P/N 12378560 1 gal., (in Canada, use P/N 993089 1L) conforming to GM specification 1825M. Then slowly add clear, drinkable water (preferably distilled) to system until the level of the coolant mixture has reached the base of the radiator neck. Wait two (2) minutes and recheck coolant level. If necessary, add clean water to restore coolant to the appropriate level.

Once the system is refilled, recheck the coolant concentration using a Refractometer J 23688 (Fahrenheit scale) or J 26568 (centigrade scale) coolant tester, or equivalent. Concentration levels should be between 50% and 65%.

Doors - Front Auxiliary Weather Strip Loose
Notes

File In Section: 10 - Body

Bulletin No.: 73-15-05

Date: May, 1997

Subject:
Front Door Front Auxiliary Weather Strip Loose
(Glue Weather Strip to Flange)

Models:
1994-97 Cadillac Concours, DeVille
1997 Cadillac d'Elegance

Condition

Some owners may comment that the front door front auxiliary weather strip may be loose or not fully seated to the front door flange.

Cause

The molding retention tolerances on the auxiliary weather strip do not allow for variances in the door flange.

Correction

Glue the weather strip to the flange using the following procedure:

1. Remove the weather Strip up to button retainers.

2. Clean door flange and channel area of the auxiliary weather strip.

3. In the weather strip, coat the full channel with weather seal adhesive, P/N 12345097, or equivalent.

4. Reinstall auxiliary weather strip.

Important : For missing weather strip retainer clips, replace with P/N 25672993.

Parts Information

Parts are currently available from GMSPO.

Heater - Insufficient Heat Distribution, Low Air Flow
Notes

File In Section: 1 - HVAC

Bulletin No.: 63-11-04

Date: February, 1996

Subject:
Insufficient Heat Distribution or Lack of Air Flow from Heater Outlet (Install Additional Heater Duct)

Models:
1992-96 Cadillac Eldorado, Seville
1994-96 Cadillac Concours, DeVille
with 4.6L, 4.9L Engines (VINs B, Y, 9 - RPOs L26, LD8, L37)

Condition

Some owners may comment on insufficient heat distribution or lack of air flow from the heater outlet causing the driver's foot to become cold.

Correction


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Install an additional heater duct, P/N 25646109, that directs air toward the driver's foot and increases air flow. This duct is installed to the left side of the air distributor below the mode valve actuator. Figure 1 shows the location point of the template used for cutting the hole for the additional duct. The template rests on the lower edge of the air distributor where the floor outlet assembly attaches to the air distributor. Figure 2 is the actual size of the template necessary for installing the duct. The duct is retained to the air distributor with an interference fit and a screw, refer to Figure 3.

Parts Information

Parts are currently available from GMSPO.

Heater - Poor Heat Distribution
Notes

Group Ref.: 1 - HVAC

Bulletin No.: 431105

Date: August, 1994

SUBJECT:
DRIVER'S FEET COLD/POOR HEAT DISTRIBUTION
(REPLACE FLOOR OUTLET ASSEMBLY)

MODELS:
1992-94 CADILLAC ELDORADO AND SEVILLE
1994 CADILLAC CONCOURS AND DEVILLE

VIN BREAKPOINTS FOR 1994 MODELS:

ELDORADO 609809
SEVILLE 822386
CONCOURS/DEVILLE 237594

Vehicles built after these breakpoints were assembled with the new design floor outlet assembly.

CONDITION:

Some owners may comment that there is poor heat distribution to the floor area of the driver's compartment resulting in the driver's feet getting cold.

CORRECTION:

Replace the floor air outlet assembly, P/N 3546494, using the procedures found in Section 1B of the appropriate Service Manual. The new part can be identified by vanes in the outlets. The old design has no outlet vanes.

Parts are available through GMSPO.
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Sunday, November 16th, 2008 AT 7:00 PM
Tiny
WESARRING
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Both experts were correct. There was an air lock in the heater core. However, the suggested method seemed impossible, givien the location and no way to keep coolant in the core during the suggested procedure, also outside air temp is 28 degrees here. Assuming the system was completely full and air was trapped in the core, I surmised that I needed to provide a space for the coolant to rapidly expand. I tried the following and it worked. Opened the radiator cap, removed 1/2 gal. Coolant, started cold engine, just before thermostat opened-replaced cap. Poured the removed coolant into the overflow container. This space in the radiator was enough to let engine coolant rapidly expand. I also alternately pinched off the heater core inlet bypass hose. This hose comes from a tee in the inlet hose. The tee(plastic) is sized to restrict coolant to the desired location. The bypass feeds back into the pipe returning to the coolant pump. The heater core return hose feeds into the same spot. Alternately pinching off the hose apparently helped forced all the available coolant through the core and expell the air. This whole thing worked. I now have more heat than I ever! I wonder if over time air is trapped in the core.
Thanks for the tip
Bill
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Tuesday, November 18th, 2008 AT 11:41 AM
Tiny
JAMES W.
  • MECHANIC
  • 2,394 POSTS
Bill, "you 'da man". I love it when a good plan comes together. The air usually gets in when the coolant reservoir gets low. The car doesn't overheat, but the system gets a little gulp of air. This air collects, of all places, in the heater core where there isn't enough flow volume to force it out. It;s always refreshing to work with people who have a little ingenuity. Glad you got it. And, as long as you're so good at this kind'a stuff I've had this kink in the side of my neck for the past couple 'a weeks, and I was womdering if you+++++++++++++++++ Take care.
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Tuesday, November 18th, 2008 AT 1:39 PM
Tiny
JAMES W.
  • MECHANIC
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Off Don. List
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Friday, November 28th, 2008 AT 12:28 PM

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