When driving heater starts blowing cold air?

Tiny
TRUCKWES
  • MEMBER
  • 1992 MERCURY MARQUIS
  • 4.6L
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 160,000 MILES
Hot to cold heat. I change thermostat, heater core, and water pump. Temperature hand is half way. When car is idling heat okay. When driving down the road the heat goes cold. What could be the problem?
Tuesday, March 2nd, 2021 AT 8:16 PM

5 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,709 POSTS
Hi,

This is an odd one because when the engine RPM's increase, coolant flow also does. That should make the heater work better. Also, you indicated everything has been replaced and the temperature gauge indicates normal operating temperature.

I have a few questions. Is there any evidence the coolant is being lost? Have you checked the level in the radiator and not just the overflow reservoir?

If you have and everything is good, allow the vehicle to reach operating temp. Open the hood and have a helper raise the engine RPM's. While that is being done, check to make sure there are no hoses collapsing. Specifically, focus on the heater hoses. Something is preventing coolant flow.

Also, here is a link you may find helpful:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-heater-not-working

Try that and let me know what you find or if you have other questions.

Take care and God Bless,

Joe
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Thursday, March 4th, 2021 AT 1:21 PM
Tiny
TRUCKWES
  • MEMBER
  • 25 POSTS
Hi Joe, there is no evidence of coolant being lost. I cannot check the coolant in the radiator. The coolant goes through the reservoir into the radiator. Radiator has no cap to check it. The coolant level is okay in the reservoir.I am going to change all the hoses. The car is 29 years old. I will see what happens.
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Thursday, March 4th, 2021 AT 5:42 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,709 POSTS
Hi,

If the hoses are original, that is a good idea. I'm curious if something is collapsing when the engine RPM's increase and the coolant flow increases. The idea that the engine temperature is normal and steady should keep the heat warm.

Let me know what you find or if you have other questions.

Take care,
Joe
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Friday, March 5th, 2021 AT 8:14 PM
Tiny
TRUCKWES
  • MEMBER
  • 25 POSTS
Hello Joe. Thank you for the information. I see can I locate these hoses. Will let you know what happens. Take care, Wes
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Saturday, March 6th, 2021 AT 12:33 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,709 POSTS
Sounds good. Let me know what you find.

Take care,

Joe
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Saturday, March 6th, 2021 AT 4:48 PM

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