1998 Mercury Villager Heater Cold at Idle

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T53864
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98 Mercury Villager

It is winter here.
When the car is moving, the air blown is hot.
But, when the car stops at a light, the air blown is getting colder. If the car stops for a while, the air
will eventually be cold like outside.

Does anyone know what the problem would be?

Thanks,
Terry
Jan 31, 2007 at 6:45 AM
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SERVICE WRITER
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Is your coolant level full?
Jan 31, 2007 at 10:58 AM
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TLA258
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sound like to me that your not circulating coolant,with yoyr engine idleing at oper. temp feel your inlet to heater core see if it is warm then feel the outlet.
Feb 2, 2007 at 11:07 AM
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CLEAVAGE4U
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[quote:2615ee0b9a="tla258"]sound like to me that your not circulating coolant,with yoyr engine idleing at oper. temp feel your inlet to heater core see if it is warm then feel the outlet.[/quote:2615ee0b9a]

Learn me this there sweethardt,

How com the heat all comes back if the coolant ain't a circulate in when y'all are a moovin?
Feb 2, 2007 at 11:16 AM
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TLA258
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when you are sitting still you car is at an idle along with water pump as you drive the rpms pick up and your water pump turns faster forceing more coolant around you may have worn impeller in pump or slight blockage in coolant system, worse comes to worse you may have blown head gasket,, i just went through this with my car
Feb 2, 2007 at 11:23 AM
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MERLIN2021
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First off ya did't say what model car this is, but if it's front wheel drive like a sable they are famous for clogged heater cores. Try getting blown out at a radiator shop.
Mar 5, 2007 at 11:33 PM
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SERVICE WRITER
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98 Mercury Villager, is what I read.


https://images.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/30961_ron_copy_1.jpg

Mar 6, 2007 at 9:17 AM

Suggested Repair

Check that the coolant is full. With the engine at operating temperature and idle, compare heater-core inlet and outlet temperatures. Weak flow at idle can indicate a worn water-pump impeller, a coolant restriction, or a clogged heater core; have the heater core flushed at a radiator shop. Consider a head gasket only if other symptoms support it.

Conversation Summary

The owner of a 1998 Mercury Villager reports hot cabin air while driving but progressively colder air when stopped. Replies suggest checking the coolant level and heater-core inlet and outlet temperatures at idle. Possible causes discussed include poor coolant circulation from a worn water-pump impeller, a slight blockage or clogged heater core, and, less likely, a blown head gasket.

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