Heater and defrost does not work when parked or at a stop

WALTER RUSSELL

MEMBER
2014 TOYOTA VITZ
1.9L
V6
4WD
AUTOMATIC
71,567 MILES

I actually have a 2014 Toyota Venza it wasn't selectable on your list. But what happens is; whenever I start the vehicle up and it gets warm the vehicle does not heat. For example; the defroster does not heat, the vehicle does not get warm inside until you go into put it in drive and go into motion and then all of a sudden everything starts working the way it's supposed to. Once you pull up to a stoplight or stop sign the fans are still blowing but it's not heating. You really only noticed this issue during the winter time when you have to defrost or heat the vehicle.

1 Reply

KASEKENNY

MECHANIC
18,907 POSTS

So basically the heat does not work unless you are moving? If that is the case then we need to do a couple things first.

It sounds like the only time the heater core is getting the hot coolant is when the RPM is raised which will push the coolant through the system.

Let's start with a pressure test and make sure there are no leaks.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/radiator-pressure-test

It should hold pressure for at least a few hours.

If it holds pressure then you need to make sure it is topped off. Once you fill the coolant, retest the heat and see if it is better.

Let us know what happens with this. Thanks