Why is there little to no heat?

TEEESSONE

MEMBER
2005 PONTIAC MONTANA
2.5L
6 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
107,000 MILES

The heat never gets "hot". The temperature gauge reaches the half mark. The air will get warm, then gradually cool off. It does not get stone cold, just never hot.

Saturday, January 14th, 2023 AT 8:44 PM

5 Replies

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
48,363 POSTS

When the engine is cold, remove the radiator cap to check the coolant level because the heater is not working. This is a sign the coolant is low. If the coolant is full, I would check the air temperature actuator I have included the location and how to replace it in the images below.

This guide may help as well:

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

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Sunday, January 15th, 2023 AT 11:14 AM

TEEESSONE

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3 POSTS

Thank you, Ken! The great deal of information you provided will be very helpful in my repair efforts. This is a relatively new vehicle to me. Whoever last replaced the radiator cap bought one that fits too tight. I have added coolant through the expansion tank in the past. I'll pry this cap off and go from there.

I need to find a garage for the more detailed fixes. Winter. Michigan. I will reply with the solution that I find.

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Sunday, January 15th, 2023 AT 1:44 PM

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
48,363 POSTS

Sounds good, stay warm!

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Monday, January 16th, 2023 AT 3:19 PM

TEEESSONE

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Hi Ken, a new question on this topic. I will call this a minor improvement. I pried off the old radiator cap. The coolant level was fine. After installing a new cap, I took it for a spin. The temperature did get much warmer and stayed warmer longer. Then, it started to cool down. Based on that, which item on the list might be the next to check?

Thanks!

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Monday, January 16th, 2023 AT 8:31 PM

KEN L

MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
48,363 POSTS

It sounds like the engine thermostat is stuck open; I would remove it to confirm. here is the location in the diagrams below. This guide can help walk you through the steps, drain the coolant first. Here is a guide to help you step by step with instructions in the diagrams below to show you how on your car.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/replace-thermostat

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