Are you wondering why car heater not working? It’s because of problematic areas in the heating system like the low coolant level, faulty heater core, defective heater fan, bad thermostat, bad wiring, and air bubbles.
The problem could come from the switch or valve, or a plugged heater core that ends up a problem independently. So check the coolant level and only do it with the cold engine and add some extra coolant with a low coolant level that solves the issue.
These are just a few of the causes that could result in this problem; the best thing to do is consult a mechanic to solve the issue. If you do it faster, the better the result will be that this is just an overview, so read on further!
Reasons Why Your Car Heater Is Not Working
Below are the reasons why your car heater is not working.
#1. Bad thermostat
The valve thermostat manages the coolant temperature flowing throughout the engine. The engine heating up pushes the thermostat to open, and the fluid travels from the radiator to the engine. The coolant does not heat up once it gets stuck in the open position, and the heating system does not also push the warm air to the cabin. The engine faces an overheating issue once the thermostat is not available, but the thermostat repair is relatively inexpensive and easy.
#2. Low coolant level
The system kept from the leaks or topped causes low coolant level and heater not working, as this is the first thing to monitor if you do not get enough heat in the car. Check on the coolant level whenever you check the engine oil, as the manual will guide you in the best way to do this if you are unsure. The sign of leakage is the coolant puddle in the car so check it out immediately. The coolant can also remain highly toxic to humans and pets, so you should keep Felix and Fido away from the fluid.
#3. Faulty heater core
The heater core is the mini radiator type linked to the engine, while the regular type gets heat in the machine with the heater core that collects heat to go back into the vehicle. It then mixes in the fresh air. If yours is a vehicle with dual-zone climate control, there will be a split heater core, as the debris in the rusting radiator collects and clogs the component. It depends upon the location and complexity of the body that it demands an expensive repair job.
#4. Air bubbles
The air bubbles in the radiator stop the coolant’s flow and affect the engine and the heating system. The situation can occur if someone opens the radiator or leakage allows the air to come in, with the system that has to bleed. The lousy head gasket causes the air to continue to the radiator, and the head gasket should not cause air bubbles around.
#5. Bad wiring or blown fuse
Anything in circuitry can affect anything in a car heater system, like controls or fans that depend on electricity. You might deal with the blown fuse that is cheap and easy to replace, as the shortage in the wire may be one cause of the issue. In this case, don’t mean that it is a poor component wherein the electrical pathway is partly to blame.
#6. Defective controls
The vehicle may feature an elaborate touchscreen or simple knobs that best manage the vehicle’s HVAC system, so no matter the set up, the inadequate control can result in no heat in a car. The simple replacement or diagnosis of a malfunctioning touch screen is the critical solution to this problem.
Steps To Help Prevent Car Heater From Not Working
Here are a few maintenance steps to consider to help prevent the car heater from not working.
Step #1. Check the oil level
Make it a habit to check the coolant if it is complete, as this helps the heating system and prolongs the engine life. Review the car’s manual regarding the necessary steps to monitor the coolant level and not open the hot cooling system.
Step #2. Check if the fluid is clean
Debris and dirty-filled coolant can affect cooling and heating, and check if it is clean and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for radiator maintenance and coolant replacement.
Step #3. Check the thermostat
Check the thermostat to identify the issue with the heating system best. Most car thermostats are found in the housing, wherein the engine meets the radiator hose, so remove the thermostat if you are an expert under the hood and immerse the thermostat in water at a suitable temperature for the car. Please wait until you see it has opened but know the natural source of the issue if it does not, and remember not to open up the coolant system if it is hot so that when unsure of what to do, perform some routine maintenance. You may also be interested to know about signs my car thermostat is going bad.
Step #4. Do some routine maintenance
Perform some routine maintenance like checking hoses and belts, as these are among those needed by the coolant system. The regular inspection of the components helps avoid the HVAC issue before it begins and avoids asking yourself why car heater not working.
It’s A Wrap!
Now you learn why car heater not working, so check each of the causes mentioned, see the best fixes possible, and do some routine maintenance that includes checking the thermostat, the fluid if it is clean, and the oil level. Read related articles; know how to fix a car heater and car heater only works when driving.