Heat stops working in idle but works at speed

Tiny
QUENTINBERRY
  • MEMBER
  • 1997 MERCURY VILLAGER
  • 3.0L
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 200,000 MILES
When van is idling it will only blow cold air most of the time sometimes we do get warm air. But you can be driving down the road with hot air coming out vents and come to a stop light and it starts blowing cold air. I have asked this question to several sites with all giving the same answer that it's the blower motor not working and the hot air at speed is the air being blown into van while moving except for I have had blower motor out and turned it out with it in my hands and it works fine and changes speeds when you change it on the heater. A guy at work today said he had this same problem in an impala and the shop said it was a cracked cross over tube. Is this possible cause on my van? If so when is it located at and how do I change it? I have also made sure that the coolant is full and I see no leaks. Van also does not overheat or anything else like that any idea other then a bad blower motor would be helpful thank you
Tuesday, November 26th, 2013 AT 9:17 AM

1 Reply

Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
First if it blows air it's not the motor as it only blows the air not hot or cold. If coolant is full thenit has to be eiteh re the heater core may be partially clogged or a heat valve if you have one isn't working. You may have an air lock there as well. It cold also be a loose fan belt if you have one that hasn't been changed ina while replace the belt AND tensioner as these are recommended every 60k. Fell both hoses going into heater and they should be hot, if not then it's may be a water pump problem or clogged core. Also check the actuators pointed in pic and see if the door actually opens on the one closest to the heater core. Heater cores can be backflushed carefully to give you better heat. Also have your radiator cap checked as it may not be holding pressure or the correct pressure.
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Tuesday, November 26th, 2013 AT 9:31 AM

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