Heater hot intermittently?

Tiny
NEIL2002CIVIC
  • MEMBER
  • 2010 HONDA ACCORD
  • 2.4L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 56,000 MILES
Hello look forward to your help it has been going on for years. I put a thermostat in your cord it was a Honda part and he did some exactly the same I was mechanic for many years somewhat confused would understand some things or electrically driven. I didn't know if it was a real stat on the heating knob possibly a front door motor I did see some foam come up to the center of dark so I don't know if something's blocking not letting it go to full rotation. Please understand when the heat works it is very hot. I myself would rule out watching the heater core. I am somewhat old school and find I could create more problems than not if it wasn't blowing cold at all I would think that way. Is there a way to test actuator for the hot cold door blend door pull the what you made. If I'm real totally weird let me know. I must note one thing also it does start to get hot as you drive it if you put the defroster on it hinders the operation even more. I found my days working on cars that thermostats on the bottom take a longer time to heat up closest to Foresters on your right there cooling off the thermostat. If I go into the store turn it off start it up the car is hot it would eventually get hot if I drove it just take more time because no wind is blowing on it. I hope this information helps and did not confuse you confusing to say let alone trying to isolate a problem. I'm leaning toward of one door but I just want to go isolated and repair it. My last question is if I scanner on it my friend has a shot will it show what those actuators working? Thank you for all you do enjoy your day happy holidays to you and your family and all that work there helping us get through the day of golden years election nightmares. I will take my little 63 Nova Super Sport all day everyday. Thank you Neil
Wednesday, December 17th, 2025 AT 8:23 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,860 POSTS
It still can be the heater core that needs to be flushed but I would make sure the coolant level is full with no leaks, (check it cold only). If that is all good where is the location of the temperature blend door actuator I would remove it and make sure it travels from lock to lock, sometimes there can be obstructions, ink pen, coins, toothpicks etc. that will stop the door from fully closing. Also, please go over this video as well.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SNRb6pSwYuU

Check out the images (below). Let us know how it goes
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Thursday, December 18th, 2025 AT 1:46 PM
Tiny
NEIL2002CIVIC
  • MEMBER
  • 122 POSTS
Hi Ken, I hope you had a great holiday & Happy New Year!
The Coolants full, I did look at and observed the blend door working properly.(No obstruction) I changed the thermostat with a Honda part. It operates the same as the one I removed.
I find the lower hose is cold for a long time when driven.(Tstat Location) Heat takes a long time but gets Hot.(Both hoses) The heat gets hot when allowed to idle it takes less time but gets Hot. If I drive the car then go into a store, when I come out and the heat is hot as well as the lower hose also. To me that rules out a heater core.(Both hoses hot) This car was my dads from day 1. Coolant changed every 2 years. After all this. Can it be the radiator cap not holding proper pressure and causing the thermostat to stay closed an extended time? Based on my symptoms and theory of operation. No leaks either. I worked on cars for years after ruling out all of the above. I'm leaning toward the basics, Your help is greatly appreciated!
Have a great day!
Neil
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Friday, January 16th, 2026 AT 12:21 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,860 POSTS
Hi Neil,

To me it sounds like the hater core needed to be flushed, I would remove the heater hoses and use a garden hose to flush the core, this should fix the problem. It is common for the core to trap sediment. If the thermostat is stuck open it will cause heater problems as well. Please go over this guide which can help as well.

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

Please go over this guide and get back to us.

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Saturday, January 17th, 2026 AT 9:28 AM

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