Heater Problem?

Tiny
JASMINEMB2002
  • MEMBER
  • 2008 CHEVROLET EQUINOX
  • 3.4L
  • V6
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 172,000 MILES
I recently got the heater core replaced in my vehicle listed above LT a couple of days ago. And the heat works great when I am driving but when I come to a stop it goes to cool. Any suggestions?
Saturday, February 18th, 2023 AT 11:50 AM

5 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,170 POSTS
Hi,

It sounds like the coolant is low. They may have had it filled, but driving it allowed additional air to exit the system, thus taking more coolant.

Check to see if the level is full in the coolant reservoir. Don't open it when the engine is hot. Allow it to fully cool off prior to removal of the cap.

Let me know what you find.

Take care,

Joe
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Saturday, February 18th, 2023 AT 9:41 PM
Tiny
JASMINEMB2002
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Yes. Coolant is full.
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Sunday, February 19th, 2023 AT 5:56 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,170 POSTS
The idea that it works when driving and then not as well when you stop leads me to believe there is air in the system.

I attached directions below for static filling/bleeding the system. Do this when the engine is cold.

Let me know if it helps. Also, it starts on step three because steps one and two are telling you to close the radiator drain and engine block drain.

Let me know if it helps or if you have questions. Also, let me know if the engine is reaching operating temperature and if there are any other issues with the cooling system.

Take care,

Joe

See pic below.
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Sunday, February 19th, 2023 AT 9:50 PM
Tiny
JASMINEMB2002
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
If the car is on and sitting still like in a drive- thru or something for a extended amount of time the temp needle will start to rise slow and go back down when fans cut on. Rarely it goes it past the half and doesn't go down and I'll just cut truck off.
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Monday, February 20th, 2023 AT 12:27 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 108,170 POSTS
Hi,

It sounds like it is running at normal operating temperature. There is either air still in the system or something partially slowing down the flow of coolant to the heater core. However, if the engine isn't overheating, I doubt it is corrosion in the engine or anything slowing the flow.

I would suggest when the engine is cold, open the bleeder I mentioned and see if a steady stream of coolant comes out and there is no air. Are you comfortable doing that?

Let me know.

Joe
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Monday, February 20th, 2023 AT 3:37 PM

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