Heater Performance Test

HEATER PERFORMANCE TEST

WARNING: Review safety precautions and warnings before performing this procedure Warning and Caution. Failure to follow the warnings and cautions could result in possible personal injury or death.

Check the coolant level, drive belt tension, radiator air flow and fan operation. Start engine and allow to warm up to normal operating temperature.

WARNING: Do not remove radiator cap when engine is hot, personal injury can result.

If vehicle has been run recently, wait 15 minutes before removing the radiator cap. Place a rag over the cap and turn it to the first safety stop. Allow pressure to escape through the overflow tube. When the system pressure stabilizes, remove the cap completely.

MAXIMUM HEATER OUTPUT: TEST AND ACTION

Engine coolant is provided to the heater system by two heater hoses. With the engine idling at normal operating temperature, set the temperature control to maximum heat, the mode control to the floor position, and the blower in the highest speed position. Using a test thermometer, check the temperature of the air being discharged from the floor outlets. Compare the test thermometer reading to the Heater Temperature Reference chart.





If the floor outlet air temperature is insufficient, check that the cooling system is operating to specifications Testing and Inspection. Both heater hoses should be HOT to the touch (the coolant return hose should be slightly cooler than the supply hose). If the coolant return hose is much cooler than the supply hose, locate and repair the engine coolant flow obstruction in heater system.

OBSTRUCTED COOLANT FLOW

Possible locations or causes of obstructed coolant flow are as follows:

- Pinched or kinked heater hoses
- Improper heater hose routing
- Plugged heater hoses or supply and return ports at the cooling system connections
- Plugged heater core

If proper coolant flow through the cooling system is verified, and heater outlet air temperature is insufficient, a mechanical problem may exist.

MECHANICAL PROBLEMS

Possible causes of insufficient heat due to mechanical problems are as follows:

- Inoperative engine thermostat
- Inoperative blend door actuator
- Obstructed fresh air intake
- Obstructed heater system outlets
- Inoperative blend-air door

TEMPERATURE CONTROL

If the heater outlet air temperature cannot be adjusted with the temperature control on the A/C-heater control panel, the following could require service:

- Inoperative blend door actuator
- Inoperative A/C-heater control
- Inoperative related wiring harness or connectors
- Inoperative blend-air door