Why is my Subaru heater not blowing hot air?
If your Subaru's heater is not blowing hot air, it can be both frustrating and uncomfortable, especially during colder months. As an experienced auto service provider, I’ve encountered this issue many times, and it’s often caused by a few common problems. In this article, I’ll walk you through the potential reasons why your Subaru’s heater might not be working and what you can do about it.
How Your Subaru’s Heater Works
Before diving into the possible causes, it’s helpful to understand how your car’s heating system functions. The heater in your Subaru uses heat from the engine’s coolant to warm the air that is blown into the cabin. When the engine runs, coolant circulates through the engine, absorbing heat. This heated coolant then passes through the heater core, a small radiator-like component, where air is warmed before being directed into the cabin by the blower fan.
Common Reasons Your Subaru Heater Isn’t Blowing Hot Air
If your heater isn’t working as expected, one of the following issues could be the culprit:
- Low Coolant Levels: If your coolant is low, there may not be enough fluid to transfer heat to the heater core. This can result in lukewarm or cold air blowing from the vents.
- Air in the Cooling System: Air pockets in the cooling system can disrupt the flow of coolant, preventing it from reaching the heater core effectively.
- Faulty Thermostat: A thermostat that is stuck open can prevent the engine from reaching its optimal operating temperature, which means the coolant won’t get hot enough to warm the air.
- Clogged Heater Core: Over time, debris and sediment can build up in the heater core, restricting the flow of coolant and reducing its ability to transfer heat.
- Blower Motor Issues: If the blower motor isn’t functioning properly, it may not be able to push air through the heater core and into the cabin.
- Blend Door Problems: The blend door controls the flow of air through the heater core. If it’s stuck or malfunctioning, it may prevent hot air from reaching the vents.
Steps to Diagnose and Fix the Problem
If you’re experiencing this issue, here are some steps you can take to diagnose and potentially fix the problem:
- Check Coolant Levels: Inspect the coolant reservoir and top it off if it’s low. Be sure to use the correct type of coolant for your Subaru.
- Inspect for Leaks: Look for signs of coolant leaks under the car or around the engine bay. A leak could be the reason for low coolant levels.
- Bleed the Cooling System: If you suspect air in the system, bleeding the cooling system can help remove air pockets.
- Test the Thermostat: A mechanic can test the thermostat to ensure it’s functioning correctly and replace it if necessary.
- Flush the Heater Core: If the heater core is clogged, a professional flush can remove debris and restore proper coolant flow.
- Inspect the Blower Motor and Blend Door: If the issue lies with the blower motor or blend door, these components may need to be repaired or replaced.
When to Seek Professional Help
While some of these steps can be performed at home, others require specialized tools and expertise. If you’re unable to resolve the issue on your own or if you’re unsure about performing any of these tasks, it’s best to bring your Subaru to a trusted auto repair shop. At Kevin’s Autos, we have years of experience diagnosing and repairing heating system issues in all makes and models, including Subarus. Don’t hesitate to reach out for professional assistance.
Conclusion
A malfunctioning heater can make driving uncomfortable, but with the right approach, the issue can often be resolved quickly. By understanding the potential causes and taking the appropriate steps, you can restore warmth to your Subaru’s cabin. If you need help, feel free to contact us at Kevin’s Autos for expert service and advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is cold air coming out when the heater is on?
The heat exchanger uses coils to transfer heat from the ignited gas to the air. When cold air blows from a furnace the heat exchanger, furnace burner, or exhaust are likely the cause. This may be due to dirty components, broken parts, or the many safety mechanisms within the gas system.
Why is my heater on but not blowing air?
When your furnace runs but fails to blow air, several issues could be at play: Blower Motor Problems: If the motor is malfunctioning or not receiving power, it can't push air through your ducts. This could be due to electrical issues, a faulty motor, or problems with the motor's capacitor.
Why is my car heater not blowing hot air?
Typically, there are three main reasons why your car's heater may not be working: a malfunctioning thermostat, a faulty heater core, or low coolant levels. The thermostat is responsible for regulating the temperature of your car's engine, but it also plays a crucial role in heating up the cabin.
Why is my car blower working but no heat?
If you find that your car heater system is blowing air but that your car is not heating up: There could be a blockage or other problem stopping heated antifreeze from moving through the heater core component. A valve or switch could be faulty, or the heater core could be a clogged.
Why is my heater running but not pushing out hot air?
A clogged filter is one of the most common causes of a heater blowing cold air. However, even if you replace the air filter with a new one, dirt, and other particles can still be inside the system. This could lead to overheating in the long run.
How do you fix your heater when it's blowing out cold air?
How To Troubleshoot Furnace Blowing Cold Air
- Step 1: Check Thermostat Setting. First and most importantly, make sure your thermostat is set to Heating Mode.
- Step 2: Evaluate and Adjust Your Vents:
- Step 3: Assess Furnace Filters and Replace Filters If They Are Dirty.
- Step 4: Call An HVAC Pro.
Why is my heater blowing warm air not hot?
It's most likely an incorrect thermostat setting if you find your furnace blowing warm air, not hot. The fan is set to “on” instead of “auto.” Furnaces only pump hot air until the thermostat setting is reached, so if your fan is always on, it will blow both hot air when the furnace is heating and cold when it's not.
Why is my car blowing out cold air when heat is on?
Low Coolant Level
If there isn't enough coolant in your system, the heater core will blow cold air into your car. Solution: If you confirm that a low coolant level is the source of your problem, you simply need to top off your coolant. You may want to check for leaks as well if you just recently refilled your coolant.
Why is my car blowing air but no heat?
Typically, there are three main reasons why your car's heater may not be working: a malfunctioning thermostat, a faulty heater core, or low coolant levels. The thermostat is responsible for regulating the temperature of your car's engine, but it also plays a crucial role in heating up the cabin.
Why is my heating not getting hot in my car?
When a car heater doesn't work, the most common cause is low coolant. When troubleshooting to try and repair the car heater, check the coolant ONLY when the engine is cold. That's because removing the coolant cap on a hot pressurized system can result in severe burns.
