Why is the heat in my Subaru not working?
If your Subaru's heating system isn't functioning properly, there could be a few potential causes. The good news is that many heating-related issues are relatively straightforward to diagnose and fix. In this article, we'll explore the common reasons why the heat may not be working in your Subaru and provide some troubleshooting steps to get your car's heating system back up and running.
Potential Causes of Heating Issues in a Subaru
There are several reasons why the heat may not be working in your Subaru. Some of the most common causes include:
- Low Coolant Level: The heating system in your Subaru relies on the circulation of hot coolant from the engine. If the coolant level is low, the system may not be able to generate enough heat.
- Faulty Thermostat: The thermostat is responsible for regulating the flow of coolant through the heating system. If the thermostat is stuck closed, it can prevent the coolant from circulating and heating up.li>
- Blocked or Damaged Heater Core: The heater core is the heat exchanger that warms the air blown into the cabin. If the heater core is clogged or damaged, it can restrict the flow of hot coolant and reduce the heat output.
- Electrical Issues: Problems with the wiring, fuses, or other electrical components in the heating system can also cause the heat to stop working.
In some cases, the issue may be more complex, such as a problem with the engine's cooling system or a leak in the heating system. If you've checked the basics and the heat still isn't working, it's best to have a professional mechanic diagnose and repair the problem.
Troubleshooting Steps
If you're experiencing issues with your Subaru's heating system, here are some troubleshooting steps you can try:
- Check the Coolant Level: Open the coolant reservoir and ensure the level is at the appropriate mark. Top up the coolant if necessary.
- Inspect the Thermostat: Remove the thermostat and check if it's opening and closing properly. Replace the thermostat if it's stuck or not functioning correctly.
- Examine the Heater Core: Look for any signs of blockage or damage in the heater core. If the core is clogged, you may need to have it flushed or replaced.
- Test the Electrical Components: Check the fuses, wiring, and any other electrical components related to the heating system. Replace any faulty parts as needed.
If you're unsure about any of these steps or the issue persists, it's best to have a professional mechanic inspect and repair your Subaru's heating system.
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 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 hot air not coming out of my vents?
While furnaces can stop operating for complicated reasons, home owners should check a few usual suspects first behind a lack of hot blowing air: Electrical problems causing a loss of power. Blocked air vents and ducts restricting airflow. Improperly configured thermostat settings.
Is it expensive to fix a car heater?
Fixing the issue yourself won't set you back more than a few hundred dollars at worst, but if you need to take your car to a mechanic, you can expect to pay for parts and labor up to $1,000, perhaps more, depending on the year, make, and model of your car.
Why is my car not blowing hot air on heat?
If your heater isn't blowing hot air, it's likely your vehicle is experiencing one or more of the following problems: The heater core is damaged. The coolant is contaminated. The blower fan is malfunctioning.
What causes heat to stop working in car?
When a broken or malfunctioning thermostat is the single most frequent cause of automobile heating systems suddenly failing to heat properly. A thermostat may become stuck closed or open, or develop other problems causing the heating and cooling system to stop producing.
Why is there no heat coming out of my car vents?
Low coolant: Whether caused by a leak or water evaporation, low coolant is the most common source of poor heater output. Thermostat: A stuck-open thermostat prevents the engine (and coolant) from heating up. Heater core: A clogged heater core restricts coolant flow, giving up little or no heat.
How do you get air out of a Subaru cooling system?
Rev the engine between 2500 to 4000 rpm off and on for 5 minutes, this should allow the water pump to force air out of the system. Note that warm air should be coming out of the heater vents, if not the heater must have air trapped in it, STOP the engine and allow to cool down then go back to step 2, above.
Why did my car suddenly stop blowing hot air?
If the heater isn't blowing hot air at you when you turn the system on, the blower fan might have a problem. Either it's not getting electrical power or, more likely, the motor itself has simply burned out. A blower motor in an older vehicle is likely to burn out over time, and may need replacement.
Why is my Subaru not blowing hot air?
Low Coolant Level
The heater system in your Subaru uses the same coolant that circulates through your engine. If the coolant level is low, it can affect the heater's ability to produce warm air. Low coolant levels might also indicate a leak in the system, which needs immediate attention to prevent engine overheating.
