Why is the heater not working in my Chevy Equinox?

There are several possible causes for a Chevy Equinox heater not delivering heat, including low coolant, a stuck thermostat, a faulty blend door actuator, a blocked heater core, or HVAC control issues. Start with the simplest checks (coolant level, fuses, and controls) before moving to more involved diagnostics or professional service.

The Equinox's heating system relies on engine coolant heated by the engine, a heater core that transfers heat to cabin air, a blower to move the air, and blend doors or sensors that control temperature. When any part of this chain fails, you can experience little or no heat, uneven heat, or intermittent warmth. This guide outlines common causes, quick checks, and when to seek help.

Common causes of no heat in the Equinox

The most frequent culprits are listed here, in rough order of how commonly they occur in practice.

• Low or leaking engine coolant


• Thermostat stuck open or failing to close properly


• Heater core blockage or air pockets in the cooling system


• Faulty blend door actuator or a stuck blend door


• Blower motor or resistor issues (no fan or weak airflow)


• Blown fuses or HVAC control module failure


• Heater control valve that stops coolant flow to the heater core (on applicable models)

If you notice symptoms like cool air despite the engine warming up, or unusual noises from the HVAC area, start with these checks and consider professional service if the heat still won’t come through.

Diagnosis and DIY checks

Before you dive into more complex repairs, perform these basic checks to determine whether the issue is simple to fix or requires a professional diagnosis.

1. Check the coolant level in the reservoir when the engine is cold; top up if needed and look for leaks around hoses, the radiator, or the reservoir.


2. With the engine at operating temperature, set the climate control to heat and turn the blower to high; feel the radiator hoses near the firewall to confirm hot coolant is circulating to the heater core.


3. Inspect the blower operation by cycling through all fan speeds; if there is little or no air at any speed, the blower motor, resistor, or a related fuse may be faulty.


4. Check fuses for the HVAC system in the interior fuse box (and any relevant fuses in the engine bay); replace any blown fuses and test again.


5. Consider the thermostat: if the engine takes too long to reach operating temperature or never seems to get warm, the thermostat could be stuck open and not letting the engine warm up properly.


6. Bleed the cooling system if you recently serviced it or noticed air in the system; air pockets can reduce heater efficiency. This usually involves warming the engine and carefully releasing any trapped air according to the service manual, while keeping an eye on coolant levels to avoid burns or spills.


7. Check heater hoses at the firewall for warmth when the engine is up to temp; if one hose is noticeably cold while the other is hot, there may be a valve or flow issue to the heater core.

These steps can help identify whether the issue is a quick fix or something that requires more thorough inspection, such as a blocked heater core or a faulty blend door actuator.

When to seek professional help

If your Equinox still has no heat after basic diagnostics, or you notice coolant leaks, overheating, or a strong coolant smell inside the cabin, it is time to consult a mechanic. A technician can pressure-test the cooling system, verify heater core flow, check the operation of blend doors with the HVAC control, and diagnose any related sensors or control modules with proper scan tools.

Summary

No heat in a Chevy Equinox usually points to issues with coolant availability, the thermostat, heater core flow, or the HVAC control path. Start with verifying coolant level and engine temperature, ensure the blower is functioning and fuses are intact, and consider bleed procedures if you recently serviced the cooling system. If simple checks don’t restore warmth, professional diagnosis can prevent further damage and restore comfortable operation.

What would cause my heat not to kick on?

Common reasons a heater won't turn on include a tripped circuit breaker, a thermostat set incorrectly or with dead batteries, or a dirty air filter that causes the system to overheat and shut down. Other issues can be a lack of fuel for gas furnaces, a pilot light that is out, or a failed component like the blower motor or flame sensor. 
Power and thermostat issues

• Tripped circuit breaker: Check your electrical panel for a tripped breaker and reset it. If it trips again, there may be a more serious electrical problem. 
• Thermostat settings: Make sure the thermostat is set to "Heat" and the temperature is turned up higher than the current room temperature. 
• Dead batteries: If your thermostat is battery-powered, replace the batteries. 
• Power switch: Some heaters have an emergency shutoff switch that looks like a light switch. Make sure it is in the "on" position. 

Airflow and safety issues

• Clogged air filter: A dirty filter can restrict airflow, causing the system to overheat and shut down for safety. Replace the filter if it's dirty. 
• Blocked vents: Ensure that vents and registers are not blocked by furniture or other objects. 
• Safety switches: Modern furnaces have safety switches, like a limit switch, that can shut off the system if it overheats. This can be a sign of an underlying issue that needs a professional to diagnose. 

Fuel and ignition problems

• No fuel: For gas or oil furnaces, check that the gas valve is open and that you have an adequate fuel supply. 
• Pilot light: If you have an older furnace with a pilot light, check if it has gone out. If it has, follow the manufacturer's instructions to relight it, but never attempt to relight it if you can smell gas. 
• Electronic ignition: The electronic igniter or flame sensor can fail. A dirty or bad flame sensor can prevent the burners from igniting. 

Component failure

• Blower motor: The blower motor is responsible for pushing warm air into your home. If it fails, the heat will not be circulated. 
• Other components: There could be a problem with the control board, a capacitor, or the inducer motor. 

If you have tried the basic troubleshooting steps and your heat still won't come on, it's best to call a qualified HVAC technician to diagnose and repair the problem.

Why did my heat stop working in my car all of a sudden?

Since the heater relies on hot coolant to generate warm air, insufficient levels mean there's not enough heat. This could stem from a leak in your system, a faulty radiator cap, or even a damaged hose. If your heater suddenly stops working, it's worth checking the coolant reservoir under your hood.

Why is my car blowing out cold air when heat is on?

Your car is likely blowing cold air when the heat is on because of a low coolant level, a bad thermostat, a clogged heater core, or an airlock in the cooling system. Insufficient coolant, a thermostat stuck open, or a blockage in the heater core all prevent the proper transfer of engine heat to the cabin, resulting in cold air instead of warm. 
Common causes

• Low coolant: This is the most frequent cause. Your engine's coolant (antifreeze) absorbs heat from the engine and sends it to the heater core to warm the cabin air. If the coolant level is too low, there isn't enough warm fluid to heat the air. This can be caused by leaks in the radiator, hoses, or water pump. 
• Faulty thermostat: The thermostat controls the flow of coolant. If it fails and gets stuck in the open position, it can cause the engine to run too cool, preventing the coolant from reaching the heater core at the correct temperature. 
• Clogged heater core: Over time, the heater core can become clogged with rust, debris, or mineral buildup. This restricts the flow of hot coolant, so the heater core can't get warm enough to heat the air. 
• Airlock in the cooling system: Air bubbles trapped in the cooling system can prevent the proper circulation of coolant to the heater core. This can be fixed by professionally "bleeding" the air from the system. 

Other potential issues

• Blend door actuator failure: Many modern cars use an electronic actuator to mix hot and cold air. If it fails, it can get stuck in the "cold" position. 
• Broken controls or leaks: The heating controls themselves can malfunction, or there may be other water leaks in the system that reduce the amount of coolant available. 
• Blown head gasket: This is a more serious and expensive problem. A blown head gasket can cause coolant to be lost, leading to cold air. You may also notice white smoke coming from your exhaust. 

Why is my Chevy Equinox not heating?

A Chevy Equinox with no heat is likely due to issues with the cooling system, such as low coolant or an airlock, or a problem with the HVAC blend door, blower motor, or thermostat. To troubleshoot, first check for low coolant and air pockets in the system, then inspect the cabin air filter and heater hoses for blockages or leaks. If those are clear, listen for activity in the dash when changing temperature settings, which could indicate a failed blend door actuator, or check fuses if the blower motor isn't working. 
Step 1: Check the cooling system 

• Coolant Level: Check the coolant level when the engine is cold. Low coolant is a very common cause of no heat, as it prevents the heater core from getting hot fluid. 
• Air Pockets: If the coolant was recently serviced, it's possible there's trapped air. Air pockets can prevent the heater core from getting hot. You may need to bleed the cooling system to remove trapped air. Raising the front of the vehicle can also help trapped air escape. 
• Heater Hoses: Inspect the two heater hoses going into the firewall. One should be hot and the other cool if the system is working correctly. If both are cool or lukewarm, it suggests no flow through the heater core. 

This video demonstrates how to check your blower motor for power: 58sFerKurlYouTube · Jun 18, 2021
Step 2: Inspect the cabin air filter and HVAC controls 

• Cabin Air Filter: A clogged cabin air filter can restrict airflow, even if the heater is working. 
• Blower Motor/Fuses: If the fan isn't working at all, check the fuses and the blower motor resistor. A humming noise with no fan could point to a faulty resistor or motor. 
• Blend Door Actuator: Change the temperature from hot to cold and listen for any clicking or whirring noises from behind the dashboard. This sound could indicate a faulty blend door actuator, which is responsible for directing air through the vents. 

You can watch this video to learn how to check your blend door actuator: 59sElectrical JunkyYouTube · Jan 18, 2025
Step 3: Consider a thermostat issue 

• If the engine temperature gauge is low, a thermostat stuck in the open position can prevent the engine from reaching a temperature that is hot enough to provide cabin heat. 

Step 4: Seek professional help

• Some issues, like a blocked heater core or a failed blend door actuator, are more complex and may require professional diagnosis and repair. 

This video demonstrates how to replace a blend door actuator: 1mFix It FrenchYouTube · May 7, 2023