We just purchased a 96 SR5 4runner from a retired nun that passed away. Yes a nun and friend of the family. It has about 140K miles and has had every recommended service completed by Toyota dealers. It takes what seems to be a long time for the heater to warm up and even when it does it doesn't get real warm. I am thinking Thermostat. Does that sound like a good starting point? Is it easily replaced? Also, when I turn on the defroster the AC comes on, which I know it is correct, but it blasts cold air. I thought it would just run the compressor to remove moisture but thought it would still blow warm air.
heater is not getting hot
- Thread starter fourwood
- Start date
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WaterMan
New member
Could be two things: Like 97HB said, it could (and probably is) your heater core is clogged on the inside...
Or, it has a serious build up of gunk on the fins. Don't know if yours had a cabin filter...or if it was changed regularly.
To deal with the inside of the core...have the radiator flushed, with the heater turned on all the way hot, so the flushing will also clean out the core. If you haven't flushed a radiator before, you might want to find someone who has or get a shop to do it for you...shouldn't be more than a $100.
To clean the outside, the fins, you'll need some coil cleaner and be able to get to the heater core under the dash. That could be a trick. A foaming coil cleaner designed for evaporators will work. (Don't use engine cleaner...the fumes will make you sick.) That could get pricey depending on if the core needs to be removed.
Try the flush first though...that's the more likely culprit.
Or, it has a serious build up of gunk on the fins. Don't know if yours had a cabin filter...or if it was changed regularly.
To deal with the inside of the core...have the radiator flushed, with the heater turned on all the way hot, so the flushing will also clean out the core. If you haven't flushed a radiator before, you might want to find someone who has or get a shop to do it for you...shouldn't be more than a $100.
To clean the outside, the fins, you'll need some coil cleaner and be able to get to the heater core under the dash. That could be a trick. A foaming coil cleaner designed for evaporators will work. (Don't use engine cleaner...the fumes will make you sick.) That could get pricey depending on if the core needs to be removed.
Try the flush first though...that's the more likely culprit.
I am not sure what warming up properly means. The gauge shows that it is warm. The heater just dosen't seam to put out much heat even when the motor is warm. I will have the radiator flushed as you guys have instructed and see if that helps. Thanks, great feedback.
Still can't believe that I can't have the heat on in AC mode when defrosting the windows.
Does anyone know how to disable the automatic door locks? This is very annoying.
Still can't believe that I can't have the heat on in AC mode when defrosting the windows.
Does anyone know how to disable the automatic door locks? This is very annoying.
The Wanderer
New member
Did you first check and made sure you have water/antifreeze in the radiator. Let the engine and radiator cool off and check inside the neck, a low level will do what you describe. Also be sure there is fluid in the overflow reservoir.
Thanks for all your help! I solved the mystry and it was much simpler than I imagined. I found a cable on the interior passenger side that had come out of the clip. It was not allowing the cable to slide in and out of the plastic sheathing and therefore not allowing a duct door to open and shut properly. I assume it was one that controlled the amount of exterior air into the cab. When I re-fastened it into the retaining clip Problem solved. It gets so hot now I cannot have the heat on full blast anymore. I should have checked the small ,easy stuff first!!
I would still like to figure out how to by pass the automatic door locks. It is soooo annoying!
I would still like to figure out how to by pass the automatic door locks. It is soooo annoying!
