Need functioning heater!

Offroad_Medic

Offroad_Medic

New member
So it's freaking cold now and I have to commute to work at 4:30am and my heater won't work.

My coolant levels are where they should be, both the intake/outlet line on the heater core get warm, the valve in said lines moves with the heat switch.

All I can think of is a possible thermostat issue, but I have never had problems with the motor getting warmer than it should. Any thoughts are greatly appreciated.

Also what do you guys recommend for the best way to burp the system?
 
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Any chance the actuator door that controls the flow of air over the heater core is stuck in the wrong position? I heard of you park on an uphill and take the radiator cap off and start the motor cold it should help burp the system. I always pull the cap and squeeze the upper hose until no more bubbles/pockets show up.
 
It's possible your heater core is blocked internally with sludge from coolant. How often do you flush radiator?
 
I bought my truck used last January so I have no clue on how often it's been flushed. I know it wouldn't hurt to do it know though. And I'll need to add plenty once I pull the thermostat out anyway
 
I bought my truck used last January so I have no clue on how often it's been flushed. I know it wouldn't hurt to do it know though. And I'll need to add plenty once I pull the thermostat out anyway
 
Mine had the same problem and I found one of the actuators to not be engaging. Turn the truck on, operating temp, pop your hood, and look towards the upper middle area of your firewall. It will have a lever engaged actuator that allows the heater to operate. I forget what position it is suppose to be in but the gear in the cabin on my truck got too tired to pull that actuator open. I manually moved it and instant heat. I went to the bone yard and got the entire assembly later on but it was a quick fix. Hope it's that easy for you.
 
Define "digital"......my truck has nothing digital in it except the radio. :lol: as far as I know all of my controls are wire and lever based. Is there a simple way to tell the difference?
 
I think the digital controls came for later 4runners. If your 4runner is made between 96-98, you'll have levers to operate the controls.

To burp, I'll start with a COLD engine. Open the radiator cap and start your truck. Also open the heater valve (lever should run pretty parallel to the hoses). Then let the engine to warm up at idle. you'll see the coolant level starting to run down. Then add more coolant. Do it until coolant level stays the same.

Hope your heater core is not clogged. This is the toughest job in any TOYOTA.
 
Offroad_Medic said:
Define "digital"......my truck has nothing digital in it except the radio. :lol: as far as I know all of my controls are wire and lever based. Is there a simple way to tell the difference?
Click to expand...

Oh, guess not. If there is no digital temp display, you don't have it. Looks like Limiteds 99+ only. Sorry. Be glad, it causes a lot of problems.
 
nissanh said:
I think the digital controls came for later 4runners. If your 4runner is made between 96-98, you'll have levers to operate the controls.

To burp, I'll start with a COLD engine. Open the radiator cap and start your truck. Also open the heater valve (lever should run pretty parallel to the hoses). Then let the engine to warm up at idle. you'll see the coolant level starting to run down. Then add more coolant. Do it until coolant level stays the same.

Hope your heater core is not clogged. This is the toughest job in any TOYOTA.
Click to expand...

I tried a heater core in my 1992 celica once. You're not kidding about it being the toughest job.
 
nissanh said:
To burp, I'll start with a COLD engine. Open the radiator cap and start your truck. Also open the heater valve (lever should run pretty parallel to the hoses). Then let the engine to warm up at idle. you'll see the coolant level starting to run down. Then add more coolant. Do it until coolant level stays the same.
Click to expand...

When my selection lever is all the way over for heat the control valve arm with the cable attached is at 6 o'clock. When it's on cold the lever is parallel......is it supposed to be parallel? If that's the issue then hell....
 
Offroad_Medic said:
When my selection lever is all the way over for heat the control valve arm with the cable attached is at 6 o'clock. When it's on cold the lever is parallel......is it supposed to be parallel? If that's the issue then hell....
Click to expand...

can you pull the cable off the lever, and manually move it? see if you get heat.

it may have slipped, and just needs adjustment.
 
Heater core is clogged. Pull both hoses and shove a hose on both ends until it runs clear. FWIW, if its bad enough, then you need to do the radiator and motor too as its just going to clog again.

Devin's 4runner (one of my employees) has had to be flushed three times now. Its finally working better now.
 
AddictedOffroad said:
Heater core is clogged. Pull both hoses and shove a hose on both ends until it runs clear. FWIW, if its bad enough, then you need to do the radiator and motor too as its just going to clog again.

Devin's 4runner (one of my employees) has had to be flushed three times now. Its finally working better now.
Click to expand...

After burping my system in my driveway it's been a little better. I need to find a good hill to park on and do it that way too. If nothing gets better I'm planning on doing the hose flush trick.
 
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