Why is my Car's Heater not Working?

Nothing is worse than running out to your car on a bitter cold morning, turning the key, and switching on the heat, only to find that your car’s heater doesn’t want to come on… or worse, the heater only blows cold air.

During the cold commute to work you begin Googling “Auto Mechanics near me,” and calling shops for possible causes and estimates for repair. Unfortunately, nobody can give you a firm answer or a firm price until they inspect it, because there are several things that could be causing your car’s heater not to work

One such cause could be that your controls aren’t working. This would result in your car’s heater not coming on at all. Buttons and controls are subject to wear over time, so it is possible that all your vehicle needs are some new buttons. Issues with the circuitry or wiring could also cause your car’s heater to not come on. If this is the case, it should be taken to an Automotive Repair Shop like Pugh’s Automotive Service.

If your vehicle’s heater comes on but only blows cold air that could indicate a few different issues. A Plugged Heater Control Valve is one such issue. The Heater Control Valve acts as a switch that turns the heat on or off.

Low Coolant or a Plugged Heater Core could also cause your vehicle’s heater to blow cold air. Coolant Flow is vital in all climates but is more noticeable on cold days since coolant flow through the Heater Core is needed to provide you and your car with heat.

If you have checked your Coolant and it is at the proper level, you could be dealing with a faulty Heater Core or Thermostat. If your Heater Core is slightly leaking then you will notice a sweet, fruity smell. This would indicate a Coolant Leak, which if found with a foggy interior to your car and cold air coming from your heater, it is likely that your Heater Core is the cause.

To be completely sure of the problem, the best thing to do is take your vehicle to a professional mechanic. At Pugh’s Automotive Service in Dover, DE, we provide Free Inspections. That way, if the problem is easy to diagnose, you don’t get charged unnecessary fees.

If your car is experiencing these issues then stop by 728 Leipsic Rd in Dover, DE for your Free Inspection. You can also visit our website at www.pughsservice.com or call (302)734-4231 to schedule your appointment.

5 Causes of Air Flow Problems in your Car's Venting System

You jump in your car on a 100-degree day. You quickly reach for your A/C controls, and to your dismay no air comes through the vents once you turn them on!

The scenario above can be applied during the wintertime as well, when it comes to heating, but either way, there is nothing worse than the HVAC vents of your car not operating properly. So naturally, your first question is what could be causing this issue?

With that in mind, here are a few ways to determine what is causing your vehicle’s vents to not produce any air.

Does the Blower Fan Engage?

In the event that your Fan does not engage, then the fuse location portion of your owner’s manual will help you find the fuse for HVAC/Climate Control or Fan. Most Fuses today are clear, which can make determining a Blown HVAC Fuse easy due to its visibility.

The Fan Controller/Switch/Motor

In addition to a Blown Fuse, a Faulty Fan Controller, Fan Switch, or Fan Motor could cause the sudden lack of air coming through your vehicle’s vents. This could be a good possible cause if your fan is not operating, but the fuses are in good condition.

If this is the case, it is best to bring your vehicle to a Service Center such as Pugh’s Service for a proper diagnosis. The above parts can be costly and it’s best to have the proper tests performed so that the correct parts can be replaced.

A Clogged Cabin Air Filter

If your fan is working but limited air is coming out of your vents, then you may be looking at a Clogged Cabin Air Filter.

Most cars today have a Cabin Air Filter, which can be found by visiting your vehicle’s Owner’s Manual. Due to the old adage, ‘out of sight, out of mind’, these filters oftentimes experience a lot of neglect.

At Pugh’s Service we provide you with a copy of your vehicle’s maintenance, or K plan/schedule. These plans have intervals of when to replace or clean many items on your vehicle, including a Cabin Air Filter. Neglecting your Cabin Air Filter is a common cause when issues arise within your vehicle’s Vent System.

Check for Critters & Debris

Critters love to make their homes in our cars and trucks. Rodents, in particular, are huge fans of our vehicles, setting up shop in many different areas, vents included.

In the case where you have provided a home to a less than desirable occupant, don’t hesitate to reach out to a qualified Automotive Repair Center like Pugh’s Service Automotive to completely clean your vents and ducts. Rodents love to eat portions of your vehicle while also leaving their nests and droppings behind. Cleaning up after them is never a simple job, due to the simple fact that you are dealing with a “rat’s nest” of a mess.

Ductwork Mechanisms

Air flow is directed through directional mechanisms which place the air flow in different sections of the vehicle’s interior. These parts are plastic and break for various reasons. Sometimes the reason can be critter nests, but more often than not, old parts that simply go bad are the culprit.

Hopefully this aids you in your quest for ample Air Flow, be it hot or cold. Pugh’s Service has Repaired Venting Systems for many years. Please give us a call at 302-734-4231 or visit us on the web. www.pughsservice.com or our Facebook page Pugh’s Service – Automotive. Have a blessed day!