Temperature problem

Hey guys,
I'm currently having some trouble with my car and need your help...
First problem is that i only get cold air. Even when i set the temperature to hot and turn on the fan, i would only get cold air.
At first I didn't mind but now that it gets cold around here it gets a bit of a problem.
Second, every time i turn on my engine, the RPM would get high, around 1.3-1.6rpm. I have to wait a long time until it decreases
a bit, and once it goes down I'll start driving it. Once i drive it for a while I notice the RPM would go to normal. Every time I turn on
the engine after not using for 30 minutes before i would get the same problem.
Third, the temperature indicator on my dash would not work properly. While driving, the temperature indicator would not rise to the normal
level, but occasionally would rise up all the way to the top and after a few minutes it would go all the way down(all that while driving). Now my biggest concern is that when I turn off my engine after driving it for a long time, and few minutes later I want to start the engine it would not start at all :x . It would try to start but would not succeed, and the temperature indicator would be at the top. This has happen only a few times but i want to fix it before it gets any worst.
Now, I'm thinking all this is relate somehow but I don't know where could be the problem.
If you guys came give some suggestions where the problem or problems may be it would be great.
Thanks all!

Comments

  • sounds dangerously low on engine coolant.

    1. with the engine cool, remove the radiator cap and top it off with 50/50 mix of antifreeze/water (you can buy it pre-mixed)
    2. set your climate control to hot. you don't need to run the fan, just set the temp to hot.
    3. start engine and keep an eye on the fluid level. you'll likely have to add some more antifreeze.
    4. after the engine has idled for a minute or two, replace the radiator cap.

    do that and report back on how it runs afterwards. also, look at the hoses and radiator for coolant leaks.
  • The radiator is full of antifreeze already,
    I don't think it is leaking but something i notice is that the antifreeze doesn't flow.
    I mean when I start the engine, usually one can see through the radiator cap if the
    antifreeze is going through but in this case i noticed it wasn't flowing. Is that normal?
    Where could the problem be?
  • Your thermostat is not functioning properly. Change it.
  • wait a minute, let me get this straight... 1: you only occasionally get heat and most of the time your temp gage reads really low, but 2: after you turn your car off and come back to it, it's overheated and won't start.

    I first thought that they were related, but part 1 could be the thermostat and part 2 could be a separate electrical problem.
  • I thought they were related as well...
    But today I started checking and saw that I needed to replace the thermostat. Once I replaced the thermostat, and turn on the engine the temp gage worked normal. I started using the car and the temp gage showed at normal level. Only once did it raise up to the top and stood there for a while and later came back to normal. I don't know why though...but I hope it stays good from now on.
    The other problem that I can't still figure it out is that I still get cold air even if I set the temp to hot. It could be an electrical problem but I don't know where exactly. Any suggestions?
    Thanks all for your help!
  • near where the two heater hoses go through the firewall, there should be a valve in one of the hoses. The knob in the dash moves a cable that opens and closes the valve. You should be able to work the valve by hand. Make sure it's open.

    It's possible that the heater core is totally clogged, especially if someone poured Stop-Leak in. Did you notice any silver flakes in your antifreeze?
  • jpciii wrote:

    It's possible that the heater core is totally clogged, especially if someone poured Stop-Leak in. Did you notice any silver flakes in your antifreeze?

    Wow, Lada heater cores must be pretty tolerant then because I poured some Barr's Leak in my Lada's rad thinking I had a leak (when in fact it was a hose. :roll: ) and the heater core is still putting out as much heat as before. :twisted:

    P.S. Don't hate me for talkin' Lada 'cause that's all I have left... my '95 Lumina APV is faultless and i haven't found another Honda Civic wagon yet. LOL
  • I checked the valve and it looks ok. It works well every time I turn the temp knob.
    If the heater core is totally clogged, how would I be able to fix it? Would radiator flush fix this problem?
    Any other suggestion where I could look for the problem?
    Thanks
  • get a new core .. they are cheap
  • Thanks guys!
    Today I was to get some hot air in my car.
    I don't know is the heater core was totally clogged because I put air pressure through one valve and
    it went nicely through out the other end. But for some reason it did the work because once I started driving
    hot air started coming out. Nice!...
    Anyways, hope it keeps this way for a while.
    Thanks again, I wouldn't have done it without all your help

    Nothing more to say now than....Merry Christmas!
  • wagodizzlewagodizzle Council Member and EDM expert
    glad to hear it worked out ;)
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