Solving the Mystery of Why Your Car’s Heat Works Intermittently

Car heat works intermittently when the temperature control system malfunctions. This is usually caused by a lack of coolant, a faulty thermostat, or a worn out heater core. If the car heat is working intermittently, it is important to have it inspected by an experienced mechanic as soon as possible. The mechanic will be able to diagnose the problem and offer the necessary repairs to get your car’s heating system back up and running smoothly.

Check Power Source

If you’re experiencing a problem with your car’s heat working intermittently, the first step is to check the power source. This can be done by testing the battery to make sure it has enough voltage to power the heater, and that all connections are secure. You should also check all the fuses and relays, as these could be causing an issue with the car’s heating system.

Inspect Fuses & Relays

The next step is to inspect all of the fuses and relays associated with your car’s heating system. A faulty fuse or relay can cause intermittent heating issues, so it’s important to make sure they’re in good working condition. If any of them are faulty, they should be replaced before proceeding with any further diagnostics.

Verify Coolant Level

A low coolant level can also cause your car’s heat to work intermittently. Make sure you check your coolant level regularly and top off if necessary. You should also look for any signs of leaks or other damage that could be causing a drop in coolant levels.

Check Thermostat

The thermostat plays an important role in regulating your car’s engine temperature and ensuring that your heater works properly. If your thermostat is not functioning correctly, this could be causing intermittent heating issues. To test the thermostat, use a multimeter or other diagnostic tool to measure its resistance at different temperatures.

Inspect Heater Core

The last step in troubleshooting intermittent heating issues is to inspect the heater core itself. The heater core is responsible for transferring hot air from the engine into the cabin of your vehicle and if it is clogged or damaged this could lead to inconsistent heat output from your vehicle’s heater system. Be sure to check for any signs of damage or clogs in the core before attempting any repairs as this could lead to further problems down the line.

Car Heater that Works Intermittently

Having a car heater that works intermittently can be a frustrating experience. While the heater in your car is one of the most important components for staying comfortable during cold winter months, it can be difficult to diagnose and fix when it doesn’t always work properly. Common causes of intermittent car heater issues include loose or corroded wiring, low coolant levels, a faulty thermostat, a clogged heater core, a blown fuse or relay, a malfunctioning blower motor, and a faulty temperature control switch.

Testing the Temperature Control Switch

The first step in diagnosing a car heater problem is to test the temperature control switch. This switch is responsible for controlling the temperature of the air flowing through the heater core. By testing this switch with a multimeter, you can determine whether or not it is functioning properly. If not, then it will need to be replaced in order to get your car’s heater working properly again.

Checking the Fuse and Relay Status

Another common cause of intermittent car heater issues is a blown fuse or relay. The fuse and relay are responsible for providing power to the blower motor and other components of your vehicle’s heating system. To check these components, you will need to open your vehicle’s fuse box and inspect them for any signs of damage or corrosion. If you find any damaged or corroded wiring or components, then they will need to be replaced in order to get your car’s heating system back up and running again.

Verifying Coolant Levels

Low coolant levels can also lead to intermittent car heater problems. This is because low coolant levels can cause air pockets to form in your vehicle’s cooling system which can prevent heat from being distributed properly throughout the engine compartment. To check your vehicle’s coolant level, simply pop open your hood and locate the radiator cap on top of your radiator tank. Once you have located this component, remove it from its mountings and inspect the fluid level inside of it with an antifreeze tester stick. If there is not enough fluid inside of it then you may need to top up with an appropriate type of antifreeze/coolant solution before attempting any further repairs on your vehicle’s heating system.

Inspecting the Thermostat

A faulty thermostat can also lead to intermittent car heater problems as well as other related issues such as poor engine performance and overheating issues during summer months when temperatures are high outside. To check if this component needs replacing simply locate it underneath your vehicle’s hood near where all other cooling system components are located such as hoses and pipes connected directly from your radiator tank down into other areas underneath your engine compartment such as behind where transmission fluid dipstick tube is located etcetera . Once you have located this component remove its mounting bolts from its housing unit and carefully inspect its internal workings for signs of damage such as debris build-up inside or around its housing unit etcetera . If any signs of damage are present then simply replace this component with an exact replacement part before testing out how well your vehicle’s heating system now operates afterwards .

Checking for Clogged Heater Core

Another potential cause of intermittent car heaters issues could be due to a clogged up heater core which could prevent hot air from passing through its internal workings thus preventing proper heat distribution throughout inside cabin area once turned on by temperature control switch . In order to check if this component needs replacing simply locate where all other cooling system components are located underneath hood near radiator tank area then carefully inspect all hoses connected directly into core itself making sure none appear cracked , swollen , damaged , leaking , etcetera before attempting any further repairs on heating system afterwards .

Replacing Damaged Components

If after performing all these checks you find that something needs replacing then make sure you go out into market place looking only for original manufacturer parts rather than aftermarket replacements so that you know whatever part needed fits perfectly inside respective component housing slots without having worry about compatibility issues afterwards . Also remember always consult vehicles manual book first before attempting DIY repairs on automobile so that way you have better understanding how certain systems operate within respective automobiles .

FAQ & Answers

Q: What are some common causes of intermittent car heater issues?
A: Common causes of intermittent car heater issues include loose or corroded wiring, low coolant levels, faulty thermostat, clogged heater core, blown fuse or relay, malfunctioning blower motor and faulty temperature control switch.

Q: How do I diagnose a car heater problem?
A: To diagnose a car heater problem you should test the temperature control switch, check the fuse and relay status, verify the coolant level and inspect the thermostat.

Q: What should I check if my car heat works intermittently?
A: If your car heat works intermittently then you should check the power source, inspect fuses and relays, verify coolant level, check thermostat, inspect heater core and replace any damaged components.

Q: What could be wrong if my car’s heat is not working?
A: If your car’s heat is not working it could be due to one or more of the following issues; loose or corroded wiring, low coolant levels, faulty thermostat, clogged heater core, blown fuse or relay, malfunctioning blower motor and faulty temperature control switch.

Q: What should I do if my car’s heating system is not functioning properly?
A: If your car’s heating system is not functioning properly then you should first check for any loose wires or corroded connections. You should also verify that your coolant levels are sufficient and inspect the thermostat for any signs of damage. Additionally you should inspect the heater core for any blockages and replace any damaged components that may be causing the issue.

In conclusion, car heat that works intermittently is a common issue among car owners. It can be caused by air in the cooling system, a faulty thermostat, low coolant levels, or a faulty heating system. It’s important to diagnose the problem and get it fixed as soon as possible to avoid further damage to your car’s engine. If you experience intermittent car heat, have your car inspected by a professional to ensure it is safe and reliable.

Author Profile

Carl Frisch
Carl Frisch
With more than 30 years in the bicycle industry, I have a strong background in bicycle retailing, sales, marketing and customer service. I have a passion for cycling and a dedication to excellence. As a manager, I worked diligently to increase my capabilities and responsibilities, managing up to eleven mechanics (at Palo Alto Bicycles) and later as a working partner in my own store.

As the shop owner of Spoke n’ Word Cycles in Socorro, NM, the success of the mission was my responsibility, which I pursued passionately since we opened in 2003 through the spring of 2011. I am adept at managing owned and loan inventory, preparing weekly & annual inventory statements, and managing staff. The role as managing partner also allowed me tremendous freedom. I used this personal freedom to become more deeply involved in my own advancement as a mechanic, to spearhead local trail building, and advocating for cycling both locally and regionally.

As a mechanic, I have several years doing neutral support, experience as a team mechanic, and experience supporting local rides, races, club events. I consistently strive to ensure that bicycles function flawlessly by foreseeing issues and working with the riders, soigners, coaches and other mechanics. Even with decades of experience as a shop mechanic and team mechanic, and continue to pursue greater involvement in this sport as a US Pro Mechanic, and UCI Pro Mechanic.

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