Heater Blows Warm, Not Hot

20

Asked by JimKaiser Dec 05, 2019 at 07:35 PM about the 2011 Jeep Liberty Limited 4WD

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

So my wifes 2011 Jeep Liberty started only
blowing warm air, not hot like before.

So I checked the coolant level and her reservoir
tank was empty. The engine wasn't overheating so
I added coolant to the reservoir tank. This had no
change to the temp of air blowing.

So, I checked the heater core hoses running
through the fire wall. One was super hot, the other
was hot but not as hot as the other. I let the vehicle
cool and checked the electric heat gate under the
dash to make sure it was all the way open for heat
and it was. Once cool I flushed the heater core. It
wasn't real grimy but made sure it flushed clear
both ways. Hooked the hoses back up and took it
for a drive.

Now, the heat blows warm at idle but heats up
when the engine is revved or I accelerate while
driving. I think the issue is either the thermostat or
the water pump. Water pump makes most since to
me as the fluid had to leak somewhere but I have
not noticed any loss of reservoir fluid since I
started digging into this. I do see drips but that
could be from me being a clumpy oaf and spilling
coolant all over. If anyone can help point me in the
right direction or knows the problem I'd really
appreciate any and all comments.

11 Answers

If you are getting poor water circulation I would first purge air out of the cooling system. If that does not do it the water pump impeller may be worn out.

1 people found this helpful.
20

I hadn't thought of an air pocket. Whats the best way to purge air out of the system?

1 people found this helpful.
20

I did look for leaks but me spilling I'm not certain where it's leaking from. I didn't notice some wet grime around where the hoses connect to the water pump housing.

34,740

Good place to start,you can rent a radiator pressure tester from your local parts store.

1 people found this helpful.
650

Fill the reservoir, leave the lid off and squeeze the top hose like you're pumping it. It will suck water into the system and relieve any air bubbles. In the mean time check your oil for signs of water and keep an eye on the level of that reservoir. I'm also leaning towards water pump issues.

34,740

The way D Patric explained the bleeding of the cooling system is incorrect.

20

Ok so, this thing is running me in circles. I found the leak, it was where the heater core hoses attach to the engine. I replaced those and used better hose clamps. My oil is fine, not watery and right where it was at the last oil change. Over the weekend I changed the water pump, thermostat and cabin air filters. Filled brandnew Chrysler specific coolant and bleed the system with the bleeder screw (on the top radiator hose connection to the engine i found o. YouTube) and by pulling it up on my ramps and opening the radiator cap and reservoir tank. I seriously doubt I have air in the system after that. Now after all that, the heat blows very hot on passenger side and simi-warm on the drivers side. It takes a very long time for the engine to warm up and does not blow hot on either side until the engine is up to operating temperature. Does anybody know where I should look next. Heatercore? I made sure the heat blend door actuator is working. Is there anything else that controls the temp? I really could use some help so if anyone has ideas please let me know. Thank you.

1 people found this helpful.
34,740

Chrysler was good for heater core issues, you can try removing both hoses and back flushing the core to see if any scale comes out or a small bore-a-scope to try to look inside the core it's self.If a lot of scale does come out fill it back up bleed it again and see if the condition changed.

1 people found this helpful.

Your Answer:

Liberty

Looking for a Used Liberty in your area?

CarGurus has 30 nationwide Liberty listings starting at $3,295.

Postal Code:

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    rst429
    Reputation
    3,130
  • #2
    fixmyjeep
    Reputation
    3,030
  • #3
    Gene Arnett
    Reputation
    1,990
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Jeep Grand Cherokee
129 Great Deals out of 3,235 listings starting at $4,995
Used Jeep Patriot
15 Great Deals out of 263 listings starting at $2,999
Used Jeep Wrangler
134 Great Deals out of 5,086 listings starting at $5,450
Used Jeep Compass
70 Great Deals out of 3,424 listings starting at $3,000
Used Ford Escape
138 Great Deals out of 4,526 listings starting at $2,995
Used Jeep Commander
2 listings starting at $9,995
Used Honda Pilot
45 Great Deals out of 1,208 listings starting at $4,495
Used Ford Explorer
79 Great Deals out of 2,023 listings starting at $2,999
Used Ford F-150
313 Great Deals out of 15,058 listings starting at $1,712
Used Honda CR-V
97 Great Deals out of 3,850 listings starting at $1,995
Used Chevrolet Colorado
27 Great Deals out of 1,424 listings starting at $6,800
Used Subaru Forester
26 Great Deals out of 1,046 listings starting at $2,995
Used Toyota RAV4
97 Great Deals out of 2,064 listings starting at $3,499

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.