Q: Car heaters blowing cold air when driving

asked by on December 11, 2016

Hi I have a zafira gsi and since I have had it the heaters blow cold air when I start driving I have had a new block water pump thermostat cap water tank but the problem is still there I don't know what to do

My car has 96000 miles.

Heater is not working Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote
Thermostat Replacement $157.20 - $759.78 Get a Quote

The lack of heat being generated by your system may indicate a clogged heater core. The [heater core]((https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/heater-is-not-working-inspection) is a small radiator like unit that circulates the hot coolant from the engine through the heater core which then uses this warm coolant to heat the inside of the car with the help of the blower motor that blows the warm air through the vents inside the car. The other possibility is that the thermostat may not be allowing the engine to reach a normal operating temperature and since the engine’s warm coolant is the essential source of the heater core supplying heat to the inside of the vehicle, this can impact the warmth of the heat inside the vehicle. I would suggest having an expert from YourMechanic come to your location to diagnose your heating system.

The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our terms of service for more details

Get an instant quote for your car

Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

When Should Spark Plug Wires Be Replaced?
When deciding to replace your spark plug wires (https://www.yourmechanic.com/question/when-should-spark-plug-wires-be-replaced), you should first check your owner's manual. Follow the recommended maintenance schedule (https://www.yourmechanic.com/scheduled-maintenance) that the vehicle manufacturer has published. Besides regular maintenance, another reason to change your plug wires is due...
How do I manually recline the front seats?
The manual reclining lever is located on the outside of the driver and passenger seats. To recline, pull the lever upward, and lean backwards until the seat is in your desired setting. To return the seat upright, pull the lever...
ABS light on
There are many parts involved in ABS. The most common reason for this is a faulty wheel speed sensor. There is one sensor for each wheel. They are mounted near the wheel bearings and get exposed to all the elements....
Door handle not working
Hi. This appears to be a fairly common issue with the Mini Coopers, up until about 2005. If you would like detailed information, there is the bulletin "M510506" that has the repair information. Usually the cable on the inside has...
I need to install a new powertrain control module.
Your new module will need to be programmed with your VIN and a dealer pin number to get the anti-thief system to work properly. A DRB3 or STAR scanner is necessary to get this done.
VSA problem
Hi there. The VSA light is on indicating that the traction control is active. This will turn on the brake system and try to control the vehicle in the event a tire will slip. The wheel sensor (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/wheel-speed-sensor-replacement) on the...
A single clicking noise when i try to start my car
Hi There, I believe the shop is correct in that this is related to a faulty starter solenoid. Depending on the particular model of your Suzuki, this may have a starter solenoid that is external from the starter (meaning it...
i have a 2005 dodge ram 1500 that makes a clicking noise when i turn what is this
If your vehicle is 4WD with CV axles in the front, a common cause of clicking and clunking in the circumstances that you describe is a faulty outer CV joint. Such can often be detected on visual exam and with...
I have a 2006 impala and as of Wednesday i experienced my car wobbling what could be the cause of this?
Hi...I will help you with this. There are quite a few components in a vehicle's suspension and so it is hard to predict definitively what the cause is until the vehicle is inspected. If you want your vehicle's suspension inspected...

Related articles

How to Buy a Good Quality Heater Blower Motor Resistor
Vehicles Vehicles that are equipped with a manual HVAC, or climate control, system utilize a blower motor resistor to control the speed of the heater blower. If you are driving a minivan or an SUV with a separate rear passenger...
Symptoms of Bad or Failing Heater Hoses
Common signs include coolant leaking, hoses cracking, and engine overheating.
How to Diagnose a Broken Car Heater
A working car heater will keep you warm and defrost your car. A failing radiator, thermostat, or heater core can cause your heating system to fail.