Q: Heat blows warm not hot

asked by on February 28, 2017

The heat blows warm air but not hot. I assumed it was the heater core but after running the vehicle with the heat on I felt the inlet and outlet hoses to the heater core and both were hot. From my understanding this indicates that the heater core is functioning. I know my coolant system is in need of a flush but not sure if that is the only issue.

My car has 193000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

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

Airbag light won't go off.
Hi. An airbag light is and indicator that there are codes stored that need to addressed. I suggest having a certified mechanic, like one from YourMechanic, scan your car for codes (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/check-engine-light-is-on-inspection) and plan a method of diagnosing the problem....
The car suddenly couldn't be started
Hello. If the engine will not crank at all and the starter and battery are fine then I start by checking to see if the starter relay is getting power (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/symptoms-of-a-bad-or-failing-starter-relay). If it is but is not sending power to...
Clutch pedal not connected to cylinder rod.
Hi! That is a Jeep issue I have not seen with my own eyes. It makes me think that there may be a misalignment between the pedal and the pushrod. Possibly a worn bushing on the pedal allowing it to...
2012 Buick Verano steering feels like it is locking up.
Hey there, I'm sorry to hear about the problems with your 2012 Buick Verano. This vehicle should have an electronic power steering system, which can be a problem when there are faulty electrical connections, worn out wiring, etc. I would...
Can a bad breather filter located under the PCV valve cause my car to turn off after starting it?
No. You should look at the ignition switch not supplying power to the ignition when it is in the run position. This is the most common cause of stall after starting. The ignition switch supplies 12 volt power to the...
Not getting power from the fuel pump driver module to fuel pump.
Hi there. If you are getting voltage to the inertia switch, the check the IFS switch and see if you are getting voltage. If there is no voltage, then the switch needs replaced. If there is voltage present, then either...
A bad knocking noise on my left front wheel especially when driving on a bumpy road or when turning either left of right. 2008 VW Golf
Hi there - the suspension noise (https://www.yourmechanic.com/question/suspension-noise) you describe could be either a broken front strut, or strut bearing plate. You are likely also experiencing a bit of loose motion in the steering as well. I would recommend a suspension...
How do you know if your secondary air injection system is bad?
Hi David, Generally when the secondary air pump (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/symptoms-of-a-bad-or-failing-air-pump) goes bad, this will cause the motor to run rough due to the incorrect readings being generated by the oxygen sensors as well as overall lack of horsepower. This is all...
Clutch not fully engaging.
When it is hard to shift, the clutch may be damaged. When the clutch pedal goes to the floor, either the slave cylinder return spring comes off, the slave cylinder breaks open a leak, or the clutch release bearing collapse...

Related articles

A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander
The The smaller size and aggressive styling make the 2012 Mitsubishi Outlander a great choice for those who want an SUV, but don’t want to deal with some of the large behemoths available. With numerous tech options and all-wheel drive...
A Buyer’s Guide to the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer
If If you’re looking for a compact that delivers a sporty driving experience, the 2012 Mitsubishi Lancer just might be the right car for you. With a variety of models to choose from, including both a hatchback and high-performance option,...
A Buyer’s Guide to the 2011 Mitsubishi Endeavor
The The 2011 Mitsubishi Endeavor is a crossover SUV that manages to provide decent comfort, power and performance into a single package. This also marked the final year of production for the SUV, as it was phased out due to...