Q: My heater blows out warm air instead of hot air when my temperature dial is turned as hot as it can go.

asked by on November 11, 2016

I just checked and my coolant is low. So my question is more so, could low coolant cause my heater to not function properly or could there possibly be an issue with my thermostat? I think it may be my thermostat because I noticed a month and a half ago, or so, my air conditioner wasn't getting very cold blowing out cool not cold air and now my heater is blowing out warm not hot air.

Thank you!
My car has an automatic transmission.

Water Pump Replacement $187.27 - $1236.57 Get a Quote
Radiator Replacement $353.55 - $1403.40 Get a Quote
Radiator Hose Replacement $173.09 - $817.82 Get a Quote
Heater is not working Inspection $94.99 - $114.99 Get a Quote

Hello there, warm air coming from the vents on your 2001 Ford Taurus will be caused by a variety of issues. The heating system for your vehicle and the air conditioning system are completely separate and likely unrelated. A low coolant level in your vehicle will cause the heat to be unable to function properly and is the most likely culprit for the air being warm and not hot.

If the coolant is very low it likely means a leak is present in the vehicle. A few common leaks spots are the water pump, thermostat housing, radiator, radiator hoses, heater hose, or the heater core itself.

If you’d like to get this resolved, a qualified technician such as one from YourMechanic will be able to diagnose your heating issues and make any repairs required to restore proper operation.

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

How Does Engine Braking Work?
Engine braking is the process of using the engine to slow the vehicle down instead of using the vehicle brakes. Engine braking can be used on both gas or diesel engines and is used to slow a vehicle down or...
How do I make the horn sound?
You may need to use your car horn to get the attention of other drivers. Locate the horn symbol on the center of your steering wheel. Press down on the area around the horn symbol to hear a sound. Tip...
Car stopped, steering wheel stuck, check engine light orange
It sounds like you may have a failing alternator (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/symptoms-of-a-bad-or-failing-alternator). The alternator is responsible for running the electrical system of your vehicle while the engine is running as well as keeping the battery fully charged. If the alternator fails, this...
Can I put a blow off valve in my car?
If I am understanding your question correctly, you are wanting to install a blow off valve on a non-turbo charged car. A blow off valve is typically only necessary in turbo charged applications as it's function is to to release...
Chuging lack of power Cadillac converter is red..
It sounds like you may have two separate issues at play here. If the catalytic converter (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/catalytic-converter-replacement) is cherry red this means it is very hot which is usually a result of a very rich running condition and is most...
Engine light came on. Car drives slow and stopped going in reverse. Could it be a knock sensor or is it the transmission?
Hi there. If the vehicle is driving slow and will not go into reverse, then the computer could have the engine in limp mode due to either the transmission not shifting into reverse. If there was no signs of gear...
My car doors keep unlocking and locking after I turn off the car and it drains my battery. What do I do?
Hi there. Check all of the door switches on the door jams. The driver door or passenger front door will cause the doors to unlock after locked if the switch is not working. This is like the driver door open...
I Have a 2005 Dodge Durango 5.7l hemi. The pcv valve broke flush to the top of the intake manifold. Any suggestions on removal?
Any removal technique has to ensure no valve fragments fall into the area under the valve cover. Either an appropriate tool has to be threaded into the remainder to pull the valve fragment up and out or you have to...
Chrysler 300 C stalls and won't go forward or backwards at time when I cut the car off and back on it drives
If the engine is only stalling, or idling roughly, without putting the car in drive, then you probably have an engine management issue (fuel, ignition, air induction, etc.). On the other hand, if the stalling is only occurring once you...

Related articles

The Best Used Cars to Buy If You're an Undercover Cop
If If you're an undercover cop, when you choose a used vehicle, your main purpose is to look like anything but a cop. That means, of course, that an unmarked Crown Victoria is probably not the wisest choice. We’ve evaluated...
The Best Used Cars to Buy for Senior Citizens
Everyone Everyone needs a way to get around. You need to get groceries, get to doctors’ appointments, visit with family and more. However, senior citizens have very different needs when it comes to buying a used car than other demographics....
How to Buy a Good Quality A/C Compressor
The A/C compressor helps regulate the flow of refrigerant throughout the A/C system. High quality A/C compressors are new and easy to install.