Questions and Answers
Subaru Heater Problem
Q. I have a 1985 Subaru Wagon with a heating problem (me- the inside of the car). The coolant level is full, and the temperature runs in the standard good range, but I get absolutely no HEAT. The blower motor is strong, but pushing extremely frigid air. I live at about 9,000 feet in Colorado and have a 45 minute commute.
My window will not defrost, feet will not get warm, etc.... The thermostat control is all the way up for hot, but nothing. And the air conditioner control (under steering wheel) is off. I have tried both positions for A/C control.
What am I missing and what can I replace? It all seems mechanically sound, but no heat. I read all of your Subaru Q&A's with one talking about a cable from the thermo control, but could the A/C have a similar contraption, which will not allow the fan to blow over the heater core?
Help, it's cold out!
A. There isn't a separate temperature control for the A/C, just the one temperature control cable. A lot of times the clip that holds them in place pop off and then the cable just flops around. Another common problem is the cable kinks inside the heater control panel.
What you need to do is remove the glove box and lower kick panel and physically inspect the cable. Make sure it is attached and that it opens and closes the temperature door. When you move the temperature selector you should hear the door moving. If the door doesn't move, then there may be something inside it blocking it.
Now this will sound strange, but I have seen it happen a number of times, particularly with this make and model car. Mice and other small animals will crawl up inside the heater ducts and nest there, especially as winter starts, seeking a warm place to sleep. They will prevent the doors from opening and closing properly and in general mess things up. I have removed critters from the heating system when customers came in complaining of a bad odor in the car. The odor is from the dead critters who started to decompose inside the heating system.
Additional Information provided courtesy of ALLDATA
