[blurpledad]

Well, it's been a while since I've posted. But Buttercup hasn't had any major issues. But today has been fun. Hot air all the time, so I searched and found the blend door DIY. Turns out to be the lever that turns the blend door had come out of its slot. Temp adjustment back to normal! While I was at it, I found the cabin air filter DIY, and finally put in the filter I bought at the TOD swap meet in May. While it's all apart, I'm painting the center dash parts to match the body! Waiting for primer to dry, base coat tomorrow morning, then clear coat. Then the joy of putting it all back together! Good times, good times!

 

[Bexar Bear]

have heard of a warp issue in that area too. Lot to remove to get to it. Good luck on your re-assembly.

 

[blurpledad]

All done. Everything works. New paint on parts looks cool!

 

[PRM502STREET]

Woo Hoo! Looks good.

Sent from AutoGuide.com App

 

[Airhead]

Question on the blend door. I understand the foam issue etc. When the foam is gone does it just not direct the heat to the selected vents or do you have a heating issue as well? Right now I'd LOVE to have heat coming from anywhere!
I did get a chance to look and both snap bushings are fine so it would seem the temperature cable / door is functioning but I also know I have a foam problem.

 

[jfoj]

Question on the blend door. I understand the foam issue etc. When the foam is gone does it just not direct the heat to the selected vents or do you have a heating issue as well? Right now I'd LOVE to have heat coming from anywhere!
I did get a chance to look and both snap bushings are fine so it would seem the temperature cable / door is functioning but I also know I have a foam problem.

Before you get all wrapped up with the blend door, check your engine operating temperature. 205F/96C at idle is what you should see, also the temps should hold at 200F/93C on the highway.

Thermostat is only about $10, not tool crazy hard to install.

Only way to figure the temp out is to use an OBDII tool that reads Live/Real Time data.

See the links below in my signature for more info.

 

[Airhead]

Thanks jfoj. I've read your informative links several times and looked around for a stand alone scanner suitable but didn't find one locally. Not my car or I'd have purchased a scanner long ago. BTW, I did replace the thermostat a year ago with no improvement but admit I have no idea what temp the car is currently running at. It's never had what I'd call good heat, barely adequate...and I mean barely. Actually, not even adequate the more I think about it. The female owner carries blankets not just for emergencys but to keep warm on trips if it's really cold outside.

 

[jfoj]

Many parts stores have OBDII scanners to loan, however, few support Live/Real Time data.

If you have a car, you are foolish for not having a scan tool anyway on hand.

You have $35, you can get a tool that supports Live/Real Time data. Read the 1st link below in my signature. Your smart phone, an App and interface or a program and cable for a Windows laptop is all you need.

These cars have the hottest damn heaters I have ever been around, will cook you out of the car once warmed up.

Where are you physically located?

Even though the there thermostat was replaced does not mean it is good, there may also be a problem with the water pump, coolant circulation, the cable coming off the blend door.

More often than not the blend door is more of a problem in the Summer allowing heat from the heater core to mix in with the A/C, assume it could impact heat performance, however, I doubt it would be noticeable if the heater core was warm enough?

 

[Airhead]

As mentioned I've read your information and agree on owning a scanner IF it were my car. Actually it's an old girlfriends car and she is now driving my Element and I'd like it back. I also agree even though it's a new thermostat it may not be a good'un. I've also replaced the water pump and timing belt maybe a year ago.
My phone is low IQ and I don't have a laptop nor a burning desire to buy one. To be honest I'm now leaning towards buying the cheapest laptop I can find that will support the software so I'll have it for my other vehicles as well but still kind of on the fence on that.
We are in Iowa, -14 the other day when we awoke. I know it has blend door issues due to the foam in the vents but I've also verified both the blend door and the door opening to the heater core work, no broken snap bushings. It's been this way for the couple years she has owned it. I just thought I'd look at the heater problem since I have it for some drivability issues.

 

[jfoj]

As mentioned I've read your information and agree on owning a scanner IF it were my car. Actually it's an old girlfriends car and she is now driving my Element and I'd like it back. I also agree even though it's a new thermostat it may not be a good'un. I've also replaced the water pump and timing belt maybe a year ago.
My phone is low IQ and I don't have a laptop nor a burning desire to buy one. To be honest I'm now leaning towards buying the cheapest laptop I can find that will support the software so I'll have it for my other vehicles as well but still kind of on the fence on that.
We are in Iowa, -14 the other day when we awoke. I know it has blend door issues due to the foam in the vents but I've also verified both the blend door and the door opening to the heater core work, no broken snap bushings. It's been this way for the couple years she has owned it. I just thought I'd look at the heater problem since I have it for some drivability issues.[/QUOTE

$27 - Amazon.com: Autel (AULMS310) MaxiScan MS310 OBDII/EOBD Code Reader: Automotive

I would step up to something a bit more advanced, but if cash is an issue, this is a start.

 

[Airhead]

Thanks for the reply and your write up on scanners jfoj. I ended up ordering the Launch scanner and have a feeling I'll be changing a thermostat once I can read the data.