97 Grand Am thermostat - heat problem

97 Grand Am, air condition works great but has heat problem. Fan blows but air never gets warm. Thought I'd start small and work my way up with a thermostat change. Any ideas on where the thermostat is? Or any other helpful ideas, in case that is not the problem?

Your Heater core may be plugged with leaves and other foriegn debris.

Thermostat may be stuck open.

Thanks, that gives me one more thing to trouble shoot. I appreciate the info.

Thermostat may be stuck open.
I'm hoping it's just that. Do you know where the thermostat is? Just got the car with no manual. I've looked and it's not where the radiator hose comes into the engine. Do you know if it's in that same housing under all that other 'stuff', or is it under the car where the exhaust attached to the engine?

Yep it should be in that same housing under all that crap. My wifes 97 has the upper rad. hose clamped to the aluminum neck and at the base of the neck where it bolts to the block you'll have your thermostat. Have to remove a bunch of wtuff to get a real good look. Stay away from the exhaust.

Thanks! I'd rather start where it is, than tear half the car apart to find out it's somewhere else. Since you've been so helpful, can I ask you a few other questions? This car came with only a very narrow key, with a hole in the center of it. The auto parts store didn't want to copy it because they said it looked like a key that was supposed to have a chip in it. I'm wondering if this car had a remote? Do you know of any way to find out? This is my daughter's (16) first car, she saved up and bought it with her own money. I'd like to know as much as I can about it so we can take good care of it. It has 131000 mi, but has been well taken care of, except for the peeling paint. That's coming off in great chunks. Do you know if that's common for this year? Any trivia or info you wouln't mind giving me on the car would really be helpfull and appreciated. :)

Paint is a problem. Coming off of the mirrrors and wipers. Only 1 key is needed. Probably came initially with remote door/trunk opener. Contact the dealer----they'll probably want the VIN. Keep an eye on coolant level/leak---this motor/year had a tendency to have a leaky intake manifold gasket---I know had to replace it once. Not much else can go wrong----just change your oil/filter regularly and don't forget the air filter. Any questions use this forum. I'm on the blazer forum one a lot also(have one of those too and a tahoe). Love them gm auto's.

The paint is coming off in 8 - 10" sheets, (the hood and trunk) but we figured since the rest is in such good shape, no big deal. A paint job next year will make it look good as new. Thanks for all your info.

I have seen that on other gm models. Good luck with the car and with the mileage it has on it most serious problems if any would have been fixed by the previous owner.

Never had a problem with the paint peeling on mine, but climate, dents/dings, etc. can all attribute to that. Run a can of GM Top Engine cleaner through it (easy as pie--instructions right on can--need to purchase through a GM dealership) to blow out any build up 131k miles will leave, end tell her to enjoy!

--Jay

Another thing to watch for on these Grand Ams, or other vehicle with 3.1 V6 motors, is the by-pass hose that goes from the heater core to the lower intake (Connector), this connector uses a 15/16 wrench and is threaded into the intake manifold, they are prone to get restricted with calcium (corrossion)causing a flow problem, I've repaired many of these where the customers original complaint was (NO Heat) and they have spent over a $1000.00 somewhere else getting the Head Gasket Done.

This part ony cost about $15.

It's a little labour intensive as on cars equipt with ABS you have to move the ABS/Master forward but you have enough room to change this connector.

Mr.Rob

Lic Mech Auto/Truck/Trailer Ect...

Good Luck.

We changed out the thermostat, which was stuck open, however the heater core had been bypassed - funny the mechanic that changed the thermostat didn't notice. It's now getting a new heater core and the water pump's making noise, but we'll do that one when it goes. Then I think we'll be okay. Thanks for all your info.

Thanks! I've been asking around for a good engine condition/cleaner product. You answered my next question before I posted it.

hiya all,

I think I'm having a similiar problem with my 97 3.1. When I start the car it takes a good 15 to 20 minutes before I get any heat at all. Is this an indication that it's the thermostat or the heater core going? or both? Since I'm suspecting it's the thermostat I was going to replace it. Should I be replacing the heater core at the same time? I've had this car now for about 6 years and never had any "heat" issues. I'm going to replace the coolant at the same time since I doubt it was ever done before.

thxs
-JG

Before replacing the heater core why don't you flush the system to make sure you get all the residue out of the heater core. You can replace the heater core too if you don't mind taking your dash apart to get to it. Just a thought.

what's the best way to "flush" the system? I've seen some kits available here at CrappyTire however I wasn't sure if they were worth it or if there was a better way to do it.

thxs

Don't know if it will help at all, but we found the thermostat was stuck open. Nasty to get changed out! Then, after the heat still wasn't working we found the heater core had been bypassed. Another nasty change out. And.. the water pump is making noise. That'll need a change real soon. The thermostat on the '97 is where the radiator hose hooks into the engine. It's a silver housing.

hiya all,

I think I'm having a similiar problem with my 97 3.1. When I start the car it takes a good 15 to 20 minutes before I get any heat at all. Is this an indication that it's the thermostat or the heater core going? or both? Since I'm suspecting it's the thermostat I was going to replace it. Should I be replacing the heater core at the same time? I've had this car now for about 6 years and never had any "heat" issues. I'm going to replace the coolant at the same time since I doubt it was ever done before.

thxs
-JG
Hi! i have a 96 gt 3.1 and i had the same problem that the car would take time to heat up and i had the thermostat changed and now it's fine.
By the way what kind of coolant do you have is it the green or the orange one.I have the orenge one and it's 4 years i haven't change it ,they say the orange one is long life coolant and you need to change it every 5 or 6 years

I'll be going to the dealer tomorrow to buy a new thermostat since it makes sense to replace that part first.. I've never replaced the coolant in my car and I don't think it's "EVER" been done.. DOH!! I have the green looking stuff and it's never failed me before. I'll be putting Prestone in it.. we need it for the cold winters we get up here in the north.. (4 hrs north of Toronto)

thxs guys for the help/advise.. I just need to know the best/easiest way to flush the system now..

-JG

Use one of the kits. It's a job that ya really don't need to do that often so why spend mega $$$ on a kit. Just make sure ya get all the air out of the system when your done. Good luck.

so your saying to use one of those kits or not? your message seems to indicate both.
thxs

Sorry----yep go buy one of the kits---they install real easy.