heater probs

We have a '96 Ford Windstar GL. My heater works good sometimes however my problem is this I can start up the van and let it idle for 10 minutes and go back out there and it's still cold-no heat at all. But when I start driving it then about 1 mile later it will start coming out?? I've also noticed that when I've drove it for several miles and the heat is coming out just fine, when I pull over and leave the van idling the heat goes cold. Can anybody give me some input about this problem? Or what to check? It's not right and it is cold outside :lol2:

We have a '96 Ford Windstar GL. My heater works good sometimes however my problem is this I can start up the van and let it idle for 10 minutes and go back out there and it's still cold-no heat at all. But when I start driving it then about 1 mile later it will start coming out?? I've also noticed that when I've drove it for several miles and the heat is coming out just fine, when I pull over and leave the van idling the heat goes cold. Can anybody give me some input about this problem? Or what to check? It's not right and it is cold outside :lol2:


Is your cooling system full? It sounds like your cooling system is low on coolant so inorder for your heater core to get hot coolant the water pump needs to turn faster.

Check your coolant level.

Regards

Dan

...and note wiswind's comments on a similar problem here:

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=491904

...and note wiswind's comments on a similar problem here:

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=491904
I checked the coolant level and tested it in the reservoir and there are 5 bubbles floating. So now we check in the radiator cap.
Thank you Wiswind and Phil for all the very helpful info. We will do all that was recommended by all you talented & knowledgeable men :) and we will post the results. hopefully soon-crazy weather-it's cold (20 F)then 50 degrees the next day often here in Missouri. Happy 2006 to you all! God Bless you and keep you.

ok it's summer now in Missouri and the dang a/c is working just fine and cold but it's going crazy (it sucks)It comes out to the floor, then upper vents, then defrost vents by the windshield and back to the floor vents and so on and so on?? So I turn the switch to vents (fan only) until it comes back to us and then back to A/C or Max a/c Any body have any remedy to this problem...????.....?????thanx.. have fun always