heat on delay?

I'm a newbie here but I've heard that these forums can be quite helpful. So here it goes...

I have a 99 Grand Prix se (3.1) and I know I have a coolant leak, but I doubt it's causing all of this.

When I turn on the heat, it takes like 20 minutes to come on. The back defroster doesn't seem to work at all! I'm not sure what is going on but it's driving me nuts! :banghead:

The gauge doesn't show that it's overheating, but the needle does jump around a lot. Anyone have any ideas of what it could be? I figure I should ask here first before I commit to getting screwed by a shop. I'm not a car techie at all. Please help!

Welcome to AF Barbie1123.

By taking 20 min to come on, do you mean it doesn't get hot for 20 min, or it doesn't start blowing for 20 min? If it takes a while to heat up, before you get too crazy, it could be as simple as a bad t-stat. Regretfully, the 3.1 has a known issue with intake gasket failure, and it allows air into the cooling system. This air often gets trapped in the heater core causing low, delayed or no heater output.

I have a 99 Grand Prix se (3.1) and I know I have a coolant leak, but I doubt it's causing all of this.

Welcome to AF.

I wouldn't count on that. Where is the coolant leak or how was it determined you have a leak?

Well, officially, no one told me that I have a leak, but I find puddles. As far as where it's coming from? no idea!

Also, to clarify the heat. It doesn't start blowing hot air for 20 mins. Cold air blows just fine (feels great on a cold morning too...:grinno: ) It just started doing that too. It's been fine for the last 4 years I've had it.

where under the car are you finding the puddles?