93 Taurus W/Heating Issue

[michont]

Hi all. New to forum. I have searched some of the threads but didn't quite see what I'm in need of knowing. Either that or I just missed some posts, because there are so many. : ) I have a 93 Taurus, 3.8 liter, AT. When the weather starts to get cold, my car's heating system takes a while to get going. I know it has heat because it eventually works, and before the weather turns colder, the heater works normally or so it seems. I start it up, and after a bit, the temp gauge rises, and rises to just about the upper end before eventually dropping to a more comfortable "normal" range. While the needle is in the very hot range, my heater won't send out any heat. Only when it drops do I start to feel heat coming out. I understand the thermostat doesn't affect the heater core situation. I thought the thermostat might be in need of replacing but am guessing that's not really going to help me get the heat going after reading some info on it. Why does this issue only happen when the fall weather hits? Could I have a sticky heater valve or maybe a good flush is needed because of a blockage? I'm not really sure and don't want to just throwing money into it. Any ideas would be appreciated. Thanks

[wrsekul]

Well winter is here and I know where you are coming from! I have a 1999 Taurus and had the same problems with my "heater core". It just didn't want to put any heat out! Put out more heat when the fan was blowing real low if at all.

When the problem was noticed, I had the heater core flushed, it worked for about a week or two, then slowly went back to putting out little or no heat. They repeated this flush two times and it was not getting any better!

In the end, the heater core had to be replaced. I ended up taking to a Ford Dealer, no one wanted to replace the heater core because the dash has to come all the way out and it is about a 6 to 7hr. or all day job i think! The dash coming out is a major thing! You might be able to find a shop, but I would look for a warranty with the job, they can easily damage the core putting it in!

I think it was about a (hold on to your shorts) about a $700 to $800 job. Get quotes, and work them down in price!

Note, make sure you get a warranty with the job, Ford will. I was glad that I went to Ford Dealer, it cost a little more, they pricked a hole and ended up having to put a 2nd core in at no cost to me!

Keep Warm
Robert
Brandon, MS
[email protected]

[michont]

Originally Posted by wrsekul

Well winter is here and I know where you are coming from! I have a 1999 Taurus and had the same problems with my "heater core". It just didn't want to put any heat out! Put out more heat when the fan was blowing real low if at all.

When the problem was noticed, I had the heater core flushed, it worked for about a week or two, then slowly went back to putting out little or no heat. They repeated this flush two times and it was not getting any better!

In the end, the heater core had to be replaced. I ended up taking to a Ford Dealer, no one wanted to replace the heater core because the dash has to come all the way out and it is about a 6 to 7hr. or all day job i think! The dash coming out is a major thing! You might be able to find a shop, but I would look for a warranty with the job, they can easily damage the core putting it in!

I think it was about a (hold on to your shorts) about a $700 to $800 job. Get quotes, and work them down in price!

Note, make sure you get a warranty with the job, Ford will. I was glad that I went to Ford Dealer, it cost a little more, they pricked a hole and ended up having to put a 2nd core in at no cost to me!

Keep Warm
Robert
Brandon, MS
[email protected]

Thanks Robert. I mainly drive this car as an alternative to my Mustang as that does not go well in snow. I am hoping I don't have a heater core issue but that's always an option. I am thinking I'll have it flushed and see how it goes. Once the car heats up, then settles down, it seems normal. I'll cross my fingers.

Todd