Help!!, Tacoma Heat

[jmassey_27]

Hi, I have a 2000 Tacoma, and have a question about the heat. I live in the very cold state of Maine, and for some reason the heat in my Tacoma is not very good. It never really gets to a warm temp inside the cab. For some reason, when the defrost is on, there isnt much heat at all, but when it is on the floor, the temp of the heat coming out is good (well better). Also on the panel, the heat is very poor. The blower works fine, its just not heating up. I have done the obvious like new coolent, and checked the heater hose, and the valve, and it is opening up all the way. Why would there be good heat coming from the floor, and thats it? And even that is not as warm as it should be. Please let me know what you think!! Cold here in Maine!!!
Thanks

[Flash75]

Is your engine temperature running at the normal range?What temperature thermostat are you running? If your engine isn't up to normal temperature the heater output will be low. Check for a blocked heater air intake if you have the heat controls set for the fresh air position.

Clifton

[jmassey_27]

The truck is running at normal temp, and I am not sure what the temp range is on the thermostat, but I have replaced that, and I got the new one from the toyota garage, so I am assuming they gave me the right one. Do you think it might be warmer if I try the recycled air? I will try it just to check.

[Flash75]

The thermostat is probably right. Recycled air should help. If you are making short runs and have ice or snow blocking the air intake the engine may not generate enough heat to melt the ice/snow. If you still have very little heat, check the temperature of the heater hoses in and out of the temperature control valve. If the valve is fully open the heat on both sides of the valve should be about the same. Check the hose coming out of the heater. It should be cooler than the heat going in from the heater valve. If the heater valve isn't working as it should I would get a coupler pipe, probably 5/8" and bypass the heat control valve and see if that helps. If non of these help the air control for regulating air to the floor, face or windshield for defrosting may have a problem. I'm not sure if you can check without some dis-assembly of under dash components. If no help to this point you may have a clogged heater core. I would try back flushing it with some heater hose and running water, if you can keep it from freezing while trying to flush it. I now live in North Carolina and a poor heater will get by here, but I lived in Alaska for five years and can appreciate what you are going through. I hope it turns out to be a simple problem.

Clifton