Problems with interior vehicle heating

[Freddie]

Don't know if anyone here has cold enough weather to have this problem, (I live in Northern Manitoba where the weather gets down to -30 Celsius)but the cabin of my 2003 Redezvous doesn't warm up enough to keep passengers warm. Also, the steering gets stiff when the weather gets cold. My local dealer tells me I should put cardboard in front of my radiator for the winter to help keep things warm. I've got to believe there's a better solution than this!!!

[tman]

the cardboard will help when driving, I don't know what to tell you other than that

[Rakl04]

"but the cabin of my 2003 Redezvous doesn't warm up enough to keep passengers warm"
I have a 2003 Rendezvous and a 97 Oldsmobile.
Is it just lack of airflow from your air vents or lower heat? We had the dealership fix this for us on our Rendezvous by disabling the temperature sub damper door (air output from dash vents was low compared to floor vents), got this tip from * service .gm. com/gmtechlink/images/issues/nov03/tlnov03e. html * [Im newbie so, can we post addresses onthese forums??] - highly reccommended for gm auto owners, it provides tips from the gm mechanics. I noticed quite a difference but I am having maybe related problem? When the fan is on, about 1-2 high, it makes a humming noise (blower motor?) that seems to be getting more noticeable day by day.

"the steering gets stiff when the weather gets cold"
It might be your steering rack. This seems to be a common GM auto problem. They have recalls on (and feds investigating) misc. 97-99 (don't expect that they would've changed much for newer models)other makes of Buicks, Cadillac, Oldsmobile, Chevrolet, etc.. My 97 Oldsmobile Aurora is close to needing a new steering rack but waiting to see if a recall comes out.

"cardboard in front of my radiator for the winter"
I'm from Edmonton. Please don't put cardboard(especially beer case cardboard) on the front of your classy Rendezvous (it looks really tacky!). Check into getting a leather winterfront (don't know if they make them for Rendezvous, though maybe Cdn tire can help).

[tman]

I've always heard of putting cardboard between the grille and radiator/condenser, never on the outside.

[rodeo02]

Freddie, how's your engine coolant look? I've seen that GM "dexcool" (orange stuff), or death-cool as many call it, turn jelly like as it ages. It's possible you need a coolant flush. Could be a bad thermostat as well. Your '03 should warm up the cabin well.
G/luck
Joel