Heater Not Working

[DHSFed]

I purchased a 1998 Honda Civic DX Coupe for my son this summer and never checked the heater only the AC which is working perfectly. My son told me that he can't get the car to heat up so I checked it personally and made sure that all the switches were set correctly. It looks like the control panel is functioning properly and switching between outlets ie. floor, panel, windshield etc. I also checked to make sure that when I slide the temperature control to the right for heat that the cable is moving the duct at the floor level by the firewall. I let the car run for atleast 30 minutes until the engine temp was good and still no heat. I double checked the AC to make sure all ducting was working and it was fine. I find it hard to believe that the heater core would go bad so early in its life and was hoping that someone would have some suggestions as to what else it might be and can give me some assitance. Also, I presuming it has a heater core..... I haven't worked with cars since my muscle car days so I'm very rusty so if you could please be as specific as possible I would greatly appreicate it.

Thanks,

DHSFed

[kingalbrect79]

well, without sounding too obvious, did you try puttin in a new thermostat? it's right behind the main hose inlet housing at the end of the head. two bolts, one gasket...see if that fixes it.

if not, then i'd say the heater core may just be plugged and in need of a flush or a cleaning.

i'm sure most auto stores do a heater check...their machines are very accurate, and when it comes to honda....trust me, just have it looked at first..parts like that are gonna cost ya.

I payed $97 for a temp gauge for my 96 dx.

i can't imagine what a heater core would cost.

but i'd say that a $5 thermostat would be a good start. there is something else..a temp sensor...but it slips my mind right now....it's usually the easiest thing first..i'm sure your aware of that with the muscle cars. i have a few myself. nothing like these tricky little buggers.

if i remember what else it was i was thinking then i'll repost...but try that first.

[TurboLaxx]

If there's not enough water in the system the heater core will temperarily "go dry" and no heat will be produced. I highly doubt this is the problem, but water level is important. I bet kingalbrect79 is correct about either the thermostat or something is clogged.