2002 Sport Heat Problem

[Bmxbika11]

Hey guys, my 02 KJ is having a heat problem. I start her up, let it warm up, and when I go to turn on the heat, the heat only stays hot for about thirty seconds. It really *****. Brought it to my mechanic and we checked the coolant levels, everything was normal. His guess was that there could be a clog or that I need a flush. I'm not to car savy, does this sound right? Or any ideas? Thanks for the help

 

[Spidey]

Bad thermostat or water pump going out. On my old car it was always the thermostat when this happened, but a lot of people on these Liberty boards say that is a symptom of the water pump going out on these.

 

[ThunderbirdJunkie]

What's your coolant LOOK like?
Open the cap, stick your finger in there (WHEN IT'S COLD)

Is it goopy?
Is it clean?
is the cold level where it should be?

 

[tjkj2002]

Bad thermostat or water pump going out. On my old car it was always the thermostat when this happened, but a lot of people on these Liberty boards say that is a symptom of the water pump going out on these.

A bad t-stat.............

Stuck open the engine will never warm up
Stuck closed the engine will overheat very fast

Bad waterpump.........

Leaking,well that is self explanatory
Corroded impeller due to bad coolant will cause the engine to overheat at low rpm's and act normally at higher rpm's.


To the OP if you have never had the coolant flushed have it done and might as well replace the t-stat and upper/lowwer hoses while your at it.Use only G05/HOAT coolant only.

 

[Spidey]

I saw a post by you actually TJ, on LOST I believe, saying this was a coolant leak or bad water pump, with the same symptoms being described which is what lead me to suggest it here. I have experienced these symptoms and it was indeed a thermostat, the vehicle warmed up(at least enough to read normal on the gauge cluster, though we know how accurate those are), but the heat would only stay warm about 30 seconds.

 

[tjkj2002]

I saw a post by you actually TJ, on LOST I believe, saying this was a coolant leak or bad water pump, with the same symptoms being described which is what lead me to suggest it here. I have experienced these symptoms and it was indeed a thermostat, the vehicle warmed up(at least enough to read normal on the gauge cluster, though we know how accurate those are), but the heat would only stay warm about 30 seconds.

I wouldn't say the OP would have a bad waterpump without overheating or a easy to spot leak.He could have a sticky t-stat but those along with stuck open t-stats will usually through a code and turn on the check engine light.I would be pressure testing the cooling system for leaks,if no leaks found do the good ole feel test,let the engine warm up till both upper/lower hoses are hot and have pressure(t0stat) open and check the temps of the 2 heater hoses.If that is okay you could have a vacuum issue with the HVAC controller.

 

[Spidey]

My mistake, it was others that said the water pump potentially, you suggested leaks.

 

[Bmxbika11]

interesting....yeah with the temps around here getting into the twenties, going to school in the morning is like driving in the freezer lol........i really appreciate the quick responses back and i will update this thread on any updates. Thanks all!