Rep Power: 0

All of a sudden, the heater stopped working. It works "OK" while running but when stopped it blows cold air...

Read few other posts which say it could be a blown head gasket... Is there a way I can check that ?

Not sure if it's related, but my CEL blinks for couple seconds even after I start the engine... Didn't happen before... Got the codes checked at Advance Auto Parts and the guy said it's normal & even the reader found nothing.

 
Rep Power: 517

Air is trapped in the heater core, water pump can't easily push past the air bubble at low RPM.

Why? Low coolant in the radiator. Burp and fill.
Where did the coolant go? Leaked out... or blown head gasket.


Is the check engine light actually connected to the engine computer? LOL
It should not blink while running unless there is a misfire present.
Set a real code (like unplug the IAT sensor) and see if their code reader can detect it.

 
Rep Power: 0

The coolant flush was done less than 2-3 months ago...

Can i just refill the coolant & check ?
Or is there a better way to check this ?

 
Rep Power: 517

Is the radiator low?

Is the overflow bottle waaay overfull?

The radiator is supposed to be completely full at all times under all conditions. If it is low, that's a problem.

 
Rep Power: 0

No coolant at all!
I open the cap to only find it empty. How can I check where the leak is ?

 
Rep Power: 517

Fill it up.
I'd start with using my eyeballs after filling it up.
Is it running out, leaving a puddle on the ground?

 
Rep Power: 0

1. stupidity to the peaks !!!
it wasnt actually the CEL that blinked but was the Maint Required... i forgot to reset it after the recent oil change...

2. got the coolants and everything checked... they said, the pressure is fine. the problem is kinda strange... when i put the fan speed low.. it pushed slight heat... when the fan speed is high, it blows cold air... these are all on idle...

i havent changed the Timeing belt & Water Pump... wanted to do that this summer... is this the reason ?

 
Rep Power: 517

I guess I didn't think of that because you said it only blinked for a couple seconds. I'm used to those blinking for about 10 seconds. At least that was easy!




This series of events tells a story......


----------------------------------

1) Where did the coolant go? (HINT: It did not grow legs and walk away!)
2) Did the cooling system get refilled?
3) Did the cooling system get 'burped' properly?
4) Did anyone perform my head gasket inspection procedure?

You would have heat again (at least temporarily) if #2 and 3 were done.
You would have an answer as to why, if #4 was done.
I don't know what that means. Not a big deal though.
Not strange at all for these cars, if one has experience with this problem.

Nope, but the time to do these is while the head gasket is getting replaced.

 
Rep Power: 0

When i got the car checked at "Monro Garage", they did a pressure test & everything is fine... everything means the liquid too... they topped off the liquid & suggested me to replace the cap. Which i just did #CAP
It was.. as of what the Monro guy said...
i guess so... i just post a 50/50 & planning to do tonight...
I got the car checked at Pepboys & they suggested me to replace the thermostat (only to check if that makes us ignore the head gasket fault). Am curious what do i have to do to check if the thermostat is good or bad (& needs a replacement) ?

I just bought a thermostat, gasket for the same...planning to replace & check, if that helps...

I just drove the car for about 30 mins & its still the same... No change after the coolant refill...

How tough is replacing a HEAD GASKET job ? I got a quote of close to $1000 Cant afford that now !

 
Rep Power: 208

depends on where you take it, $1000 is not astronomical for a HG replacement

the cheapest price is never the best job, who do you trust with your car?

you dont want somebody botching a HG job, or your going to be right back in the same mess your in now,

 
Rep Power: 0

I understand... I usually do some basic work like brakes, suspensions, etc...

Can i do this ?
Any DYI link ???

been searching for one...

 
Rep Power: 208

i can not access your personal capabilities,

but if you do attempt the job,

it is probably worth the money to buy yourself a repair manual (honda, hayes, chilton), you will need it for the torque specs alone,

 
Rep Power: 0

SOLUTION (FOR MY SITUATION) - Changing the thermostat & refilling the coolant have helped. I did it last night & just drove the car to work in the morning. I usually heat the car before a drive for about 10-15 mins in winters especially... The heater did what it is suppose to !!!


Thanks all for your time & input.

 
Rep Power: 208

give it a week or two....you will likely have the same issue

 
Rep Power: 149

You can view/download the pdf repair manual here:
https://www.civicforums.com/forums/1...e-updated.html