In a 2003 Cadillac CTS at idle position, it does blow hot air but once driving, I only feel cold air coming through the vents.

In a 2003 Cadillac CTS at idle position, it does blow hot air but once driving, I only feel cold air coming through the vents. Coolant level is fine, dont think a leak is in the radiator. I've felt the hoses and they're hot, but once on the road, cool. I felt the heating core by accessing it through the inside of the glove box, in idle its warm, semi-hot but once driving, cool. Stuck. Help? 🙂

My car has 114000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.

Experienced mechanics share their insights in answering this question :
Hi there. It is possible that you have an obstruction of engine sludge or debris inside the heater core. This typically will cause elevated engine temperature and heaters to not work as well during operation; or specifically – when the heater control valve is opened during operation. It’s also possible that the heater control valve is not working as intended; which might explain the cooler air during engine operation. I would first suggest reading this article which explains some of the common symptoms of a failing heater control valve. If these are common with your issue, it’s probably best to have a professional mobile mechanic come to your location and complete a heater is not working inspection to determine the source of this issue.

How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?

Our sources include academic articles, blog posts, and personal essays from experienced mechanics :

The most common reasons a Cadillac CTS heater isn`t working are a broken heater blower motor, a problem with the thermostat, or a failed heater blower motor resistor. Search our network of RepairPal Certified shops near you to speak with a technician about your issue. Oops! We got lost!
The most common reasons a Cadillac CTS ac isn`t working are a refrigerant leak, an electrical climate control issue, or a problem with the air conditioning compressor. You may not realize there`s a refrigerant leak until the air conditioner stops blowing cold.
With proper maintenance and repairs, a Cadillac CTS can easily surpass 150,000 miles, with many users still seeing strong performance well beyond 200,000 miles without any serious problems, which makes it a great investment for your next vehicle should it meet your needs.
One of the most common reasons your car AC is blowing hot air is because of a refrigerant issue—specifically, a loss of refrigerant. This loss of refrigerant can occur either due to a leak or because your car`s refrigerant levels are too low.
An A/C blowing hot air has several possible root causes. There could be an issue with your compressor clutch, a blown fuse, a leak, or a clog in the expansion valve. What causes A/C system leaks? To put it simply, age and moisture are some of the main causes of leaks in your A/C.
Restrictions in the cooling system

Dirty or clogged air filters can also cause your air conditioner`s air to feel less cold. If your A/C is blowing cool air, but not cold air, even though you have it set to the max cool setting, this could be an issue with a restriction or a dirty filter.

In addition, CoPilot recommends avoiding the 2006 through 2009 and 2014 CTS model years. The most common serious problems plaguing the 2006 CTS include coolant leaking into the transmission, no engine compression, and internal oil cooler failure.
2016 Is the Best Year for Cadillac CTS

The more recent models are proven more reliable based on reviews and customer satisfaction, especially with the last CTS generation (2016-2019). The 2016 Cadillac CTS boasts a powerful range of engines, including the V6 and V8 powertrains.

Pop Quiz: What does the CTS stand for in the Cadillac brand? More than 15-years ago, the CTS abbreviation was introduced and stands for `Catera Touring Sedan. ` This “model” was introduced as the follow-up to the Catera mid-size sedan produced from 1997-2001.
A Cadillac can last up to 200,000 miles and more with proper care. Several factors affect a vehicle`s ultimate mileage, including age, condition, and driving habits. With proper care and maintenance, a Cadillac typically lasts 200,000 miles.
Cadillac is part of the GM family of vehicles — an automaker that is well-known for making cars with reliable engines and good powertrains (which include the engine, transmission, driveshaft, axles and differential).
A small refrigerant leak is the most common reason a car`s A/C gradually loses its cool. A leak is typically caused by a mixture of moisture and refrigerant that, when combined, creates a corrosive acid that eats away at seals, valves, and hoses in the A/C system.
The short answer is yes, coolant can affect air conditioning performance in a number of ways. Typically, coolant can affect your AC`s temperature, humidity, and airflow. Your AC`s temperature may be affected by the proximity of your car`s interior to your engine.
Heat Pump Has Leaking or Low Refrigerant

If your heat pump is not blowing warm air, the refrigerant may be the problem. The unit could be running low and need additional refrigerant added. Needless to say, this isn`t something you can do on your own. A refrigerant leak can cause this problem.

Common Causes of an Air Conditioner Blowing Warm or Hot Air

These can be due to clogging issues, electrical problems, low refrigerant, evaporator coil malfunctions, or compression problems. If you`ve ever had the ac system in your car stop functioning, it`s often due to a refrigerant leak or dirty coil.

Generally speaking, when cool air blows during early morning hours, and then blows warmer as it gets warmer outside, it can be due to a few possible sources. First, and most common is that the AC vent is set to draw air from the outside and not through the cabin.
Freon, or coolant, is the chemical in the air conditioning system that cools the air.
Low coolant: Whether caused by a leak or water evaporation, low coolant is the most common source of poor heater output. Thermostat: A stuck-open thermostat prevents the engine (and coolant) from heating up. Heater core: A clogged heater core restricts coolant flow, giving up little or no heat.
Transmission problems: Numerous CTS models contended with transmission system issues which are mainly attributed to fluid leaks. In addition, ruptured transmission seals and a faulty torque converter may contribute to the CTS`s transmission woes. Unfortunately, fixing the transmission system can be expensive.
General Motors LLC (GM) notified the agency on July 2, 2014 that they are recalling 554,328 model year 2003-2014 Cadillac CTS vehicles manufactured August 16, 2001, to April 28, 2014, and 2004-2006 Cadillac SRX vehicles manufactured March 20, 2003, to August 11, 2006.
In a field of luxury sports sedans that are directed more toward the posh end of that spectrum, the 2019 Cadillac CTS is a breath of fresh air for driving enthusiasts.
(2021-Present) 2022 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing

The 2022 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing is capable of completing a 0-60 mph sprint in just 3.4 seconds with a claimed top speed of 200 mph. The CT5-V Blackwing currently holds the torch for being the fastest Cadillac.

The Cadillac CTS was discontinued to make way for the Cadillac CT5, which indirectly replaces the CTS. The plant is almost completely tooled for CT5 production, which means the new D-segment car will start rolling off the line in the very near future.
It wasn`t the first time Cadillac aimed for European flair, but it was the first time it had even approached the target. In the process, Cadillac managed to build a better muscle car than any other GM division before it. Underhood was the 400-hp, 346-cu.in.

Relevant Questions and Answers :

the most relevant questions and answers related to your specific issue

In a 2003 Cadillac CTS at idle position, it does blow hot air but once driving, I only feel cold air coming through the vents.
ANSWER : Hi there. It is possible that you have an obstruction of engine sludge or debris inside the heater core. This typically will cause elevated engine temperature and heaters to not work as well during operation; or specifically – when the heater control valve is opened during operation. It’s also possible that the heater control valve is not working as intended; which might explain the cooler air during engine operation. I would first suggest reading this article which explains some of the common symptoms of a failing heater control valve. If these are common with your issue, it’s probably best to have a professional mobile mechanic come to your location and complete a heater is not working inspection to determine the source of this issue.

While driving defroster set to hot blows hot air as it should, while idling it is blowing cold air.
ANSWER : First, the coolant level should be checked to make sure the radiator is full. While the overflow tank may be full, the radiator cap must be taken off to check the level inside the radiator. If you find the level is very low, you have a coolant leak that must be fixed. If coolant levels are normal, an engine thermostat or heater control problem may be what you’re experiencing. Consider hiring an experienced technician like one from YourMechanic who can come out and take a closer look at your lack of heat concern to offer a more personal diagnosis.

Hot air mixed with cold blows from air conditioning
ANSWER : Hey there. You will most likely have to have a mechanic bypass the heater coolant lines to have this resolved. Your A/C may not be controlling the air flow inside the evaporator correctly out of the vents and may be the blend door actuator stuck in the heat position. Have the AC system diagnosed first before bypassing the heater.

My air is blowing cold-hot-cold-hot-cold-hot…
ANSWER : It is possible that you have a leak in the AC system. There are pressure switches that will turn off the compressor if the pressure is too high or too low. The low refrigerant level could cause the AC compressor to cycle on and off. If you would like to have this done, a certified technician from YourMechanic can come to your car’s location to diagnose the AC system and make the correct repair.

Air conditioning blowing mildly cold air on the coldest setting, turned off/on again, now blowing cold air, should it be checked?
ANSWER : If you are getting ready for a long trip and suspect the cooling fan may be not coming on for the radiator and a/c then you should have the a/c and cooling system performanced checked before trip. Nothing worse than breaking down when out of town in a strange area.

A question regarding my car blowing intermittently hot and cold air.
ANSWER : It sounds like you have failed cooling fans. When the car is at idle, the fans should run to pull air across the A/C condenser to regulate refrigerant temperatures and the radiator to regulate coolant temperature. If these fans fail, then these components will receive no airflow at idle, but will still get airflow while driving due to the car moving. I would suggest having a qualified technician, such as one from YourMechanic, inspect your fan operation, as well as the rest of the cooling system for proper operation.

When idling, car overheats and A/C blows hot air – 2001 Saturn L100
ANSWER : Hello. The most likely cause of the issue that your are having would be a faulty cooling fan. The cooling fans purpose is to keep the radiator and condenser for the air conditioning cool during the idling function of the vehicle.

If the cooling fan is not working, this will cause the radiator and condenser to get very hot. When the radiator and condenser get hot, this can cause the vehicle to overheat and the air conditioning not to work. When the vehicle is driving at higher speeds, the force of air that is created towards the vehicle will flow through the radiator and condenser and therefore keep them cool. I would recommend having the cooling fan checked to make sure that it is working properly. If not, I would recommend having the cooling fan replaced.

Why is my car blowing hot air and cold air at the same time?
ANSWER : The answer to this depends on whether you have switched on heating, cooling (A/C) or neither. In one scenario, for example, if you have not switched on the A/C system, but the A/C is running as confirmed by a visual check of the A/C compressor, and you are getting cool air obviously there is an electrical problem. The coincidental heating could be due to a blend door malfunction. If the only thing you did was remove electrical or electronic components, it would appear that you have an electrical malfunction in the controls. I recommend you request an HVAC diagnostic and the responding certified mechanic will get this resolved for you. If you have further questions or concerns, do not hesitate to re-contact YourMechanic as we are always here to help you.