Hi there. I have come across this same problem several times. The majority of the time it is caused by a failing thermostat. Due to the poor design of a metal thermostat molded into a plastic housing these will not wear the same and the thermostat ends up sticking in the housing and no longer closing correctly. If this occurs, the coolant does not stay in the engine long enough to get hot, and will get hot under an increased load, such as going up a hill. I would typically change the thermostat first. If you needed to have this done, consider YourMechanic, as a certified mechanic can come to your home or office to replace the thermostat for you.
How to Identify and Fix Common car Problems ?
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The most common reasons a Jeep Liberty 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!
A thermostat that is stuck open can cause the engine to run colder than normal and turn on the check engine light. It may also cause poor fuel mileage and the heater to blow cool air. A thermostat that is stuck closed will cause the vehicle to overheat.
The most common reasons a Jeep Liberty is overheating are a coolant leak (water pump, radiator, hose etc.), the radiator fan, or a failed thermostat. Coolant leak (water pump, radiator, hose etc.)
If the temperature gauge consistently shows the engine is warmer than normal, have your cooling system checked ASAP. There are many possible reasons that your engine is running hot, including low coolant levels, a clogged or closed thermostat, a failed head gasket or a water pump malfunction.
If your coolant level is a-okay, but your car heater is blowing cold air and your engine is overheating, then you have a clog in your cooling system. Conversely, if your engine temperatures are unrealistically low after a drive, your thermostat is likely the culprit.
What causes heat not to work in a car can include: Faulty thermostat. Low antifreeze/coolant. Faulty heater fan.
One common reason engines overheat while idling is a faulty or broken cooling system. This could include problems with the radiator, water pump, or fan belt. If any part of your car`s cooling system is not functioning properly, your engine may be at risk of overheating.
The Coolant Is Low or Contaminated Like the thermostat problem, this may not present itself until your engine reaches operating temperature. While this may present itself when the vehicle is idling, it`s likely that your engine will keep overheating when you drive again.
Car overheats when driving but not when idling
If your temperature gauge is fine until you make the car work, the most likely issue is coolant flow.
The auxiliary water pump moves hot water or coolant that has recently circulated through the engine block to the heater core. However, when the pump is not working, due to an electronics failure or the motor of the auxiliary pump being broken, the heater core will not be able to heat up.
If you find your furnace blowing cold air, you may have a dirty or clogged air filter. To make sure, remove the air filter and inspect it. If it`s clogged with dust, clean it with compressed air or wash it in warm water with mild soap or just buy a new one.
Only Use Water In The Radiator In An Emergency
If it`s really low or actually empty, you need to add fluid to your vehicle. While it`s ideal to add a 50/50 mix of coolant and water (or a pre-mixed coolant), if you absolutely have to keep driving, you can add water to the radiator to get you to your destination.
It`s most likely an incorrect thermostat setting if you find your furnace blowing warm air, not hot. The fan is set to “on” instead of “auto.” Furnaces only pump hot air until the thermostat setting is reached, so if your fan is always on, it will blow both hot air when the furnace is heating and cold when it`s not.
Dirt Buildup
One of the most common causes of a heater blowing cold air is a clogged filter. However, even if you replace the air filter with a new one, dirt and other particles can still be present inside the system. This could lead to overheating in the long run.
It`s most likely an incorrect thermostat setting if you find your furnace blowing warm air, not hot. The fan is set to “on” instead of “auto.” Furnaces only pump hot air until the thermostat setting is reached, so if your fan is always on, it will blow both hot air when the furnace is heating and cold when it`s not.
Look for broken parts, split hoses, and leaks. Obstructions and leaks are common issues that cause low heat delivery to the cabin of your Jeep. Repair or replace any broken or damaged parts. Do a simple coolant level check of your reservoir and radiator when your Jeep is completely cooled.