lksmith95

Ok well sometimes my temp gauge reads hot and my heat doesn't work, but then other times it reads normal and my heat works fine. What's the problem here? I would think that if it is actually hot it wouldn't have any trouble puttin out hot air.. Help please.

etex

Sounds like possible problem with the thermostat.

lksmith95

Would the thermostat make the heat not work though?

armstrong4x4

if the thermostat is sticking it won't give any hot coolant to your heating system and it will make you run hot like you said

lksmith95

Ok cool ill check the thermostat. Thanks

cgossett

I had that problem for a while, was low on coolant

lksmith95

Yeah I topped off my coolant yesterday and it's fine now. Thanks!

5Rangers

This is really a great forum. Imagine coming on here and finding out that your problem is related to having your coolant system underserviced. When I was a very young probably before I learned to drive this was one of the things I was taught. To open the hood and check, oil level- very important, check coolant level- very important, brake fluid- very important, transmission fluid - very important,on truck with manual tranny there is also a reservoir for the clutch this is important too. There are other things to check under the hood too. Windshield washer fluid and battery too. My battery is sealed but I always look at the connectors to see that they are clean. Sometimes just looking around under there and problem areas can be spotted like a loose connection, chafed wire, vacuum hose worn, frayed belt, any leaks, dirty loose ground- this is really important on our trucks. I always look at places and things I have worked on just to make sure its still looking good like when I finished it.

I have found that this type of maintenance is referred to as preventative maintenance. Which is finding and preventing problems before they occur being proactive. Im thinking that maybe some guys haven't been taught these things so the reason why I write. Im not trying to be an **** Ik and I am happy your problem heater was easily repaired.

cgossett

No problem. Sure stumped me when it happened bc my overflow had fluid

5Rangers

Its an interesting point about the overflow bottle. It seems some times the radiator can get a bubble especially after breaking open the cooling system or if the system integrity is diminished, ie leaking not air tight. Another thing that I do when doing my checks if the overflow is where its supposed to be and the engine is cold is to take off the cap and look into the radiator. If the system is tight it should be pretty full. I did alot of work to my cooling system awhile back and its a battle keeping it tight. I saw coolant coming down the back of the engine and I thought maybe a freeze plug had let loose bit further inspection revealed the lower hose clamp on the engine side needed to be tightened a bit.