1996 GMC Sierra heating issue
Question:
Hello, Just wondering if I have a possible thermostat issue or maybe a damper issue… I’ve noticed a couple of things with the pickup lately, a 1996 GMC Sierra, 6 cylinder, automatic, basic pickup. The temperature gauge never exceeds a couple of notches beyond the 100 degree line, maybe goes around 130 or so. Also, the heater blows cold air. Is the temperature reading about right? Could the thermostat be bad? Many thanks for all assistance. Regards, Samson
Response:
First thing, check the coolant level in the rad, and fill up if needed. If that doesnt cure it, then either test the coolant at operating temp with a suitable thermometer or feel upper rad hose to determine how hot the engine actually is. 130* is about the same as hot tap water. 190*-200* you should barely be able to touch it. If it seems too cold and is full of coolant then replace the thermostat. If it is hot enough then I’d look at the heater hose flow valve (if this model has one), sender, gauge and related wiring, and/or the pod for the heater door, as well as the heater controls. Most likely the thermostat or low coolant level, but dual problems do sometimes occur. Happy Hunting, Bob Leggott, Cloverdale, B.C.
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hello, > Just wondering if I have a possible thermostat issue or maybe a damper > issue… I’ve noticed a couple of things with the pickup lately, a 1996 GMC > Sierra, 6 cylinder, automatic, basic pickup. The temperature gauge never > exceeds a couple of notches beyond the 100 degree line, maybe goes around > 130 or so. Also, the heater blows cold air. Is the temperature reading about > right? Could the thermostat be bad? Many thanks for all assistance. > Regards, > Samson
Response:
Many thanks for the info. The thermostat was stuck in the open position so I proceeded to replace it. That took care of the temperature readings on the temperature gauge. However, that didn’t cure the problem with the heater. Turns out I had to clean out the heater core. I removed the two hoses and simply blasted water through the core blowing out a bunch of rusty gunk in the process. Put everything back together and now it works like a champ. Thanks again, Samson
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> First thing, check the coolant level in the rad, and fill up if needed. If > that doesnt cure it, then either test the coolant at operating temp with a > suitable thermometer or feel upper rad hose to determine how hot the engine > actually is. 130* is about the same as hot tap water. > 190*-200* you should barely be able to touch it. If it seems too cold and is > full of coolant then replace the thermostat. If it is hot enough then I’d > look at the heater hose flow valve (if this model has one), sender, gauge > and related wiring, and/or the pod for the heater door, as well as the > heater controls. Most likely the thermostat or low coolant level, but dual > problems do sometimes occur. > Happy Hunting, > Bob Leggott, > Cloverdale, B.C. > Hello, > Just wondering if I have a possible thermostat issue or maybe a damper > issue… I’ve noticed a couple of things with the pickup lately, a 1996 > GMC > Sierra, 6 cylinder, automatic, basic pickup. The temperature gauge never > exceeds a couple of notches beyond the 100 degree line, maybe goes around > 130 or so. Also, the heater blows cold air. Is the temperature reading > about > right? Could the thermostat be bad? Many thanks for all assistance. > Regards, > Samson
Response:
You have a faulty thermostat It could be sticking, eiher case replace it winter is coming Jim the mechanic
