My Ford Taurus 1999 heater doesn’t work — what can I do?
My heater in my Ford Taurus 1999 just went out about a month ago. Unfortunately, an artic blast is on its way here (fastly approaching) and I’ve looked at the manual online and searched AutoZone. I’m confused. Does my car require a fuse to "re-ignite" the heater or should I take it to the local Ford dealership where they will try to take ALL OF MY MONEY? Please help . . . it’s getting cold outside!!!
I’ve never had it flushed out because I bought it used. Perhaps I should consider that option. My Dad said that it might just be the fuse . . . I may take it to a smaller shop; however, the shop that I used previously was AMORAL!!!
You guys have given me the greatest answers! It is too difficult to choose! Thank you ALL so much!!!
Tagged with: artic blast • autozone • dad • ford • ford dealership • ford taurus • fuse • money
Filed under: Ford Taurus 1996-1999
This problem could be classified in TWO categories. Electrical system, OR cooling system. If it’s equipped with the 3.0L OHV Vulcan V6, NOT the 3.0L DOHC Duratec 24 valve V6, those engines are NOTORIOUS for having the "brown" coolant problem. Casting material was left inside the engine blocks of those particular engines when they were manufactured new. Consequently, the cooling systems in those cars with that particular engine would be contaminated with rust. The ONLY way to fix this problem would be to perform SEVERAL thorough flushes of the ENTIRE cooling system, which includes back flushing the heater core, the radiator, and ESPECIALLY the engine block!!! It wouldn’t hurt to replace the thermostat as well, while you’re "in there". OR, you could have a control issue. To check this. Turn your climate control fan on to medium speed, and cycle the temperature control from FULL COLD, to FULL HOT. See if you hear a change in air flow. If so, the problem is in the cooling system. If not, the temperature blend door actuator has failed, causing the air not to circulate through the heater core. The only way to repair this, would require instrument panel removal for access the failed component(s). Hope this helps.
Take it to a smaller shop and have them check the thermostat.
If it goes bad then you will not get heat.
If it is the heater core then its not going to be cheap.
go try getting it fix at a cheap car shop
it’s probably full of block sealer and plugged up, whats the history on the car, can you flush out the heater hoses? Does the fan work? maybe a fuse. Does it put out heat when you are moving?
You don’t have to go to the dealership, you can find a local shop for a lot less money. It’s probably something simple but it should be properly diagnosed.
Your problem may be as simple as replacing a fuse or as complicated as replacing a blower motor or heater core. If you lack automotive troubleshooting skills, I’d recommend taking it to your Ford dealer. They’ll usually troubleshoot the problem without charge, giving you an estimate of the required repairs.
Unfortunately, you don’t have many options, given the potential complexity of the problems and your lack of experience.
you need to take it by a good shop and have it checked out real good ,you didn’t say whether or not it had the heater motor running on it or not,really not enough info to help you with ,,I’m sorry ,i wish i could help,good luck with it.
Ok, lets start at the begining, heater in cars work with the cooling system of the car, have you changed the thermostat of the car recently? do you feel air blowing inside the car? changing the thermostat and the anti-freeze may help and is good for your engine.
If, when you turn your heater on, there is no air coming out of the vents, check your fuses. The fuses are like the circuit breakers at your house. If there is a short, the fuse blows to prevent further damage to the car’s electrical system or even worse, fire. It’s easy. The fuse box on your car is located under the dash, near the brake pedal. It will have a cover on it with something like ‘fuse panel’ or something to that effect on it. Pull this cover off. There will either be a sticker on the inside of the cover guiding you to which fuse is to which circuit, or it will be marked directly on the fuse box. Find the one marked ‘heater’ or ‘temperature control’ or something along those lines. (You may even have to check your owners’ manual) Take a pair of needle nose pliers and pull out the corresponding fuse. If the little wire inside runs from one side to the other, the fuse is fine, just put it back where you got it from. If it is broken, replace it with a fuse of the same type. (there is a number on top, make sure the one you put in its place has the same number on it.) This should get your fan running again when you turn it on. However, fuses don’t normally blow without a reason, you may want to have your electrical system checked for shorts.
If your heater fan blows, but there is not heat… Check your antifreeze level. If your antifreeze runs low there won’t be any heat inside your car. There is a white/translucent reservoir under your hood. The cap will likely have a warning against opening it when the car is hot. There will be arrows on the side of the reservoir showing where the level of the liquid inside should be when the car is cold and when it is hot. if the level of the antifreeze is below the appropriate arrow, add some WHEN THE CAR’S ENGINE IS COLD. Make sure you get the right kind. Your parts store people will be more than happy to help you decide which type of coolant you need. If that doesn’t do it, then you probably need a thermostat, a quick job that most mechanics can do without too much trouble.
Hope this helps,
Vince
If the thermostat does not work won’t the car over heat?
My heater does not work also but when i turn on the heat, it makes a rhythmic thumping noise but only when i turn on the heat and not the air.