Cooling system/Heater acting up - Toyota Celicas

GTStud · 10-23-2012, 07:10 PM

I have an '02 GTS with 65k on it. Here is whats happening: Shortly after starting and getting on the road when the engine is cold or warm (sitting for an hour) the temp gauge will spike, even though I know it is not overheating. While this is happening, the heater does not blow hot and the AC does not blow cold. After some time of leisurely driving the air will start to blow hot and the temp gauge will go back down, but then it may start to blow cold again and the gauge will spike. I have found that I can force it by holding 5500-6000 in 3rd or 4th gear on the freeway for a brief time, when I do this the cold air from the heater suddenly turns full hot and the gauge goes from spiked to normal instantly. If I do it this way it will stay normal for the remainder of my trip, no fluctuating. Anybody ever heard of this or have an idea what it could be? Thanks for helping out a lowly newb, it's much appreciated.

CELICA! · 10-24-2012, 12:25 AM

It sounds like your heater core is plugged up. drain a little bit of coolant and check the color/consistency of it.

There are several types of heater core flushing systems that are relatively cheap. You might look into that option first. If the heater core is the problem, and that doesn't work you are looking at a hefty repair bill for replacement of the core.
If you hear excessive boiling under the hood or a knocking sound near the glove box is likely the problem

May also be a water pump issue.

Get this fixed asap so you don't blow a gasket!

Edit: from what you described, it sounds like you have a partial clog in the core and holding the car at higher rpms is forcing three coolant through the blockage.

GTStud · 10-24-2012, 12:35 AM

I find it hard to believe that the core would be clogged with only 65k miles, the car is well taken care of and the coolant looks/smells/feels new. There are no unusual noises and the pump doesn't seem to be leaking out of the weep holes either. Ugh.

CELICA! · 10-24-2012, 02:09 AM

Hey just my two cents.

GTStud · 10-24-2012, 09:30 AM

That is why I'm here bud, to here others opinions! Thanks!

**garrisonboobs** · 10-24-2012, 11:13 PM

thermostat?

Cali90sGTS · 10-24-2012, 11:23 PM

Im with garrisonboobs check thermostat..

10-23-2012, 07:10 PM	#1 (permalink)
GTStud Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Posts: 3	Cooling system/Heater acting up I have an '02 GTS with 65k on it. Here is whats happening: Shortly after starting and getting on the road when the engine is cold or warm (sitting for an hour) the temp gauge will spike, even though I know it is not overheating. While this is happening, the heater does not blow hot and the AC does not blow cold. After some time of leisurely driving the air will start to blow hot and the temp gauge will go back down, but then it may start to blow cold again and the gauge will spike. I have found that I can force it by holding 5500-6000 in 3rd or 4th gear on the freeway for a brief time, when I do this the cold air from the heater suddenly turns full hot and the gauge goes from spiked to normal instantly. If I do it this way it will stay normal for the remainder of my trip, no fluctuating. Anybody ever heard of this or have an idea what it could be? Thanks for helping out a lowly newb, it's much appreciated.

10-24-2012, 12:25 AM	#2 (permalink)
CELICA! Enthusiast Join Date: Aug 2012 Posts: 32	It sounds like your heater core is plugged up. drain a little bit of coolant and check the color/consistency of it. There are several types of heater core flushing systems that are relatively cheap. You might look into that option first. If the heater core is the problem, and that doesn't work you are looking at a hefty repair bill for replacement of the core. If you hear excessive boiling under the hood or a knocking sound near the glove box is likely the problem May also be a water pump issue. Get this fixed asap so you don't blow a gasket! Edit: from what you described, it sounds like you have a partial clog in the core and holding the car at higher rpms is forcing three coolant through the blockage. Last edited by CELICA!; 10-24-2012 at 12:30 AM.

10-24-2012, 12:35 AM	#3 (permalink)
GTStud Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Posts: 3	I find it hard to believe that the core would be clogged with only 65k miles, the car is well taken care of and the coolant looks/smells/feels new. There are no unusual noises and the pump doesn't seem to be leaking out of the weep holes either. Ugh.

10-24-2012, 02:09 AM	#4 (permalink)
CELICA! Enthusiast Join Date: Aug 2012 Posts: 32	Hey just my two cents.

10-24-2012, 09:30 AM	#5 (permalink)
GTStud Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Posts: 3	That is why I'm here bud, to here others opinions! Thanks!

10-24-2012, 11:23 PM	#7 (permalink)
Cali90sGTS Guru Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: SoCal I.E Riverside Menifee Posts: 415	Im with garrisonboobs check thermostat..

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