Why is my Chevy Impala no heat at idle?

If I get the engine above idle by reving the engine to about 1K rpm it starts to blow warm again. The temp gauge remains at the normal spot on the gauge. The radiator and expansion tank are at the correct levels. It turns out the problem is pretty common with 3.5L Impalas. For some reason these engines lose coolant.

What to do if your car has no heat at idle?

First check your coolant levels in your radiator and reservoir tank. Poor heat at idle, however, if the engine RPMs are raised the concern no longer occurs. 1. With the engine cooled off, remove the coolant pressure cap. 2. Remove upper heater core hose from the metal pipe on the engine. 3. Add coolant to the metal pipe, until full. 4.

What’s the normal temp in a Chevy Impala?

The factory gauge settles in at “normal” for a 160-200 degree range (normal temp is 185). At 160 the car barely makes any heat in the cabin, at 185 it’s got decent heat, and at 200 it can light your feet on fire. 🙂

Why does my 3.5L Impala lose coolant?

It turns out the problem is pretty common with 3.5L Impalas. For some reason these engines lose coolant. Some blame is placed on head gaskets, some blame Dex-Cool. What ever the cause, refilling via the overflow jug can leave an air pocket in the cooling system.

What should I do if my impala has no heat?

1. With the engine cooled off, remove the coolant pressure cap. 2. Remove upper heater core hose from the metal pipe on the engine. 3. Add coolant to the metal pipe, until full. 4. Raise the rubber portion of the heater core hose as high as it will go with it still attached at the heater core. Using a funnel, add coolant until the hose is full. 5.

Why does my Chevy Impala blow cold air at idle?

I have 2006 impala that randomly will blow cold air at idle. Sometimes if I stop at redlight the heater will blow cold air. If I get the engine above idle by reving the engine to about 1K rpm it starts to blow warm again. The temp gauge remains at the normal spot on the gauge. The radiator and expansion tank are at the correct levels.

Why does my car have no heat at idle?

No heat or hot air during idle is the result of air gap in the heater core. Open hood, driver side fire wall you will the see the heater core rubber hoses.

What to do about poor heat at idle?

Poor heat at idle, however, if the engine RPMs are raised the concern no longer occurs. 1. With the engine cooled off, remove the coolant pressure cap. 2. Remove upper heater core hose from the metal pipe on the engine. 3. Add coolant to the metal pipe, until full. 4.

What kind of coolant does a Chevy Impala use?

GM vehicles use the coolant DEX-COOL, which is the purple color coolant. In the impala’s if the coolant hasn’t been changed for a while the dex-cool will leave deposits, or get thick is easier way to think about it. When it runs through your heater core, that silt like deposit will clog the heater core.

How does the heater work on a Chevy Impala?

At the simplest level possible, the heater works by passing hot coolant from the engine into a tiny radiator called the heater core. At this point, the blower motor blows air across the it and the newly heated air blows on to the driver and passengers. If the heater has stopped working in your Impala, this process has failed in one way or another.