2000 Leganza SE Heat & Washer ???

[lindaoferie]

Hi all!

We live by Lake Erie and it's freeeezing here (10F right now - wind chill about 3F).
1. My heater is blowing luke warm. Antifreeze is at correct level and dash guage shows a bit below half which is where it is all year long, even in warm weather. It seems to produce more heat when accelerating than when sitting idling. Any ideas?
2. Windshield washer has quit squirting. I can hear the pump trying to pump. The washer fluid is full with store bought stuff. Is it just frozen? Will adding alcohol help thaw it out? Any ideas would be appreciated.

Thanks[/b]

[PrecisionBoost]

A bit below half should be the right area for the temperature gauge.... there could be a number of issues causing your lack of heat.

--> There might be something blocking the flow of coolant into the heater core.
--> The flaps that control the mix of hot and cold might be out of alignment.... so at full heat you might still have some cold air mixing with the hot to produce luke warm

As far as the windshield washer fluid.... I can't comment on the stuff you have down in your area..... I live in Northern Alberta so our windshield washer fluid won't freeze even in -40 degree weather.

Adding achohol might not work..... I'm not too sure about that one.

If it were me... I'd remove the hoses going into the nozzles on the hood.... then try the spray.... if nothing comes out.... move down the line to the next hose connection..... and so on until you reach the pump..... if nothing comes out of the pump it means there is some kind of blockage inside the resevoir... you would need to remove it.... dump out all the fluid and try to clean it out with hot water.

Sorry I can't be more usefull.... there are many things which could be causing both types of problems.

[TheGreatAndPowerfulOz]

Chris ... just a little info ... here in warmer parts of the U.S. that usually don't get too cold, you can buy washer fluid that will freeze if it gets cold (don't ask me why). If you pay a little more, you can get the stuff that will not freeze.

[lindaoferie]

A bit below half should be the right area for the temperature gauge.... there could be a number of issues causing your lack of heat.

--> There might be something blocking the flow of coolant into the heater core.
--> The flaps that control the mix of hot and cold might be out of alignment.... so at full heat you might still have some cold air mixing with the hot to produce luke warm

As far as the windshield washer fluid.... I can't comment on the stuff you have down in your area..... I live in Northern Alberta so our windshield washer fluid won't freeze even in -40 degree weather.

Adding achohol might not work..... I'm not too sure about that one.

If it were me... I'd remove the hoses going into the nozzles on the hood.... then try the spray.... if nothing comes out.... move down the line to the next hose connection..... and so on until you reach the pump..... if nothing comes out of the pump it means there is some kind of blockage inside the resevoir... you would need to remove it.... dump out all the fluid and try to clean it out with hot water.

Sorry I can't be more usefull.... there are many things which could be causing both types of problems.

Chris...I probably will do as you suggest before I take it to a garage. I am also going to check the auto parts store to see if there is a more potent fluid.

This a great board! FAST responses!