Heating has started blowing cold air?

2002 BUICK LESABRE
84,620 MILES • 3.8L • V6 • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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KILAMAJARO77
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Had a coolant flush yesterday at a local shop. had good heat through all the vents when I left the shop. drove 5 miles and it started blowing cold air. drove back to the shop / my top Rad hose had collapsed so he added some coolant and sent me on my way with medium heat and now my defrost and vents blow cold air, but my floor vent blows warm air. Now I ran the car today and then released any air from the valve on top of the thermostat housing till just anti-freeze came out. new thermostat 2 weeks ago. What could be going on?
Dec 4, 2024 at 9:21 PM
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STRAILER
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It sounds like you have an air bubble stuck in the heater core which is common. I would get the front of the car in the air (jack) and remove the radiator cap, (engine cold) then start the engine and allow it to get hot while having the heater on full fan speed and heat. This should help the air escape; you can do the same thing while raising the of the car as well. Here is a video that can help as well and a guide:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SNRb6pSwYuU&t

This guide can help you raise the car:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/jack-up-and-lift-your-car-safely

Please upload pictures or videos in your response of any problems so we can see what to help you with.
Dec 5, 2024 at 1:50 PM
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KILAMAJARO77
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I'll try that in the morning. I'm just going to run it up on ramps.
Dec 5, 2024 at 6:21 PM
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STRAILER
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Sounds good, let me know how it goes, the heater worked before the work was done correct?
Dec 6, 2024 at 9:44 AM
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KILAMAJARO77
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Hi Ken,
Okay, that worked. I have good heat coming out of the floor vent and medium coming from the defrost and vents. It's much better than it was. I don't know why there would be a difference in the temperature between the two. Thanks for your help Ken.
Dec 7, 2024 at 11:41 AM
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STRAILER
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Glad you could get it fixed, thanks for letting us know. Please use 2CarPros anytime we are here to help.
Dec 7, 2024 at 12:46 PM
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KILAMAJARO77
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So having 2 different temperatures like that is normal?
Dec 7, 2024 at 12:53 PM
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STRAILER
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Can you explain a little more what is going on?
Dec 8, 2024 at 9:54 AM
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KILAMAJARO77
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Hi Ken, sorry for the delay. I have cancer and I have good days and bad days. Friday night I went for about a 30-mile drive. I had good heat coming from the floor and medium from the vents and defrost. By the time I got home I was getting cooler air coming from the defrost and vents and medium from the floor vent. All the time my temperature gauge stayed at the halfway mark (normal). Checked coolant level the next morning and it was full. Maybe I should change my thermostat back to 185 degrees instead of 192. suggestions?
Dec 10, 2024 at 11:57 AM
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KILAMAJARO77
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bad water pump?
Dec 10, 2024 at 12:57 PM
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STRAILER
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I am sorry to hear about your troubles, :/

If the engine is not overheating the water pump is okay, to me it sounds like the heater core needs to be flushed. I would remove the heater hoses and use a garden hose to help flush the core. Check out the images (below). Please let us know what happens.
Dec 11, 2024 at 10:03 AM
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KILAMAJARO77
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Hi Ken, thank you. Okay, I'll give that a try and get back to you. Maybe Friday.
Dec 11, 2024 at 4:33 PM
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STRAILER
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Sounds good, have a nice weekend!
Dec 12, 2024 at 12:29 PM
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KILAMAJARO77
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You too. I was thinking it could be the heater core itself but theres no fogging inside the car. no leaks inside on the floor. no coolant lost anywhere so... I'll find out !! Later
Dec 12, 2024 at 7:41 PM
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STRAILER
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Yep, it can be just clogged internally which is common.
Dec 13, 2024 at 12:42 PM
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KILAMAJARO77
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Merry Xmas Ken! I couldn't get those hose clamps off and it was getting colder because I was doing things outside, so I didn't want my hose to freeze up or break, so I gave up. I'm going to have a shop do it for $60 and be done with it. Thank you. Have a Happy New year and if I ever need your help, I'll be sure to reach out. Later on.
Dec 26, 2024 at 11:44 AM
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STRAILER
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Sounds good, the core flush should fix it, Merry Xmas to you as well, let me know how it goes :)
Dec 27, 2024 at 10:15 AM
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KILAMAJARO77
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Hi Ken, Got the heater core flushed. It took them 3 times plus they had to replace my right actuator, so I now have heat! Better than I ever had! Take care Ken. Thanks for your advice. You're on my speed dial. Later on.
Jan 4, 2025 at 4:00 PM
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You are welcome, please use 2CarPros anytime we are here to help.
Jan 5, 2025 at 12:20 PM