Hey guys just looking for some advice/help. i have an '04 sunfire, i have been experiencing heating issues for the past year. it seems the problem maybe various issues so im not really sure where to start.
PROBLEMS
1 - the heat doesn't get hot in the winter. its only warm enough to keep the windshield defrosted but not enough to heat the car. (ive touched both inlet and outlet hoses to the heater core and they both are hot)
2- the temp gauge stopped working. i noticed it was acting very weird for a while. the temp readings were very random, one minute it was reading cold and the very next it was in the red. the gauge is now stuck, it went completely around in almost a full circle and is now under the tack needle.
3- A mechanic told me the rad fan is running constant and doesnt turn off (electrical, relay, sensor??)
4 - the same mechanic also said there is a trouble code stating a thermostat problem.
im a student, so im on a very strict budget and it seems like this is an expensive problem to troubleshoot. any help that you guys can offer would be greatly appreciated.
PS. ive been driving the car for about a year like this, it hasnt overheated or any other issues. it just sucks in the winter with no heat.
thanks again for any help!
cheers
PROBLEMS
1 - the heat doesn't get hot in the winter. its only warm enough to keep the windshield defrosted but not enough to heat the car. (ive touched both inlet and outlet hoses to the heater core and they both are hot)
2- the temp gauge stopped working. i noticed it was acting very weird for a while. the temp readings were very random, one minute it was reading cold and the very next it was in the red. the gauge is now stuck, it went completely around in almost a full circle and is now under the tack needle.
3- A mechanic told me the rad fan is running constant and doesnt turn off (electrical, relay, sensor??)
4 - the same mechanic also said there is a trouble code stating a thermostat problem.
im a student, so im on a very strict budget and it seems like this is an expensive problem to troubleshoot. any help that you guys can offer would be greatly appreciated.
PS. ive been driving the car for about a year like this, it hasnt overheated or any other issues. it just sucks in the winter with no heat.
thanks again for any help!
cheers