Reader Question
Hi Austin,
I am looking at a faily good shape 1989 Toyota Cresida with 230000 on it.
Starts well
Drives well
The only problem is there is no heat.
What could the possible problems be?
The goofy control panel?
Heater core? Did not see any leaks.
How could I tell as it is a bit of work to get it registered to take it a mechanic. Is there any easy way to do this.
Any help would be appreciated.
Regards,
David
Regina, SK, Canada
Hello up there David,
Thanks for your email. I love the Cressida, great long term mechanical track record….but you are just about at the end of its lifespan….do you really want to buy this old of a vehicle with that many miles on it?? Or is that Kilometers?
At any rate, I am sure you could spend your money more wisely…..I just don’t know if this is really a good investment or not. MANY things start to break down at this mileage and time frame….transmissions, water pumps, alternators, radiators, engines, air compressors, wiring, computers etc etc. etc. etc. This vehicle could nickel and dime you to death over the next few months.
OK, off my soap box!
First check to see if there is enough coolant inside the radiator itself to make the heater hot. If the radiator is low, you probably have a coolant leak somewhere and should get a cooling system pressure test to find the leak.
If the coolant is full, feel the upper and lower radiator hoses and the two heater hoses under the hood on the passenger side. If the radiator hoses are not hot after the engine has reached operating temperature then I would replace the thermostat and see what happens.
If the radiator hoses are hot, and one heater hose is hot….you might have a stopped up heater core which could be unplugged by removing the heater hoses and “back flushing†the heater core with a garden hose to remove the restriction.
If both heater hoses are hot to the touch you probably have a control problem in the dash or the control panels.
Here is a used car manual you might want to print out and fill out as much as you can, then get your mechanic to look the vehicle over before you buy it. Used Car Check list
Sorry to rain on your parade, keep me posted as to what you find out.
Blessings,
Austin Davis