Heater System Trouble Shooting

1987 Chevrolet Hi-Cube 6.2 J, 475/M40SECTION Heater System Trouble Shooting
NOTE: This is GENERALΒ  information. This article is not intended to be specific to any unique situation or individual vehicle configuration. The purpose of this Trouble Shooting information is to provide a list of common causes to problem symptoms. For model-specific Trouble Shooting, refer to DIAGNOSTIC, or TESTING articles available in the section(s) you are accessing.
BASIC HEATER SYSTEM TROUBLE SHOOTING CHART

CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSE
Insufficient, Erratic, or No Heat Low Coolant Level
..... Incorrect thermostat.
..... Restricted coolant flow through core.
..... Heater hoses plugged.
..... Misadjusted control cable.
..... Sticking heater control valve.
..... Vacuum hose leaking.
..... Vacuum hose blocked.
..... Vacuum motors inoperative.
..... Blocked air inlet.
..... Inoperative heater blower motor.
..... Oil residue on heater core fins.
..... Dirt on heater core fins.
Too Much Heat Improperly adjusted cables.
..... Sticking heater control valve.
..... No vacuum to heater control valve.
..... Temperature door stuck open.
Air Flow Changes During Acceleration Vacuum system leak.
..... Bad check valve or reservoir.
Air From Defroster At All Times Vacuum system leak.
..... Improperly adjusted control cables.
..... Inoperative vacuum motor.
Blower Does Not Operate Correctly Blown fuse.
..... Blower motor windings open.
..... Resistors burned out.
..... Motor ground connection loose.
..... Wiring harness connections loose.
..... Blower motor switch inoperative.
..... Blower relay inoperative.
..... Fan binding or foreign object in housing.
..... Fan blades broken or bent.
RENDER: 1.0x

NO RELATED

Recommended Tools & Savings

Use the Manual With the Right Hardware

Pair factory procedures with proven DIY tools so the instructions are easier to execute.

Affiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

When to See a Mechanic

Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

  • β€’ You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
  • β€’ Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
  • β€’ The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
  • β€’ You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
  • β€’ You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.