What is wrong with my car?

Question

I have a 1996 Chevy Cavalier. When the car is in park, the heater will start to warm up & blow out warm air. But when I shift the car into drive & start driving the temp. gauge goes all the way to the cool side & the heater starts to blow out cold air. I can then put the car in park again & the heater will start to blow out warm air again. I have recently just replaced the thermostat & the fuel pump & all of its componets. I am wondering if it is a faulty thermostat. If you have any ideas on what it may be & how I can fix it, it would be appreciated! Thanks

Answer 1

Your thermostat is stuck open, or when you recently replaced it, it was improperly installed (or even not installed?) is the most likely explaination.

Here's what I believe is going on.

When you are stopped, there is less air moving over the radiator, so the water in your cooling system will heat up as it cools the engine. When you are moving, more air is free flowing through the radiator and cooling the water in the cooling system.

The thermostat controls how cool the fluid in the cooling system should get. If it gets too cool, the thermostat is suppose to close. Your thermostat is not closing and thus your cooling system is constantly circulating.

Your temp gauge is also indicating that this is what is happening.

I recommend replacing the thermostat, and making sure it's installed properly.

Answer 2

IF the car engine temp remains warm, then it is the blend door in the ducting. This door directs air flow from the blower to the heat or A/C coils, or a combo of both.

Most newer cars do not have a valve to control the water thru the heater core.

This must be vacuum controlled. When you are at idle, the vacuum is high so it's pulling the door open a bit. When you take off, vacuum drops and the door closes. If you get to a cruising speed and let off the gas, I would bet it gets warm again.

I think it's the vacuum valve or a vacuum tube leak.

Answer 3

I forget what its called but there is a vent(just picture it as a door) that opens when the heater is turned on. It sounds like the vent is not closing and when ever you take off to drive you are getting the cold air fromj outside blowing into the vent. The same thing happened on a jeep I had

Answer 4

It sounds like it could be a bad/incorrectly installed thermostat.

If any radiator stop leak has ever been used in your radiator it could cause a restriction/clog in your heater core.

Most likely it could be your fresh air vent is jammed open allowing air to pass through your heater core during travel.

Answer 5

Like Mikey and frank f have mentioned. You did not get the entire tale. there is not any way the police or all people however the landlord of the motor vehicle is going to could pay for damages and prefer reported right it is why. If spikes are used on a automobile, it became into likely in a pursuit. this suggests that the driving force is breaking the regulation for not pulling over. (in spite of if it became into the incorrect automobile) At this factor the driving force is going to be arrested and is committing a criminal offense. The police use spike strips to offer up the automobile, and driving force is arrested. Any harm to the automobile that's brought about is the accountability of the driving force or proprietor at this factor.

Answer 6

Sounds like a clogged heater core

Answer 7

IN THE WATER LINE THERE IS A VALVE THAT SENDS HEATED WATER TO THE CORE OF THE HEATER CHECK TO SEE IF VALVE IS IN LINE OR CHECK INTO THE DEALER FOR ASSIST OR READ THE MANUAL ON HEATER

Answer 8

Please contact your mechanic immediately.