My 2004 Chevy Impala is blowing cold air through defrost or the heater. My coolant level is low however (overflow bottle is empty). Could this be the problem (coolant level being low) as to why there is no heat or is it a heater core issue. Thanks for your time and consideration. Doug
No heat is often a symptom of low coolant, usually followed by overheat. There are other controls that regulate heater, but right now, re-fill the cooling system with engine running and heater on high, then check for leaks (coolant you lost went somewhere...you need to determine where) Low coolant will damage your engine. Take care of that first, then if heater still does not work, then do diagnosis on that. (if you loose the engine heat won't matter, will it!)
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There are doors inside the heater box that open and close to change direction and amount of heat. The doors are moved by small vacuum "motors" that take commands from the heater control. Possibly, you have a problem with one of them. Unfortunately they are mostly difficult or near impossible to get to. You may want to get a manual to do diagnosis and find repair instructions. I couldn't possibly write it all out here. One other note. don't forget that the coolant you lost had to go somewhere and if that is not corrected, you can and will have a problem with it. Usually it will pick a day with the worst weather when you have the least amount of time (just seems to work that way)
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Yes.....you DO want to correct the coolant level in the cooling system before engine damage is done.
DO NOT take the coolant pressure cap off unless the engine is cold.
Remove cap and start engine.....fill to proper level with a 50% antifreeze (long life antifreeze..... usually red ) and 50% water mix.
Once the coolant system has been refilled you should have heat from the heater again.
When filling stay with it until proper operating temperature is reached.
Once the thermostat opens at the correct operating temperature the system may require more coolant to properly fill it.
Why is the system low?
While filling and once filled ......look under the car for leaks.
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You probably have a blown head gasket. With the engine cold, take off the radiator cap, make sure the radiator is full, and start the engine. If you have air bubbles rising in the radiator, especially when you open the throttle, you have a blown head gasket.
My 2004 impala keeps running hot, I replace the radiator, thermostat, water pump. why is it still running hot.
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Thanks for your input. Filled the cooling system back to normal operating levels. I am now getting heat again however, I am only getting warm air from the passenger's side. Still blowing cold on the driver's side. I'm suspecting some sort of control but, wanted to get some input from you all to see what to look for. Again THANK you so much for your time and consideration. Doug
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