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Lv 5

My automobile's heater is blowing cold air!?

I have a 2002 Toyota Camry, and the heater worked very well until this morning. I drove home after working the grave shift at 4 AM in 12 degree temps with cold air from my blower (BRRRR froze my butt!!!). The thermostat needle went all the way to the top of HOT! Do you think I might need to add anti-freeze to the radiator or is it more serious than that?

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  • 1 decade ago
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    The symptoms you describe make me think that you did not have your anti-freeze checked for it's capacity to withstand very cold temperatures. There is a little tool that takes a sample of your anti-freeze and determines to what temperature the engine is protected. What you describe makes me think that ice has already formed throughout your cooling system. The ice then restricts proper flow, or distorts the thermostat and makes it dysfunctional. You MUST use ONLY GENUINE TOYOTA COOLANT in this car. Anything else will cause big engine trouble on down the road. Open your hood, and squeeze your radiator hoses. If they are crunchy and not limber,you have a problem. Topping up wioth any anti-freeze, if hyour system is low, will require the total flushing of your cooling system and the restored use of the Toyota coolant. Have your car inspected for the possibility of a leaking radiator or other cooling system component, like water pump. Good luck!!

  • 1 decade ago

    You can check the coolant level at the reservoir but if you developed a leak, you will not get an accurate idea of the coolant level because a leaking system doesn't let the recovery system work correctly.

    You should wait until it's cooled off and check the coolant level AT THE RADIATOR by opening the cap. Fill that up with 50/50 antifreeze, start the car and watch for the coolant to start flowing when it warms up and the thermostat opens. Keep the level up and when hot, put the cap back on and fill the reservoir to the FULL line.

    Keep your eye on it and if the level goes down you have a leak.

  • 1 decade ago

    That's not good at all.

    If the temp needle goes up to that hot of a temperature, it means that you are probably lacking coolant in your system. You most likely have a leak, so that means that the temp goes up high AND the small hose that pumps the hot water to your heater core is not getting any water/antifreeze.

    I HOPE you had enough anti-freeze in it to begin with. This sounds like maybe it got cold enough to crack an important part and started leaking anti-freeze.

    But, first thing is first. Pop the hood. Check the level of anti-freeze in the reservoir. If it is lacking, add what is needed. DO NOT USE WATER!

  • 1 decade ago

    If your coolant is low enough there will be no circulation and no heat. Check it and top it off.

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  • 1 decade ago

    ,,add some 50/50 coolant so you dont melt the engine and can get some heat..check other fluids while ur at it,,,,

    Source(s): fear for the future of america
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