Heater Control Valve function and Testing
Heater Control Valve
It is a control valve that collects the hot coolant from the vehicle engine and diverts it to the heater core. Air also passes through the heater core, it is warmed up by the hot coolant and the warm air is distributed throughout the vehicle through the air vents. The heater control valve is the component that is adjusted when turning the heat control knob on your dashboard or center console – allowing more or less warm air to pass through depending on the setting. This same heat is used to clear your windshield(s) of ice and snow.
Note that not all vehicles have a heater control valve. Some models use a blend door. It is the motorized door-like component that separates the heating and AC systems. The blend door opens and moves to balance the amount of warm and cool air that travels out of the air vents based on the input from the AC control knob.
Signs Of Bad Heater Control Valve
There are many points as following- No heat coming out
- Heat always on and cannot be turned to decrease
- Heat output changes with no changes in the heat setting
- Temperature gauge reads hot
- Low coolant level
- Coolant leak
.png "Sectional view of Heater Control Valve")
Replacement Of Heater Control Valve
There are many steps as following
- Materials Requirements:
- Distilled water
- Drain pan
- New heater control valve
- New engine coolant
- Hand tools (Ratchet Set, Screwdrivers, Pliers)
- Funnel(spill-free)
- Safety glasses
- Hand gloves
- Hose pick tool
👉Warning: Never perform cooling system services on a hot vehicle. The system may be under pressure and contain coolant at high temperatures. Leave the vehicle for at least 2 hours for engine cooling.
2. Disconnect the power supply from the battery for a better workspace and prevent any damage to the electrical circuit and components.
3. Drain Coolant - After the disconnection of the battery next drain the coolant with the help of the drain bolt which is located at the lower hose of the radiator.
4. Location Of the Heater Control Valve -Some vehicles of the Heater Control Valves will be located in the engine compartment at near the passenger side firewall. Some vehicles are located behind the dashboard near the passenger footwell.
Note: For better follow the factory service manual for your vehicle to determine the exact location.
5. Remove the faulty Heater Control Valve -First lose the hose clamp after removing the heater control valve and placed a new Heater Control Valve according to the old one. Fix the hose clamp.
6. Refilling Coolant-New coolant and distilled water mixture ratio 50:50 refilling in the radiator with the help of a funnel.
7. Reconnect the power supply-Connect the cable on the terminal of the battery.
8. Need to Start vehicle - Start the vehicle, turn the heater on high, and allow the vehicle to achieve normal operating temperature.
FAQ
How do I know if my heater control valve is bad?If no heat coming out. If the heat is always on and cannot be turned down. Heat output changes with no changes in the heat setting.
Can I bypass my heater control valve?
Heater control valve bypass can do but it is a violation of the vehicle's standard. When bypass hoses are installed, the coolant in your car will always be circulating through the heater core – that means that if the core starts leaking, you won't be able to turn it off.
Is a heater control valve necessary?
The flow of coolant from the engine to the heater core is important. The only way that this flow is regulated is by having a fully functional heater control valve.
How to test the heater control valve?
Visually check leakage and hand-operated vacuum pump to check diaphragm open or close, if the heater control valve solenoid is operated then check by applying voltage.
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