No heat.

[DeCaff2007]

Hello all. I rarely post here as I don't have many problems with this Jeep. It's actually my g/f's Jeep, I just maintain it.

So anyway, it's an 03 Liberty Renegade with about 115K. I have the dreaded low heat issue.

I'm fairly confident it's the blend door or the actuator, however, I cannot find a single bit of info on how to actually get to it for the 03 model year.

Anyone have any pics or links for this?

Thanks.

 

[dude1116]

First did you check the coolant level? Helps if you say what you've done

 

[Cacher123]

Similar problem but my coolant level kept dropping. Turned out the heater core went bad. Major job to fix. Whole dash had to come out. Like 10 hrs labor. Works great now though. Just in time to sell it.

 

[LibertyTC]

I would recommend pressure testing the system first.
If it is not holding pressure you have a leak somewhere, same scenario as if you have to add hoat coolant. Air in the system will cause low heat /pressurization.
With Kj warmed up, when u turn temp selector to blue or cold air (got cold air now?) and then to hot, does it get at least warm quickly when parked?
Does the top rad hose get hot as well?

 

[DeCaff2007]

First did you check the coolant level? Helps if you say what you've done

I've done a lot of Googling, lol.

Seriously though, really all I've done is add some antifreeze to the reservoir on the firewall (it always seems to be empty) and I've checked the heater core hoses. Both were hot so that's good.

Is there a way to check the antifreeze I don't know about?

I'm a total noob to Jeeps so all help is appreciated.

LoL if this was GM I'd have the whole thing torn apart in less than 2 hours. I can turn some wrench, just know next to nothing about Jeeps.

 

[Wildebeest]

Fix the leak. Flush the system. Refill with the correct coolant.

 

[ltd02]

I've done a lot of Googling, lol.

Seriously though, really all I've done is add some antifreeze to the reservoir on the firewall (it always seems to be empty)

Is the radiator okay? Have you checked the upper drivers side corner. Near the upper hose but out front. Any puddles? Must be leaking somewhere. Not into the oil I hope. Usually the heater core will give you that distinct smell inside (been there).

 

[DeCaff2007]

I'm not so sure about the radiator. Last night, I could smell the FAINTEST hint of antifreeze when she pulled in the garage and I popped the hood to check the heater core hoses.

Here's the location you are referring to, hopefully. I think all is well.

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Oh my, I went underneath and there is antifreeze all down the drivers side of the radiator. More so at the bottom but I can tell it's coming from the top somewhere. I'm gonna replace the drivers side hose and hope for the best.

On the other hand, the passenger side of the rad isn't looking the greatest, either.

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Lastly, upper rad hose is hot to the touch, lower is cold to lukewarm at best.

Temp gauge never goes above half.

Bad radiator? If I replace rad, how do I bleed the system?

Thanks.

 

[ltd02]

Looks like the rad hoses are not tight/sealing.Those replacement worm style clamps sort of suck. They can loosen with repeated heating and cooling. Can't beat the factory spring style. The spot I was referring to was the front of the rad at the top Dside. So like figure one but probably have to pull the rubber flap forward while looking in from the front. Sort of looks like your hoses may be the leak point but check the rad really well too. Only use a Mopar replacement if necessary. Aftermarket rads are not going to last.

Bleeding as in draining would be from the petcock on the bottom Dside. If you meaning getting the air out, opinions vary but mine always self purges. Never had to do anything special. Just fill at the reservoir. When filling at the reservoir you can remove the plug on the metal part at the engine side of the top rad hose and fill (WITH 50/50 HOAT ONLY) until some spills out.

 

[ltd02]

I'd change the Tstat while you are at it too. Again, Mopar seem to be the best option. Make sure the bypass air hole is up (12 O'clock) if it doesn't have the index seal like the factory one did.

 

[DeCaff2007]

Alright man I'll check in out here in a few. Been a busy day so it's not on the top of my priority list.

And as for bleeding, no I meant bleeding, not draining.

I've filled the coolant reservoir and still no real heat.

Why would the lower rad hose be lukewarm? Is it not supposed to be hot?

 

[ltd02]

Alright man I'll check in out here in a few. Been a busy day so it's not on the top of my priority list.

And as for bleeding, no I meant bleeding, not draining.

I've filled the coolant reservoir and still no real heat.

Why would the lower rad hose be lukewarm? Is it not supposed to be hot?

Tstat might be stuck. It's on the engine side of the lower hose.