Aloha Everyone:

I have a small problem that I want to see if people can help me with:

I have a 97 2.5 TL Base model with 120K.

I live near Cleveland, so we are talking cold--especially now.

I warm my car up for about three to four minutes every time before I hop in an drive away--I don't want to screw things up, especially with the car getting into high mileage range.

The problem is this: When i turn the hearter/defrost on, it takes a long time--i am talking fifteen to twenty minutes to warm up (even when the temp. gauge reads in the normal, middle range), and even when it does warm up, it doesn't stay that way. I will drive (press on gas) and the air heats up. When i come to a stop sign or a stop light, and I am idling, the air get frigid--and this sucks in Cleveland if anyone else lives in the friggin cold!

In any event, any help with this? I really don't have money to fix this if it is an expensive problem. I will in January though...how rough. I don't really go to the dealer anymore because the car's warranty is up, so I go to a mechanic who knows and has worked on Honda's and Acura's since the late 80's....

Thanks in advance for all of your help. YOu all really know your stuff here.

Regards.
-onur

 

It sounds like one of two things. Either your engine's thermostat is stuck in the open position, or the mixing doors in your heating system aren't working right.

Here are some symptoms of a bad thermostat
1. Engine temp needle stays below the normal range - even on extended trips
2. Gas mileage REALLY gets bad

I'm not sure if the '97 TL's mixing doors are vacuum powered or electrical. It they are vacuum powered, look for vacuum lines in the engine compartment that are cracked and leaking. If you find any - replace them. If they are electrically powered, listen for the sound of the doors adjusting when you change temp from cold <-> hot. The doors may be getting stuck as they move towards the hot air position.

You mentioned a slight surge in heat felt when accelerating or driving (not at idle). This is normal - the reasons:
a. The water pump is pumping coolant faster through the heater core
b. Your engine is producing more heat at speed than at idle

I hope this helps somewhat. Maybe someone else can provide more info on whether the mixing doors are vacuum or electrical...

 

Hey Fla-TLS

Thanks for the Help.

The thermostat was actually replaced about two months ago, so I doubt that is the problem.

SO, I tried something really simple--I put some new coolant/anti-freeze into the radiator. I think it was low because the overflow container was low too. But that worked!

I now have really nice, HOT air blowing in my face.

Thanks again for your suggestions.

Cheers!