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Heating & A/C

Heater Diagnostic

A systematic test of your heating system to find out why the cabin isn't getting warm.

Difficulty: easy~0.7–1 hrsAbout an hour
Estimated total
$80–180
Parts$0
Labor$80–180
Labor time0.7–1 hrs

Diagnostic pricing covers testing and identification of the problem. Repair parts and labor are quoted separately.

Repair costs are not included unless separately selected.

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What's involved

What this repair actually is.

We check coolant level and condition, feel the heater hoses for proper flow, test the blower and climate controls, and verify the blend doors are moving. Heat problems can come from the engine cooling side or the cabin air side, and this test tells us which one you actually have before any parts are sold.

Symptoms

How you can tell.

  • No heat or only lukewarm air
  • Heat works on one side of the car but not the other
  • Sweet syrupy smell inside the cabin
  • Oily film fogging the inside of the windshield
  • Heat only works while driving, not at idle
  • Temperature gauge runs low or bounces around
Educational estimate. Real pricing depends on your vehicle, the inspection, parts availability, taxes, and shop rates. Use this as a guide while you shop quotes.
Related

Often done together.

Blend Door Actuator Replacement
$145–675
Blower Motor Replacement
$165–600
Heater Core Replacement
$770–1,750