1996 chevy corsica 2.2 liter engine. Coolant temp never reaches above one-quarter hot, therefore no heat. I've put in four thermostats, installed new radiator, disconnected the cooling fan, still no heat. Am I correct in installing the thermostat with the spring facing inward towards the engine block? What else could be the problem?

the first thing to check is to feel if the radiator is hot, if the radiator feels hot and the engine is also hot the coolant is circulating ok then the problem is more than likely electrical, the temp gauge gets its signal from the engine control module the coolant temp sensor sends coolant temp signal to engine control module for engine managment purposes then passes it to instument pack/gauge, if the sensor was at fault you would have engine running problems also,with poss fault codes logged, if the engine and rad are cold/only warm after the engine has been run for 15 mins or so it sounds like the thermostat is stuck open but you have changed that. i have had faulty new ones in the past and have had to test them in a pan of boiling water, hope this is some help to you.

AS FAR AS THE OVERHEAT ISSUE BLEED THE AIR OUT OF THE COOLING SYSTEM. FOR THE NO HEAT CHECK OPERATION OF TEMP BLEND DOOR AND FOR CLOGGED HEATER CORE

Thermostats are used to keep the engine operating in the optimum temperature range. Generally speaking, it is safe to remove the thermostat in summer conditions. Coolant will flow continuously with no restriction. In winter months and below freezing conditions the engine may not reach proper operating temperature. Removing the thermostat may help you find the possible over-heating problem.

Does the gauge show the engine temp is cold ?
Are the heater hoses getting hot ?
The thermostat is in the water outlet where the radiator hose connects to the engine.

If the engine is reaching normal temp, and both heater hoses are getting hot, the problem could be a blend door under the dash or the controller.

you might have problems with the coils
check the temp of the coils when it stops working
if faulty they heat up alot

Hi,
put your hand on the heater hoses going into the cabin. Carefully. they should both be hot. If so, you have decent circulation. Does your car have a temperature gauge? When this happens, is the temp normal? Is the check engine light on? You may have a failing thermostat. Sticking open at times.

Replace the thermostat. I have had bad luck with aftermarket thermostats on this particular year of GM/ Chevy trucks.They tend to stick closed and then fully open, thus causing the temp to sort of surge hot and cold. A good thermostat will slowly open maintaning a good consistant temp. I would recommend spending a little more and getting a GM thermostat.


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Make 100% sure before you go and spend more $$$ that (1) you have good coolant flow through the heater core; get engine to operating temp,then with heater fan on high and temp control on full hot carefully grasp heater in and out hoses(i use a in-fared heat gun to diagnose). They should be very close to same temp, if not, core is plugged or if equipped with a flow control valve, its not opening or there is an air lock in system.(2) If coolant flow is good, suspect the hot/cold blend door being stuck in cold position assuming you have good air flow. Its very rare for engine cooling to be ok and heater core coolant flow be bad , caused by a failed water pump! Hope this helps! Please rate me,Thanks!

1st thing to check is the coolant level. Low coolant level results in no, or little heat (not enough coolant to circulate thru the heater core). What does your engine temp gauge indicate? (or is it just a warning light?) If the car is running at what appears to be lower than normal temp., u may have a thermostat that's stuck open. This would cause the engine to not reach operating temp, and u would not have heat. Check the above 2 items 1st, then let me know what u found. If that doesn't fix it, we will continue, let's do the easy and not too expensive stuff 1st!