Ok so this actually started happening a while ago, but I figured living in sunny So. Cal it wouldn't be a problem... yea well now that the nights are in the 40's it's starting to be one.

What's going on is that there is only a little (very little) heat coming from the vents now. There is actually more heat coming form the foot heater in the back seat (bottom of the center console in the back). All the linkage and levers and such are fine. Is it possible there is a clog where the hot fluid flows through, since I have noticed that if I let the heater sit on low for a while, then crank it up to high, there seems to be more hot air, but not for long. If it is the heater core, how much am I looking to spend and would I be able to do it (replace) myself with everyday tools? Any info would be appreciated since I'm totally lost on this. Thanks.

 

Hey Del...check to make sure your rad fluid (we call it antifreeze up here ) is topped up. The 3.0 is well-known for it's need to be 'burped' after filling the rad, especially if you've drained it. Seems to develop an airlock, which prevents the system from totally filling. If the fluid idn't topped up, your heater core won't get enough hot water to throw any heat.

How do I know???
Well, I just burped mine last month...similar symptoms...lack of heat, which became very noticable when the temps up here dropped into the minus range!

 

Ah yes I forgot to mention that I had to replace the radiator about the same time that the heat started going out. How exactly do I "burp" it? Is it just popping the top and filling it? I'm going to try that right now (the engine is cool so no worries).

EDIT - Ok so the radiator is full so I guess I'm just going to let the truck warm up tomorrow and hope that the warm air gets expelled. And I still have no idea what "burping" is...

 

Del, after you warm it up, shut it off, let it cool, then open the rad cap. Check the level. You'll probably have to top it up. Warm it up again, this time adding water to the overflow tank. Ensure your heater is turned to full heat (not the fan, the temp.). You might have to do this several times.
Their may be an easier way, but that's how I did it.

 

I had this issue in my Celica a while back. It was a bad thermostat.

 

I'm having the same issue right now on my 22RE. I'm stumped.

To burp the cooling system, it helps to have the front end lifted up a little, this helps the air escape to the front and out the radiator. It literally 'burps' any trapped air out.

Since you've recently replaced the rad, it's probably just air but you can get into all kinds of diagnosis if that doesn't cure your problems.

Regards,

Warren