Experiencing issues with your Chevy Colorado’s heating system? It’s a common frustration, especially when you expect a warm and comfortable cabin during colder weather. If you’re noticing your Chevy Colorado blowing cold air, or not heating up as expected, there are a couple of key areas to investigate before seeking professional help. This guide will walk you through troubleshooting some typical heating problems in your Chevy Colorado.
One frequent cause of inadequate heat is a thermostat that is stuck in the open position. The thermostat’s job is to regulate engine temperature, and if it remains open, the engine may not reach its optimal operating temperature. A telltale sign of a stuck-open thermostat is a temperature gauge that consistently stays low, often around the 1/4 mark or below. If your temperature gauge is reaching the halfway point, this is less likely to be the culprit.
Another potential source of heating problems in Chevy Colorados lies within the temperature and mode control system. These systems often use cables for operation, and these cables can sometimes become problematic. Several cable-related issues can disrupt your heating:
- Cable Disconnection: The cable can detach from the bellcrank located on the heater case or from the back of the HVAC control panel itself.
- Sheath Disconnection: The outer sheath of the cable, which is held in place by retainers at each end, can become dislodged.
- Bellcrank Misalignment: The bellcrank, responsible for moving the temperature door, can “jump” a tooth, preventing the door from moving fully in either the hot or cold direction.
To inspect the temperature control cable end, you can start with a relatively simple check inside your glove box. Open the glove box and gently push inwards on the side stops to allow the glove box door to lower completely. Looking inside and to the left, you should be able to spot the end of the temperature control cable.
Pay close attention to the cable sheath and ensure it is securely seated within its retainer. If the sheath is loose or disconnected, this could be hindering the temperature control.
For a closer examination of the bellcrank on top of the heater case, you’ll need to remove the trim surrounding your radio and HVAC controls. It might be necessary to remove either the radio or the HVAC control unit itself to get a clear view of the bellcrank mechanism. Once you have access, you should see a setup similar to the images below, showing the bellcrank positions for full cold and full hot settings.
Compare the position of the teeth on your bellcrank to these images when your temperature control is set to full cold and full hot. If the bellcrank’s movement seems restricted or doesn’t align with these positions, it may indicate a problem with the bellcrank itself or the cable connection.
While specific images of the cable connections at the back of the HVAC control aren’t available here, you can expect the connection style to be similar to what you observed at the bellcrank. Carefully inspect these connections for any signs of looseness or disconnection.
By systematically checking these areas – the thermostat and the HVAC control cables and bellcrank – you can often pinpoint the cause of heating problems in your Chevy Colorado and potentially address the issue yourself. If these troubleshooting steps don’t resolve your heating issue, it’s recommended to consult a qualified mechanic for further diagnosis and repair.
