Does Anyone Else's Heater Suck? ('08)

[JimHam]

I've tried my heater on auto, I've tried it in manual mode, but it just doesn't keep the car warm - even when it's not all that cold out.

Example: This morning, it was 39 degrees out (not terribly cold), I had it in auto mode, set on 78, and although it warmed up initially, by the time I got to work (30 minute drive) it wasn't warm in the front seat any more and the heater had effectively shut off. Not to mention that you wouldn't think I'd need to have it set to 78 to keep things warm when it was nearly 40 degrees outside.

I can feel a cool breeze constantly going by my head, which isn't noticable when the heater is initially running, but once it shuts off (when it's in auto mode) it's very noticable. It's almost as if the defroster / defogger is running and constantly blowing cold air. Even when I take it out of auto mode and adjust the fan speed myself, the same thing happens.

I thought it might be a poorly fitted windshield, but when I turn the system off completely, the breeze stops.

As they say, "misery loves company" and I'm really hoping someone else out there is having the same problem. :)

Thoughts, ideas and suggestions are greatly appreciated.

[Magic Marker]

Our 07 heats up and stays warm pretty dam quick. In the winter, I just use the manual mode. For whatever reason, I use auto more in the summer.

[JimHam]

Generally speaking...what temp do you usually keep yours set to on a day like today? Do you need to keep it in the high-70's to keep the cabin warm?

In the '07 model, when you use auto mode with the heater, does your "AC" light go on?

[crazycanuck]

IF you push the front auto defrost button the heater come on and so does the AC.. I assume to quicken the defrost on your windows. I find I have a hard time keeping it at a temp I like, it gets too hot and then I turn it down and it gets too cold. In some respects, I just miss the plain lever that moves from hot to cold.

[snork]

Heh, while I don't really have problems getting/staying warm (we keep ours set @ 70) the auto fan control sucks IMHO. It stays low while the engine is cold like it should, but then it revs all the way up to full blast and takes forever to turn down. So we basically operate the heat on manual.

[JimHam]

In auto mode, mine starts out with the front defroster on, but eventually it goes off. Even still, it never seems to get warm enough. When I have it in manual mode, it's the same story. I'm a bit disappointed with the vehicle, as a whole, becuase of this.

[kmartin]

In auto mode, mine starts out with the front defroster on, but eventually it goes off. Even still, it never seems to get warm enough. When I have it in manual mode, it's the same story. I'm a bit disappointed with the vehicle, as a whole, becuase of this.

What is your weather like since you've had this problem? The auto mode may be a factor of the light/sun sensor on the right-hand passenger side of the dash, as well as the temp control (somewhere around the driver's legs, if I recall). If it's sunny but cold, the sun sensor may be taking control (I have actually thrown a notebook over it just to disable it). Also, check the vent button to make sure it's set to "closed", and the AC button is off (like someone previously mentioned).

I'll hit "auto" just to turn the thing on, and then I tweak it anyway. My heater will just about run me out in cold weather!

-Karen in AZ-

[JimHam]

Good idea about the sun sensor! I'll try throwing something on it today (it's pretty sunny) and see what happens. It was only 42 this morning on the way to work and even with both sides of the heater set to 78, it never got warm - after more than 30 minutes of drive time. Maybe it's just a bad sensor, I hope!

[bionicbadger]

My 2008 heater works great, about a month ago it was -40 and the tribeca got warm pretty fast. And my AC is always off unless its summertime.

[JimHam]

Even in "auto" mode, your AC is off?

Thanks for the info! It's time for yet another trip to my dealer to try and get this sorted out before I miss my window and the warmer temps of Spring arrive.

[Magic Marker]

Even in "auto" mode, your AC is off?

Thanks for the info! It's time for yet another trip to my dealer to try and get this sorted out before I miss my window and the warmer temps of Spring arrive.
When I have it in auto mode, the A/C is always on. I need to manually turn it off.

Although, I do have to take the B9 back to the dealer for some interior sqeaking noises coming from the driver side dash. Horribly annoying squeaking.

[GeorgeB280]

My 2008 heats up very quickley. As soon as the temp gage heats up the system turns itself up to take advantage of heated fluids. May be sensor or electrnic switch problwm

[michaudr]

I have a 2006 and live in Fort McMurray, Alberta, Canada. During the winter the temp can reach into the -40c. I have never had a problem with heat in our vehicle. Even at highway speed there has never been a problem with heat and the comfort of our family.

[2GC8sNaB9]

In auto mode, mine starts out with the front defroster on, but eventually it goes off. Even still, it never seems to get warm enough. When I have it in manual mode, it's the same story. I'm a bit disappointed with the vehicle, as a whole, becuase of this.

Recirc. Vent open?

[swootton]

A little insight on how the system should work. Auto mode is just that, set the temp and forget it, My wife runs her side about 75-78 and mine is 70-72. If you push any buttons or touch the fan control the system is no longer in auto mode. This includes the AC button or front defrost. The system should have no blower when cold until engine temp warms up. It takes a little getting used to, but find a temp that works for you and adjust up/down 1-2 degrees. As mentioned above the system does have a sun load sensor which will overide the temp you have set if you are driving in bright sunlight. It will try to chill/warm you more/less depending on outside and cabin temps, your set temp, inside temp sensor and the sun load sensor.

BTW, my wife had a similar complaint until she found a temp that works for her. Also don't make drastic changes in your set temp, only go 1-2 degrees at a time and see how the system adjusts.

[snork]

I agree with swootton's explanation too. I don't have any troubles with it heating or cooling, I just find the auto fan programming to be a bit agressive. It often blows harder than it should IMHO (3/4 speed+).

I dunno, I think I am just spoiled by my Accord's auto climate control b/c it operates near perfectly in all conditions...I pretty much just keep it set at 70 all yr long, only time I change it is if I need the defroster.