Heat won't come on until...

[vector625]

Greetings all. New to the forum here. I have a 2002 TL with about 115k miles on it. It's obviously past the warranty phase, but i haven't had to do too much to it until recently.

I'm having a weird problem with the climate control knob. The cold temperatures are fine. The AC is cold and there seems to be no issue. The temperature knob usually stays around 68-72. If it's hot out, I just turn the dial down and the cool air comes out. But if it's cold outside, if the knob is at 72, no hot air comes out. I have to crank the knob to the max temperature and then the hot air comes out. I can then turn back down to 72 and it stays at the right temp.

So basically, I have to always turn the knob to the maximum for the hot air to start coming out and then turn back down to whatever temperature I want. If I don't max it out, I just get cool air coming out.

Any ideas on what this issue could be?

Thanks!

[Carbuff]

There is an air-blend-door actuator motor that fails...mine has the exact same symptoms as you. It's as if it is "loose". Once the heat comes out you can pretty much leave it alone (like in the middle of winter)

#6 in the diagram here, about $100 US:

Acura Parts @ AcuraAutomotiveParts.org - Genuine Acura OEM Parts from Acura Carland

We haven't replaced ours yet (its been doing that for at least five years).

[PaulH2]

Originally Posted by Carbuff

There is an air-blend-door actuator motor that fails...mine has the exact same symptoms as you. It's as if it is "loose". Once the heat comes out you can pretty much leave it alone (like in the middle of winter)

#6 in the diagram here, about $100 US:

Acura Parts @ AcuraAutomotiveParts.org - Genuine Acura OEM Parts from Acura Carland

We haven't replaced ours yet (its been doing that for at least five years).

I thought I was going mad as my 03 TL is doing something very similar. My biggest issue was how to explain the problem to the dealer, but now I know I'm not alone, that should be much easier!