Is it my thermostat?

Question

I have a 1998 Chevy Venture that I bought in February. It was really cold inside the van even with the heat on full. I called to see about a new thermostat, but they want $630 to replace it (apparently it's hard to get to). However, someone told me that if I just replace the cabin air filter, it would make a big difference. Any help would be really appreciated.

Answer 1

Man at that rate I think i'll start a specialty shop,Thermostats-R-Us. My bargain basement deal $500 for anyone who shows up in the next 52wks. Where do they get these crooks? Thermostat yes ,cabin air filter I highly doubt it. You may want to check to see if your heater control valve is working or that the heater core has not been "bypassed". If the vehicle is equipped with AC it maybe on at the same time as the heat and the blend doors or controls are not working. Automotive AC is ineffective below 40degs but it will sure keep it down to 40 if it is working.

Answer 2

no its no that hard to get too,you need to find another shop to do this one,those don't cost no where near that much and aren't that hard to replace,good luck.

Answer 3

The cabin air filter is easy to get to and change. It filters the incoming air to the air vents and heater. Go to your local Chevrolet dealer, Carquest, NAPA or Advance Auto and pick up a new one.

Here's a little trick for you to actually feel if the coolant in your system is hot enough. After a 10 mile drive, open the hood and place the palm of your hand on top of the upper large black hose that comes out of the radiator. If that hose is too hot to touch you do not need a new thermostat. If the hose seems a little more than luke warm the thermostat needs replacing.

Look at your needle on the temperature gage on the dash if it's near 190 degrees or at midpoint of the scale the coolant is at the correct temperature. In that case there could be a problem with the internal doors of the heating duct-work under the dash.

I would be very intrested in what really is the matter with this problem. Please E-mail and let me know what you find out!

Answer 4

heck for the cabin air filter go to jiffy lube, ill bet that they do it for less than 100$ out the door. but they are not a diagnostic facility. if it does not resolve the issue, you cannot do any thing about it.