Tacoma Slow to give Heat

My 2013 V6 is very slow to give heat. A real problem for New Englanders. Dealer felt that the fact that the fan is always engaged is the primary problem. They offered no solution to improve the condition, however I was considering going to try a higher temperature thermostat. This could allow the coolant in the block to be released to the rest of the system later and at a higher temp. Any thoughts on this issue?

 

Welcome

Did you change out the Thermostat or the Clutch on Fan yet?
Those could be a possible problem.
Only other problem could be the core unit inside behind the glove box
that is a pain to change out.

 

I will be looking into the thermostat change and other problems that might bring. Heater core is not clogged, getting good flow through it. Never want to tackle changing that. Thanks for input.

 

Try flushing out your coolant first.

 

Welcome!

 

Welcome to TW!!

 

First of all, make sure you're running 50/50 antifreeze (get the Toyota stuff), cost more but only needs changing every 60k.
Next, if you're gonna change the thermostat,go with a Stant 48778 (search rockauto)...they're about $30 but well worth the money.
You usually get what you pay for right.

The stat will open a little later, but has the benefit of keeping the engine temp more regular.

You complain of no heat. When...5 minutes after start up....or 10 miles down the road?
I've notice my v6 to be ready to deliver after about 10 miles or so...driving from a cold start (@ 20ish degrees like this morning).

My advice (fwiw), and writing from Quebec,...start the engine,...idle for 2 or 3 minutes to let fluids circulate in the engine and tranny,...then drive off being nice to your Taco.

When possible, in the first 5 minutes, don't run the fan on the cab (unless the windows fog up)...
The heater core at these temperatures is ACTUALLY ANOTHER RADIATOR!

So let the stat do its job,...then go full hog with the blower and defrost or what ever you please..

Just my $0.02

 

Welcome to TW!!

 

Just curious - what are you comparing it to?

I’d be hesitant to swap the thermostat unless you don’t do anything that really gets things hot in the summer.

 

Welcome to TW!

 

The data so far since the real cold has not set in yet in Ct is with a 32 degree cold start and a one minute warm up, driving an easy does it at 40 or so. At one mile , dash vent air is at at 90 degrees, 2 mile mark it is at 115 degrees, at full warm on temp guage and 4 or so miles the vent temp is at 140 on the driver side, 145 on passenger side. Max vent air gets to 145 or so. At this outside temp I have no complaints. I ordered new thermostat and will get it in before the consistent 15 degree mornings set in and again test the performance since last year below 20 degrees was the real problem. Thanks to all on the input.

 

You have the dials set to recirculate, correct?

If you are pulling outside air across the core you are defeating the system by trying to warm even colder air

What fan?

The engine fan should not always be engaged.

You have control over the inside fan, which you shouldn't bother to turn on until the temp needle moves.

I have a SCII and don't bother touching the blower until the coolant reads at least 90*F, which is about the same as a residential heat pump vent.

I would not change the t stat unless it's stuck in an open position and not allowing the vehicle to warm properly. Which can happen.

SCIIs can be found on sale. https://tools.woot.com/offers/3-in-1-automotive-computer

 

Hearing a resolution would be interesting. And helpful to the forum members........... winter is upon a lot of them. (not me )

 

https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/...ZPbyh8F8AdW8ibO4k9UtuSHDhZT3chSVbeGLtdpmaGpR_

 

An update to the Slow Heat problem since cold weather really setting in. System Flushed and thermostat replaced about a month ago.
Today, Cold Start at 15 Degrees, 2 minute warm up with temp control to full cold.
After a gentle 30 mph one mile, temp control to hot and recirculate on, center vent temp 38 degrees, guage at about 1/4. Fan at half.
After two miles slow going , Center Vent 106 degrees, guage about 1/2, recictulate still engaged. Fan at half
At 3 mile mark, Center vent at 125 and guage almost to full operating temp. 3/4 fan.
After 5 miles, Center vent 145 degrees and full operating temp. on guage.
Seems better than prior to having work done.
The input has been appreciated.