weak heater. 2015 TRDORDC with 52k

I agree with @whatstcp that the Tacoma is a drafty vehicle; When it's really cold outside, and I'm resting my arm on the door panel, I can actually feel the cold permeating through the window! However, my heat absolutely kicks ass! It doesn't take that long to heat up when I start the truck in the morning, and I've been comfortable in short sleeves while driving when it was below zero outside!

 

When you say weak heater, do you mean that both the warmth of the air being produced by the heater and the power of the blower is weak, or just that it doesn't get hot enough?

My base model 2.7L Taco is over 10 years old and is pushing 110K miles; I believe I've had the coolant flushed and replaced twice. I've also had the blower motor (squirrel cage) replaced twice because it was making noise (first time was under warranty in 2011 or 2012). The heat in my truck has never outright failed, and as I said above, I have been known to drive in a T-shirt when it's below zero outside!

On another note, my A/C started leaking refrigerant in 2016 or 2017, and the leak was traced to the evaporator core; I took my truck to my dad's mechanic twice and had no luck. I took it to the dealer, and it cost almost $1,600, but they fixed the problem.

My heat has always been hot enough to pop a bag of Orville Redenbacher's, and my A/C is back to it's good old finger-numbing, nipple-hardening cold self once gain!

 

Holy crap! Finally changed my filter today, obviously not done in a long time, if ever. Hoping this helps with the cabin heat warmup!

 

There is a thread on TW that give instructions on adding a mesh screen in the cowl area under the hood to keep out leaves and debris.

 

And mice

 

My heater can roast a turkey within minutes of starting the truck.

 

That's what I want. LOL!