Any clue as to what would make my heat blow cold when I come to a stop? Works just fine while I'm moving, come to a stop and it's cold. The water pump is 2 years old, new thermostat and I had it flushed out as well. Oh, and it is full of anti-freeze too. It's a 2.5l 2001 Tracker if that makes any difference. Is this a sign of the heater core going bad?

I have seen this on several vehicles and have found it to be either a Tstat that is stuck open or the heater valve is not opening fully and not enough hot coolant is able to be sent to the heater core at idle.

How is your engine temp looking like at idle and when moving?

No heater valve on a GV.

The GV has a fairly unusual cooling system circulation - the thermostat is actually in the radiator return and depends on a flow of water through the heater to open, I'm not too certain what would happen if it were stuck open (or missing).

Having said all that - I'd start by checking the coolant level

 That is the same as the Honda Kseries engines, it produces a far more stable engine temp. Even so there should still be a blend valve on the hot coolant line to the heater.

The temp doesn't change and the coolent level is good. I will add that the vehicle has been to 2 dealerships and 1 local mechanic already.

That is the same as the Honda Kseries engines, it produces a far more stable engine temp. Even so there should still be a blend valve on the hot coolant line to the heater.

Apart from the Samurai, none of the Suzukis I've seen has a "blend valve" on the coolant circuit - there is coolant circulation through the  heater core as long as the engine is running, temperature selection is done using blend doors in the plenum.

If I were to guess, I'd say blend valves are old technology, I don't recall seeing them on recent production in any of the Japanese brands.

Blend valves are in use on all Honda's other than the insight, the last EVO I messed with did as well and it was a 2011.

But after searching parts listings there is no valve on the 2g's as you pointed out.




I have seen the newer cooling schemes not blow heat after coming to a stop when there is a large air bubble in the heater core. Try lifting up the front end a bit, start the engine, turn the heater to full hot and burp the cooling system to verify there is no air in there. no cost in that check.

I have tried to burp the system, but never with the front end raised. Will do right before I head to the Wisconsin north woods to find Bambi . Won't be back to let ya know if'n it works til Tues. I'll let ya's know right after I vote!

Sweet! I parked on a good up-hill incline and burped the system. I now have heat at all times! Thanks for the help again guys. This forum rocks!

Cool, glad we could help!