nursultantulyakbay wrote:
2009 Liberty: The coolant level is normal. No leaks to my knowledge. The engine temperature is normal (temp gauge is in the middle). Very little heat comes out. Doesn't matter where (defrost, feet, main vents etc.). Radiator hose (the return) is soft to my poking thumb.
A little history. This was the same situation last winter. About Aug last year I was getting my oil changed at a Jiffylube (I live in an apartment building so I can't DIY) and they were having a sale on radiator flush. It hasn't been done since I have owned this jeep so I said "What the heck, I will ready for winter."
Smashcut to when it started to get cold out. No heat. I made the trek to my brothers house and we back flushed the heater core, got some gunk to come out, but likely not enough to be the cause of the no heat situation. Still no change in the heat. Then we cracked open the radiator cap while it was hot and bled out the air/steam. Closed it back up and started it. About a minute later the coolant level in the reservoir drained into the heater core. Topped of the reservoir and a few minutes later the radiator hose was firm, heat spewing from the vents.
I haven't gone through with the backflush procedure, but I did try to bleed off the air from the radiator cap, only there is none. Any thoughts?
These Jeeps have to have HOAT anti freeze and if mixed with non HOAT they combine to form the gunk you describe which blocks up the heater cores as you have described. So you will need another good flushing out and make sure you only use a HOAT antifreeze...there are several brands....use the Mopar product if in doubt....no idea what Jiffylube used!
