No heat when idling

Wolfetone · #1 (**permalink**) 04-08-2004, 10:33 AM

My 1996 Ford Ranger XLT has been blowing cold air while idling for the last few weeks. Today on the way to work the heater was even blowing cold air while I was driving and I thought that it was going to overheat when I was stopped. Luckily the heat kicked on halfway into the ride and I was able to make it to work. What is the most likely problem and is it probably a few hundred dollar fix or are we talking a thousand and up. The vehicle has over 160,000 miles on it and I don't want to put a lot of money into it.

c96drumm · #2 (**permalink**) 04-09-2004, 02:46 AM

I suggest flushing the cooling system, replacing the thermostat, checking the heater control valve and the vacuum supply to it.

fordberg · #3 (**permalink**) 04-09-2004, 03:04 AM

My rig did that when the water level was low.

HomerWinzlow · #4 (**permalink**) 04-09-2004, 08:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fordberg

My rig did that when the water level was low.

\Very possibly low coolant due to a leak. If it has one of those plastic water valves for the heater check it for leaking at the shaft... very common leak source on the Ranger/Explorer.