2002 Odyssey vent problem

I have a 2002 Honda Odyssey. Generally runs great but recently haven't
been able to get much heat out of the vents even when I set the temp to
28 degrees C. It also takes forever to defrost the windshield.
Recently, when I start up the van and it's idling, I can smell a faint
gas/oil smell coming from the vents which I never smelt before. It
goes away after I drive away though.

My mechanic thinks it's the thermostat so I'll get that replaced first
I guess. Coolant was recently replaced and it's topped up. Also cabin
filter was replaced. Temperature gauge on the dash says that the car
is in the normal operating temperature range. Could these be the
symptoms of something else other than the thermostat?

 

It sounds more like you still have air in the system. Was the correct
procedure used to purge air from the engine when the anti-freeze was
replaced? Did mechanic check engine temperature with an OBDII tester? This
will check whether thermostat is controlling engine temperature. Do you have
climate control or an LX with basic heating system? Is air conditioning
working? Air conditioning needs to work to dry air which clears windshield.
If it is not working the warm moist air will take forever to clear
windshield.

 

It has full Climate control. Air conditioning appears to be working.
If I have the system in full-auto mode window will fog up within about
20 minutes. I then have to put the defrost on. After defrosted I can
turn it back to full-auto for a while. I don't think I had to do this
before. Essentially before once the window was defrosted I could leave
it on full-auto and window wouldn't fog up again.

 

Have a certified Honda mechanic look at it rather than guessing. The
more you wait, the greater amount of damage can incur. I am assuming
this is the family car and family is important...

 

I will. One more clue... After driving (about 30 minute drive at
least) I felt the radiator hoses. The top hose was hot. The bottom
hose and the heater core hose was only luke warm. I think I will get
the thermostat replaced as my mechanic suggested. Any suggestions on
where to get an aftermarket thermostat in Canada? Honda wants to
charge about $45 for one. Seems steep!

 

Brought it into a Honda dealer and it turns out the water valve was
stuck and had to be replaced and that's why I wasn't getting much heat.