92 Civic, no heat?

Have '92 Civic LX, 4 dr automatic with A/C. I've kept the cooling system
correctly (drain/fill with Honda antifreeze- following directions on
bottles).

OK, the A/C needs to be recharged, but if we turn OFF the A/C button and the
engine registers that it is warm (on the gauges), shouldn't there be SOME
sort of heat coming from the system? I tried numerous vent settings,
numerous temperature settings, outside air/recirculate, etc, but there was
no heat! The car has about 130k miles on it. The heat used to work. Does
the heat solely rely upon the A/C system?

Thx.

 

no. the engine coolant provides the heat.

If it's really cold outside AND if your thermostat is failed open, it
could be the thermostat keeping the coolant too cool.

Or, it could be a blocked heater core.

Hope it's the thermostat.

 

The heater runs off the engine's cooling system. It uses warmed coolant
circulated through a tiny radiator in the passenger compartment.

If the engine warms up to full (just below half-way on the gauge) within 5
minutes of driving, it's OK.

Under the hood, in the middle at the firewall, just inboard of and slightly
under the fuel filter, is the heater control valve. One of the sliders on
the dashboard has a cable that goes to this valve. It's hard to see. I'll
post pics later today.

There will also be a hose about an inch in thickness going to that valve.

See the flat triangular lever on top? The heater control cable slips over a
pin on it and pulls it back and forth to turn the heat on and off. Have
somebody move the lever on the dashboard, and make sure the heater control
valve is opening and closing.

 

In addition to the other suggestions, first check to be sure that your
coolant level hasn't dropped due to a leak. Too little coolant can also
lead to no heat, and no heat can be an early warning sign that can help
you catch low coolant before serious engine damage occurs.

 

Thanks guys! I will check ASAP.--
KWW

 

Almost forgot to post the promised pics:
http://www.tegger.com/hondafaq/overheating/91-teg-civic-heat-valve-
closeup.jpg

(should be all on one line)

and

http://www.tegger.com/hondafaq/overheating/91-teg-civic-heat-valve.jpg