93 Camry heat question

flyer31 · #1 (**permalink**) 10-22-2007, 11:14 AM

This is a ’93 2.2 four door LE. When driving down the road the cabin heat works fine but the moment I come to a stop the blower starts blowing cold air. Is there a damper in the system that is stuck, closing off direct outside air passing it thru the heating portion? If so, where is it located? The AC, blower, direct air feature and air cycle feature works fine. I park under a carport, so no leaves in the air intakes etc. Thanks.

DFBonnett · #2 (**permalink**) 10-22-2007, 05:45 PM

Is the coolant level low?

flyer31 · #3 (**permalink**) 10-22-2007, 10:29 PM

Yep it is now. I thought of that and sure enough, it fixed itself. Thanks for the advice, will keep an eye on that fluid.

flyer31 · #4 (**permalink**) 10-22-2007, 10:35 PM

I mean the coolant is ok now. Thanks again.

DFBonnett · #5 (**permalink**) 10-23-2007, 02:35 PM

Normally you would not lose coolant unless there is a leak. You might want to put a pressure test on the system and check it out before the cold weather really hits.
Are you saying that you are now getting heat?

flyer31 · #6 (**permalink**) 10-23-2007, 11:52 PM

Yes I do get heat but you are right, I have a leak somewhere. I have to keep filling the coolant level. I get low on an almost daily basis (this has just been for the last three days). I checked the following. No white smoke or moisture (or antifreeze smell) at the exhaust. No water in the oil (changed the oil last week, still new and clean). No visible leaks at all. However I do notice a slight rough engine at initial startup that will last for about 10-20 seconds and then smooth out (I do live in Alaska and the car is normally cold when I start). The engine did not overheat so I do not suspect a head gasket leak. I have had the car for a number of years am the only driver and it has served me very well.
I have looked online for a cabin heat diagram without luck, any advice? Thanks in advance.

DFBonnett · #7 (**permalink**) 10-24-2007, 06:18 PM

I think what you want to do is put a pressure tester on the system. This is a pump up device that clamps on where you would normally fill the coolant. You pump it up to cap pressure and look for leaks. Any service station or radiator shop will have one. Some tool rental places rent them.
Check your PM for a link to the manual.

MikeB 30 · #8 (**permalink**) 10-31-2007, 03:18 PM

If you had a pinhole leak in the system it would boil/evaporate off before you could ever see it. You could put some dye in the system as well. That should leave the residue at the site of the leak..
Definitely get it handled. At some point it will just let go if it is a leak in the radiator or a hose.