Heater problem when its really cold outside

[bomberc10]

I live in norther Minnesota and when the temp get below zero my 2009 Avea LT does not heat very well. The heater just blows luke warm air and blows cool when idling. I start it and let it idle for 15 minutes and it does not warm up at all. Works great when above zero. Is there a different thermostat I should try?

[Daox]

It sounds like your thermostat is stuck at least partially open. My Aveo doesn't blow HOT air in the real cold winter, but its better than lukewarm for sure.

[Thymeclock]

I live in norther Minnesota and when the temp get below zero my 2009 Avea LT does not heat very well. The heater just blows luke warm air and blows cool when idling. I start it and let it idle for 15 minutes and it does not warm up at all. Works great when above zero. Is there a different thermostat I should try?

Gee, is it that cold there in September?

I do notice that an Aveo takes a long time to warm up, and it probably is related to the thermostat rating.

What does your temp gauge read? If it isn't up to temperature, and it is slow to get there, try the old trick of blocking the radiator with cardboard to decrease the time it takes to warm up.

[PoisonIvy]

Since you're talking about Northern Minnesota, I'm guessing you're talking about highway driving. Around Southern Manitoba, I've known alot of Aveo owners to do what Thymeclock suggested in winter. Use the cardboard, and make sure the car is plugged in. It won't warm up very quick just idling if it's cold enough.

Does it warm up with driving?

[bomberc10]

Thanks, everyone, for all the advice. Even while driving on the highway at 60 mph it doesn't warm to normal operating temp. I do put cardboard in front of the radiator and that has helped a little. I am going to try a new thermostat to see if that helps but won't know til it gets really cold, December or January (or hopefully not at all). Does anybody know what temp thermostat would be best? On another note, again in the cold weather, 10 degrees or below, I have to drive about 2.5 miles before my transmission will shift into high range. Is this normal? I do have an extended warranty and if this isn't normal I hope I can get it fixed with this warranty. Thanks again for all the help.

[Chevy Customer Svc]

Hi bobmerc10

Please let me know if you would like for me to look up your warranty information or call the dealership on your behalf. Just send me a private message and I can assist you by looking into this issue.

Jackie
Chevrolet Customer Care

[petrified.rabbit]

even when it is not into the below freezing, i find my car (cabin more than engine) does not warm up for a good ten minutes if i am driving highway speeds.

[Pickles]

On another note, again in the cold weather, 10 degrees or below, I have to drive about 2.5 miles before my transmission will shift into high range. Is this normal? I do have an extended warranty and if this isn't normal I hope I can get it fixed with this warranty. Thanks again for all the help.

Perfectly normal. The trans will hold 3rd gear to get it up to operating temp.

[Thymeclock]

Perfectly normal. The trans will hold 3rd gear to get it up to operating temp.

You are correct in that it is normal. But on an automatic, it is actually already in 4th gear, not 3rd. It won't go into torque converter lockup (which is the equivalent of overdrive, and it feels like an actual gear shift) until it is warm enough to do so.

[Pickles]

Ahh ok. I wasn't sure if it held 3rd or didn't lock up the tc.