2008 with heat problems.

[Metalcrack]

After doing some research, I'm going to need some direction. My wife's 2008 has little to no heat. The temp reading sits dead center on the dashboard.

The biggest clue I have is if you sit at a red-light the temp of the air goes down. Once you take off, the temp of the air starts to rise. This leads me to believe its the heater valve, thermostat, weak water pump or blocked core.

I haven't checked the inlet/outlet temps of the core yet, I need to go to Advance to get a new intake mani gasket for her check engine light (another headache), so I was going to throw in another thermostat because they are dirt cheap. On the way I'll check the core hoses to see if it's going in hot/coming out hot etc.

Anything else to lookout for?

EDIT: Just came back from Advance. The heat worked the entire time, but I did notice the phenominon of the heat dissapearing at the red light. When I got to the parking lot, I popped the hood and the heater hoses were both hot, and the lower radiator hose was ICE cold. To be fair, it is in the upper 20's here in Cleveland. The only other thing is finding out where the heater dial hooks up. The fan works on all settings, the vent selector is free and works on all positions, I just need to find out where that dial runs/and what it controls.

[z27ls3]

maybe you are low on coolant?
maybe theres alot of pink crust all around the water pump?

just a guess, what model and mileage?
leaking water pumps are extremely common on newer (last 5/6) years
all models.

[Metalcrack]

2008 LE with about 44,000. There seems to be no coolant in the reservoir, so that is a clue. I should be able to get it off the ground here shortly to check.

[z27ls3]

maybe put the flashlight on the serpentine belt from the top ? you may not have to look from underneath. for reasons unknown the water pumps seem to weep excessively since the introduction of super long life (pink) coolant.
hints are a red "line" on under hood area above the water pump / serp belt area.
you have 5/60 warranty on the drivetrain, maybe have the dealer put in a new water pump if its
leaking, at any mileage it should not leak. and dont let them tell you "its not bad enough" if it is indeed the pump. the t-sb is crap, it should'nt have to look like a coolant volcano before replacement is justified.

[Metalcrack]

Sure is leaking. I'll top off the fluid and let it rip until I can get it in and bitch until they can replace it. Would this indeed be the source of the heat situation?

[z27ls3]

loss of heat is a symptom of low coolant.
low coolant level has poor circulation hence the loss of heat.
make sure to tell the service rep you already dumped in alot of coolant if you did.
this is a known issue and if you push the issue you should have no problem getting a
replacement water pump. trust me the dealers have them in stock for a reason.