'12 Journey slow to heat but decent once going

[erbie78]

So the kiddo (driver of said DJ) told me she rarely gets heat on the way to school (about 1.5 miles).  Initially figured thermostat (changed one on a previously owned 13 DGC), but I started digging around on here and found out about the heater core issue and thought I'd probably have a fun job ahead of me.  A day or so later, after she'd had a longer drive getting home, I checked and there was decent heat coming from both sides, so I'm now back to thinking it's more likely the thermostat.  I've read thru a few posts on here that are somewhat similar, but nothing that convinces me.  Just thought I'd see what the collective might think of the situation.

[2late4u]

first which engine? 3.6 easy to change, 2.4 a little more complicated as their are 2 thermostats from what I read, also make sure you use the proper coolant as well,,check your manual that came with the journey.might want to try a flush on the heater core while you are in the process.good luck and please report back on what ever that fixes your problem...also show her how to look in the info area under the eng info to see how high the temperature of the engine is getting up to should be around 199 - 205 depending on outside temp and how the vehicle is being driven

[erbie78]

Sorry, it's the 3.6, which is why I reference changing the one in the Caravan, it'll be pretty much the same job.  I plan to double check the coolant requirements (pain in the ass), but I believe it should be OAT.  Hell, I might have some left from doing the Caravan.  What's the shelf life on an open bottle of antifreeze?

 

I've looked into the process of replacing the heater core, but not flushing it.  I'll look into that.

 

I'll definitely report back.  I hate non-resolved forum posts.

Edited Thursday at 06:21 PM by erbie78

[erbie78]

After some research, the change from OAT to HOAT happened between 2012 and 2013, so if I do have any left over (if it would even be any good), it doesn't look like it will be the right stuff.

[larryl]

1.5 miles is not much time for the engine to heat up especially if it's frigid

[erbie78]

1 hour ago, larryl said:

1.5 miles is not much time for the engine to heat up especially if it's frigid

I'm taking that into account.  I'm going to try and see if I can do some personal research in it this weekend.  While it won't be as cold as it has been the last couple of days (-12* F this morning), I should be able to figure something out.

[5rebel9]

Check engine light on when driving> There is a code for coolant UNDER parameters. Same as your minivan.

BUT as posted already 1.5 mile drive, especially if not above 30mph is NOT much work for the motor to develop heat, particularly if you are getting -12*f temps. I',m from South of Buffalo,NY and even at +15*f it takes some distance and at speeds above 40mph to get heat going.

does the DJ have remote start? try using it before just getting in and going, Remote start has a duration cycle of 7 minutes run time. My wife and I do that most all the time in winter weather.

Also do not have interior fan on full speed until you do get heat, the cold air force will just make it feel colder.

[John/Horace]

-12F or -24 C holy crap that's cold, block heater would help quite a bit on warm ups, save fuel too. Ours came with one, they are coiled up and hidden a bit from factory install. If you have the rear heat with the second heater core; I would keep it off until the front starts to warm up. Or tell her to leave it off all together. You didn't mention miles but a 2012 changing original stat wouldn't be a bad idea if it's over a 100k miles, coolant àlso aged out now.

 

Do not mix hoat and oat, can create jell and wreck/plug heater cores. OAT is the newer 2013+ coolant, you are likely HOAT. Owners manual will say. Both are orangish color. HOAT is considered a superior anticorrosion coolant but  pretty much discontinued. Rated life 10 yrs I think. If you flush really well you can switch to anything really.  Like the OP's are saying...not enough warm up time at 1.5 miles really. 

[CBD]

I had this issue recently on my '18 3.6 Crossroad. The heat wasn't consistently hot and my coolant temp was rarely of 185. And that was after letting it warm up for 10-15 minutes. I'm down the Jersey Shore, so not artic like temps, but cold enough. I had the thermostat replaced and a coolant system flush. That fixed it right up. Now it get too hot sometimes.

[erbie78]

116k miles.  It hasn't tripped any codes.  I might check to see if any are pending.  

 

This morning (-4*F) she let it run for a little over 10 minutes before leaving, drove to school (she drives more like a grandma than she does like me), and checked the coolant temp for me.  It was 176* when she got there.  Again, I know the trip isn't long enough to get it warmed up, but I would have thought a 10 minute warm up would have had it closer.  Might just be too damned cold out right now.  Fortunately, we're going to be back above freezing consistently after tomorrow and thru the next 10 days.