rlenz2711

2001 sable with low heat output.
Checked atifreeze (Okay)
Checked heater hose going into firewall ( Both seam hot)
Checked Blend door operation (looks good)

Next step ? Backflush Heater core??

If heater core runs clean could it be the water pump impelers???
Dont really want to pull the water pump for nothing.
is there a way to test the pump without removing???

100,000 miles on car.

dac122

How's your temperature gauge look? On my '97 its normal position is 1/3 up the gauge.

When was the last time you had a coolant flush and replaced the thermostat? Are you throwing any codes? Lazy thermostats can do that?

Do you have any overheating issues? Are there any coolant leaks?

...more info please.

rlenz2711

i have 3 sables all 2001
The temp guage is in same position as other cars with good heat.
Had to replace the cooolant tank on 2 of the cars already.
The thermostat is working.
Never any overheating issues.
No Codes

I had a 96 sable before and had a big problem with the heater core plugging up. In the 96 the core was plugged and the impeller blades were coroded off.
A mechanic said it was common for 96 thru 99 sables.
I was hoping the 2001 models that ford fixed the problem

dac122

Sounds like you are on the right track. I'd go for the flush and ask them to focus the flush on your heater core.

Might as well have them replace your thermostat as it is just a few dollars.

That way you can be sure it isn't lazy but working just good enough to avoid a code.

Sounds like you know more than most on this subject.

jwko

if you had some way to measure the temp on both heater hoses you could determine if the core is stopped up. Maybe by touch and if there is a big difference then u know thats the deal. If they both seem pretty hot then I would check elsewhere. Make sure car is at normal operating temp and heater on high.

jwko

Also if the water pump impelers were bad you would have engine overheating problems so i'd rule that out. That car is only 5 years old and shouldnt have heater core problems this soon. I'd be willing to bet its all under the dash

readykillowatt

Had that same problem with mine (195,000 miles). The head gasket blew at 155,000 so I replace the engine with a 2001 Vulcan - 15,000 miles (Ebay for $150 - I was lucky). Shortly after heat just seemed to die. Finally got fed up with the complaints. Here's what to do. Remove the hose from themostat house to heater core, and the one to the water pump leaving the heater core connected to the hoses. Then clamp the bypass hose and connect an air hose to the that was connected to the water pump. Apply pressure (60 psi) and if you don't blow the core, you will open up the core. Residue from the engine gets caught in the core because it's lower than the bypass. When enough builds up the coolant takes the path of least resistance, and you have no heat. Hope it works for you