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Honda CR-V heater on driver's side does not warm up, how can I fix this?
Having done the due dilligence (HJ Reviews etc) I took a 13 plate Honda CR-V for a test run two days ago which was a warm day so was pleased that the air con was running nice and cold (or so I thougt). As the car has just got a new MoT and has a good service record I bought the car (private seller).
Fast forward 24 hours and with the weather turning wet, windy & cold I turned the heat up, eventually to the 'Hi' setting. The air from the heater vents on the driver's side remained stone cold even after an hour's drive. Air from the passenger side vents gets warm but not that warm. A quick check on Google reveals that this heater problem on CRVs between 2012 & 2014 is common. As always there are many suggestions online as to what might cure the problem but it seems to be a case of dismantling the dash or floor or, taking large parts of the engine out to get at the heater.
Have you any suggestions as how best to identify the problem and resolve the issue or do I just put myself at the mercy of a Honda dealership?
Fast forward 24 hours and with the weather turning wet, windy & cold I turned the heat up, eventually to the 'Hi' setting. The air from the heater vents on the driver's side remained stone cold even after an hour's drive. Air from the passenger side vents gets warm but not that warm. A quick check on Google reveals that this heater problem on CRVs between 2012 & 2014 is common. As always there are many suggestions online as to what might cure the problem but it seems to be a case of dismantling the dash or floor or, taking large parts of the engine out to get at the heater.
Have you any suggestions as how best to identify the problem and resolve the issue or do I just put myself at the mercy of a Honda dealership?
Asked on 28 July 2023 by grand voyager
Answered by
David Ross
We have also seen several reports of issues with this particular era of Honda CR-V and low heat from the driver's side vents, but Honda has not issued a recall to address the issue.
One cause of the problem could be that the coating on the inside of the heater matrix has become clogged and prevents warm air being directed to the driver's side, and a complete flush of the system may rectify the problem. Rather than heading straight to a Honda dealer, we would suggest trying an independent Honda specialist who may be able to diagnose the fault and offer a cheaper solution. You can find an independent specialist near you with the Honest John Good Garage guide here: good-garage-guide.honestjohn.co.uk/
One cause of the problem could be that the coating on the inside of the heater matrix has become clogged and prevents warm air being directed to the driver's side, and a complete flush of the system may rectify the problem. Rather than heading straight to a Honda dealer, we would suggest trying an independent Honda specialist who may be able to diagnose the fault and offer a cheaper solution. You can find an independent specialist near you with the Honest John Good Garage guide here: good-garage-guide.honestjohn.co.uk/
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