Mitsubishi Repair: heating, temp gauge, temperature gauge


Question
I have a 2003 eclipse GTS, In cold mornings when I start the car to heat the interior it blows cold air. I let it idle for a few minutes and it won't blow hot until the car is moving for awhile. Is this a switch that is getting stuck, and if so where is this located? Your help would be appreciated. Thank you.

Answer
Raul,
This happens with all cars.  On cold mornings, it takes the engine longer to heat up the coolant.  Once the coolant is warm enough, it's allowed to flow through the heater core.  And only when the heater core has warm coolant flowing through it will you be able to feel warm air blowing from your vents.  Your temperature gauge is a good indicator to know when your coolant is getting warm.  Once you see the temp gauge start moving, you'll know you should be feeling warm air soon.  The colder the morning, the longer it will take to be able to blow warm air.

But if your car does not start warming up after idling for 10 minutes, you may want to consider having a coolant flush and getting your thermostat replaced.  A coolant flush sbould be performced every 40,000 miles or so.
Good luck!