LC100 Heat Problem

[filer5000]

I hope everyone is doing well. I have an issue with my Toyota LC100 that I've had for a while, but it's finally starting to annoy me. I'll start of by mentioning that my commute is roughly 2.5 miles and its it about a 10 minute drive. Winter has been pretty chilly in my area, ranging between 30 degree and -5.

If I am to start my car 5 or 10 minutes early, I find that my temperature just barely moves until I start driving. Normally, unless there is snow or ice, I run my car for about 30 seconds to a minute before I start driving. Some, not all mornings, I find my car just barely or not hitting proper temperature. Last winter I addressed this problem by adding some more coolant, and it seemed to help by a small amount? I believe I topped off my radiator and added some to the tank. This didn't make that much of a difference that I noticed. I've also noticed that once it hits a certain temperature, it stays there. That temperature is barely lukewarm. Some mornings it seems like it's blowing cold air.

My current thoughts are that my engine thermostat is broken or struggling OR something is wrong inside of the heater core.

Looking for your guy's input, it is greatly appreciated.

 

[Helipilot]

My 2007 is the same on cold mornings and doesn't warm up until I have driven about a mile after letting it warm up after starting it. I just use the seat heater and it solves the problem for me. The only other thing is the thermostat may be either stuck open or is the wrong part for your vehicle. Good Luck since we are in the start of a cold winter.

 

[Helipilot]

My 2007 is the same on cold mornings and doesn't warm up until I have driven about a mile after letting it warm up after starting it. I just use the seat heater and it solves the problem for me. The only other thing is the thermostat may be either stuck open or is the wrong part for your vehicle. Good Luck since we are in the start of a cold winter.

 

[filer5000]

My 2007 is the same on cold mornings and doesn't warm up until I have driven about a mile after letting it warm up after starting it. I just use the seat heater and it solves the problem for me. The only other thing is the thermostat may be either stuck open or is the wrong part for your vehicle. Good Luck since we are in the start of a cold winter.

I use my seat heater too. It's still too cold and I am barely able to feel it on most mornings with my short commute.

 

[2001LC]

Try replacing thermostat, it's gasket & radiator cap. I'd use only, Toyota parts. A must, is that Thermostat be installed, jiggle valve up.

When topping coolant. Do so in, AM before sun ups when air the coolest. Best if parked overnight, with front end higher than rear. Look under rad cap, fill (to bottom of cap area). If you add today, check/top again each day. Until system will not take anymore.

Avoid idling, it can damage CATs. 5 min warm up okay, 10 a bit long, 20 min will damage CAT.