Hello everyone, has anyone experienced this issue at all. Lots of coolant in the system. This car came from the west coast and I'm starting to wonder if they used a 180* stat in her. When the temp is cool it will do just fine, however when it drops down to -20*C or colder it has a hard time keeping the cabin comfortable.
Just wondering what I should check before looking at the thermostat.
Thanks

Do you have good airflow the heat is just not warm?

You could have a stuck open thermostat if the engine temp is cold all the time.

If everything else checks out it could be the airmix door actuator. It could also be a corroded heater core.

Wow Does the engine temperature as read on the IC make it close to 200 degrees? or the metric equivalent? Maybe you need to block a section of radiator.

You know I don't remember the exact number on the gauge, but it sits just between a quarter and a half when its fully warmed up (I'll check it out and do the conversion later). I don't think blocking off part of the rad will help as it doesn't get much better when she'* sitting still.
Air flow is good, actual temp is just not very warm. I'll check the heater hoses later on to see if there is heat going in and coming out.
Failing that I suppose I may have to have a look at the thermostat. I was glancing around the other day and it seems like its easily accessible (from upper rad hose to intake), do I have that straight?
Thanks all!

Have a look at the cabin filter, it maybe restricting air flow?
You should have a 195* stat for the winter, -20* your heater should keep up.
In -40*c block half the rad with card board to restrict air flow.

My money'* on either a cold thermostat or thermostat that is stuck open. Tell us, does your overdrive engage at all, or is late engaging?

My system is always set on auto. It runs when its good and ready (warmed up). Other than that it is pretty much always on.

Pontiac Dad, I have tried to look at that filter to change it, and honestly couldn't figure out how to release it. I will replace it anyway (once I figure out how to get it out). You know, I never thought of it at all. This is the first car I've had with a filter in it.
Yes I realize it should be a 195* I'm just trying to eliminate everything else first before I look there.

The overdrive works? Is it responsive to engine temps?
Teach me more, I'm curious now.

My cursory check would be after the car'* motor has run long enough to "warm" up, the upper radiator hose should have water coming through it back to the radiator that'* so warm you can't grip it for more than a couple of seconds-hot. Same for the heater hoses. And if the one hose is lots cooler than other heater hose when the blower is moving air through it on high taking heat out, you might have a partically block heater core.

Most GM cars I've had have the engine temp with needle in middle of range when normally warmed up. You need to verify yours is running at 195. This is a time when the cheap little infrared temperature readers from Harbor Freight would be a good help to measure temps...