My 2006 1.9 4x4 (147k) has recently started with the following symptoms:

1) Cabin heater doesn't blow hot anymore - just warm if you're lucky

2) Every day or so the low water warning lamp comes on, usually after its warm. It never needs topping up just the pressure in the reservoir releasing.

3) It never overheats - sits at 90oC all day long

3) Oil isn't milky

4) No steam from exhaust

I assume its got an airlock to explain the cabin heater but where is this coming from? I'm worried it may have a head gasket problem or cracked head allowing exhaust gasses into coolant but perhaps anyone who's a bit more technical can advise what to check next and whats most likely,

Thanks,

Andrew

My 2006 1.9 4x4 (147k) has recently started with the following symptoms:

1) Cabin heater doesn't blow hot anymore - just warm if you're lucky

2) Every day or so the low water warning lamp comes on, usually after its warm. It never needs topping up just the pressure in the reservoir releasing.

3) It never overheats - sits at 90oC all day long

3) Oil isn't milky

4) No steam from exhaust

I assume its got an airlock to explain the cabin heater but where is this coming from? I'm worried it may have a head gasket problem or cracked head allowing exhaust gasses into coolant but perhaps anyone who's a bit more technical can advise what to check next and whats most likely,

Thanks,

Andrew

Sounds like the thermostat maybe stuck open.

Sounds like the thermostat maybe stuck open.

Really? If that was the case wouldn't the car take ages to warm up? Also once its warm it still only blows luke warm air?

possibly an air lock..remedy:turn your heater to hot.turn the blowers to windscreen only, engine on, fans on full power, after a minute or so the airblock will be gone and maximum heat will resume..thats if its an air block and engine is fully warmed up. good luck-skodaman3.

2, 3, 3 (there are 2 3's!), & 4 Say it is not the head gasket

2 suggests faulty/dirty water level probe

1 suggests:

if it happened suddenly - an air lock (unlikely unless you have been draining the coolant), stuck heater control flap, failed heater flap control servo motor (the ventillation system blends hot/cold air to get warm - could be you are only getting the cold because the flap isn't moving).

if it came on gradually - dirty/blocked heater matrix either air side or water side

Thanks for the relpies! It has been coming on gradually I suppose. There was a period 4mth ago when it was drinking over a pint of water every week but this has stopped. I think I'll take it to a garage and see if they can get to the bottom of it!

Andrew