Heater core back-flush fixed heat on 2011

[Hogges]

I was about to hack into the dash to install a new heater core, as per the many YouTube videos illustrating how to do it. But I tried a back flush of the heater core first, combined with all new coolant. I used a combination of water from the garden hose and my air compressor, alternating between the two. I flushed in both directions but started from the back side, hoping to clear jammed debris in this way.
It worked! There is still a little bit less heat on the far left vent compared to the others, but a far cry from the ice cold air we had before. I am glad that I tried this less invasive method first.

 

[Chris]

Awesome, I'm happy it worked for you!

 

[Hogges]

Awesome, I'm happy it worked for you!

It’s a good thing, too, as it’s 12F here today. If the outside air gets heated like that when passing through the heater core I figure it works pretty good.

 

[tJKrider]

I was about to hack into the dash to install a new heater core, as per the many YouTube videos illustrating how to do it. But I tried a back flush of the heater core first, combined with all new coolant. I used a combination of water from the garden hose and my air compressor, alternating between the two. I flushed in both directions but started from the back side, hoping to clear jammed debris in this way.
It worked! There is still a little bit less heat on the far left vent compared to the others, but a far cry from the ice cold air we had before. I am glad that I tried this less invasive method first.

Good job @Hogges ! Sometimes it pays to try to simple fix first!!