Auto Heat Repair Near Me
TL;DR - Quick Answer:
Car heater not working? We fix heater cores, blower motors, thermostats, and coolant issues same-day. ASE certified technicians, 30+ years experience, serving all of Sonoma County. Call (707) 584-7727 for immediate service.
Don't suffer through cold winter drives. Our expert technicians diagnose and repair all car heater problems quickly, getting you back to comfortable driving.
Why Is My Car Heater Not Working?
TL;DR: Most heater problems stem from coolant issues, thermostat failure, or blower motor problems. Here are the 6 most common causes we see at our shop.
Low Coolant Level
Without enough coolant, there's insufficient hot fluid to warm the heater core. Often caused by leaks.
Faulty Thermostat
A stuck-open thermostat prevents the engine from reaching proper temperature, resulting in lukewarm heat.
Clogged Heater Core
Debris and corrosion can block coolant flow through the heater core, reducing or eliminating heat output.
Blower Motor Failure
If you don't feel air coming from vents (hot or cold), the blower motor or resistor may have failed.
Blend Door Actuator
This controls the mix of hot and cold air. When it fails, you may get only cold air or heat stuck on.
Coolant Leak
Leaks in hoses, radiator, or heater core reduce coolant levels and can cause sweet smell inside the car.
Signs You Need Auto Heater Repair
TL;DR: If you notice any of these symptoms, bring your car in for a heater diagnostic. Catching problems early prevents costly repairs.
- Heater blows cold air when set to hot
- Weak airflow from vents even on high
- Sweet, syrupy smell inside the car (coolant leak)
- Windows fog up and won't clear
- Engine takes forever to warm up
- Temperature gauge fluctuates abnormally
- Coolant level keeps dropping
- Heater works intermittently
Don't Ignore These Warning Signs
A malfunctioning heater often indicates underlying cooling system problems. Left unchecked, this can lead to:
- Engine overheating and damage
- Head gasket failure ($1,500-3,000+)
- Unsafe driving (can't defrost windows)
- Stranded in cold weather
Auto Heater Repair Costs in Sonoma County (2025)
TL;DR: Most heater repairs range from $150-$1,200 depending on the issue. We provide free estimates before any work begins.
| Repair Type | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Coolant Flush & Fill | $150-250 |
| Thermostat Replacement | $150-300 |
| Blend Door Actuator | $200-400 |
| Blower Motor Replacement | $300-500 |
| Heater Core Replacement | $500-1,200 |
| Heater Hose Repair | $100-200 |
* Prices are estimates and may vary by vehicle make/model. Contact us for an accurate quote.
Our 5-Step Heater Repair Process
TL;DR: We diagnose the problem accurately first, explain what's needed, then fix it right the first time with quality parts and expert workmanship.
Comprehensive Diagnostic
Full HVAC system inspection and coolant check
Coolant System Test
Pressure test and flow analysis
Component Testing
Thermostat, blower, actuator, heater core
Expert Repair
Quality parts, skilled technicians
Performance Verify
Temperature and airflow confirmation
Why Choose Rohnert Park Transmission for Heater Repair?
ASE Certified Technicians
Our mechanics are ASE certified with specialized training in automotive HVAC systems.
30+ Years Local Experience
Family-owned since 1989, serving Sonoma County with honest, reliable auto repair.
Same-Day Service Available
Most heater repairs completed same-day so you're not stuck in the cold.
All Makes & Models
From Honda to BMW, Chevy to Toyota—we service every brand.
Transparent Pricing
Free estimates, upfront pricing, no surprise charges after the work is done.
Warranty Protection
All repairs backed by warranty for your peace of mind.
Ready to Get Your Heat Fixed?
Don't spend another day shivering in your car. Call us now or stop by— no appointment needed for a diagnostic.
Auto Heat Repair Near You in Sonoma County
We proudly serve drivers throughout Sonoma County with expert heater repair services. Click your city for location-specific information.
Car Heater Repair FAQs
Common questions about auto heater problems and repairs, answered by our ASE certified technicians.
Why is my car heater blowing cold air?
The most common causes are low coolant level, a stuck thermostat, clogged heater core, failed blower motor, or a malfunctioning blend door actuator. Our diagnostic service identifies the exact cause so we can fix it right the first time.
How much does auto heater repair cost?
Heater repair costs vary by issue: thermostat replacement $150-300, blower motor $300-500, heater core $500-1,200, coolant flush $150-250. We provide free estimates before any work begins.
Can I drive with a broken car heater?
While you can technically drive, it's not recommended in cold weather. A broken heater often indicates cooling system issues that could lead to engine overheating. Plus, you need heat for defrosting windows safely.
How long does heater repair take?
Simple repairs like thermostat replacement take 1-2 hours. Heater core replacement is more involved, typically 4-8 hours due to dashboard removal. We offer same-day service for most repairs.
Why does my car heater smell bad?
A sweet smell indicates coolant leak, often from the heater core. A musty smell suggests mold in the HVAC system or a dirty cabin air filter. A burning smell could indicate electrical issues with the blower motor.
Do you service all vehicle makes and models?
Yes! Our ASE certified technicians service all makes and models including domestic (Ford, Chevy, Dodge), Japanese (Toyota, Honda, Nissan), European (BMW, Mercedes, VW), and Korean (Hyundai, Kia) vehicles.
What's included in your heater diagnostic?
Our comprehensive diagnostic includes coolant level and condition check, thermostat operation test, heater core flow test, blower motor amperage test, blend door actuator inspection, and temperature output measurement.
Is there a warranty on heater repairs?
Yes, all our heater repairs come with warranty protection. We use quality OEM and aftermarket parts backed by manufacturer warranties, plus our workmanship guarantee for your peace of mind.
Get Your Car Heater Fixed Today
Same-day service available. ASE certified technicians. Serving Rohnert Park and all of Sonoma County since 1989.