Heat not so hot

[todds99]

Hi i have a 1999 Boxster and it seems to take forever to get heat and it's not really very hot.Temp is 180 or so but it justs seems warm...Is this normal?

[78F350]

I'd suspect that the heater core is getting clogged.
I didn't see a DIY for the Boxster, but here's an Audi/VW DIY:
Audi A4 1.8T Volkswagen Heater Core Flush | Golf, Jetta, Passat & Beetle | Pelican Parts DIY Maintenance Article

[Jamesp]

I have a new heater core, and lousy heat - I know the foam in the heater box is gone and I suspect that there is plenty of unwanted mixing in the heater box. Another massive project to fix that, but that's what gives an old boxster character!

[Timco]

Cabin Air Filter. Pull that then check.

Maybe climate controller?

[todds99]

Thanks guys my Saab 9-5 was kinda doing the same thing a good flush was all it took.i will check the filter too.

[j.fro]

As you adjust the temp from low to high, does the temp change at all? There is an armiture on the underside of the heater box that controls the temp. This can pop out of its fitting, resulting in the temp being stuck at just one setting. Fixing it is as simple as popping it back into place. If you remove the cover under the passenger side dash, look up at the heater box right behind the center console. The armiture is blue.

[clickman]

Pardon my ignorance, but what's an armiture, and what does it look like?

[todds99]

Originally Posted by j.fro

As you adjust the temp from low to high, does the temp change at all? There is an armiture on the underside of the heater box that controls the temp. This can pop out of its fitting, resulting in the temp being stuck at just one setting. Fixing it is as simple as popping it back into place. If you remove the cover under the passenger side dash, look up at the heater box right behind the center console. The armiture is blue.

That i'm not sure thanks i will check!

[Timco]

Originally Posted by clickman

Pardon my ignorance, but what's an armiture, and what does it look like?

I have not see the one mentioned but it's a small arm that moves a flap or vent from another motor. Like an arm for a motor. This one will connect the heater's air temp flap to the motor or servo that moves it on demand from the climate controller.

[TMStewart]

Originally Posted by todds99

Hi i have a 1999 Boxster and it seems to take forever to get heat and it's not really very hot.Temp is 180 or so but it justs seems warm...Is this normal?

That repair guide worked for me

986 Heater Flap Repair Boxster foam

[Gilles]

Originally Posted by todds99

Hi i have a 1999 Boxster

That is a Nice Car..!

[Retroman1969]

One-Beautiful car!
Two-We have had wind chills in the negatives here recently, and with 30+ MPH winds. I'm still having to keep the CC turned down to about 70 or else they'll burn me out of there! So insufficient heat is definitely not normal.
I'd guess either blocked heater core or issues with the CC unit. My Jeep recently had virtually no heat at all even though engine was running at temp. A good core flush fixed it right up.

[BFeller]

I think it is the foam on the blend door.