Is it just me, or does the G35 just have a lousy heating system?

In view of the frigid temperatures that we have been having over the last month, I have taken to warming up my G for at least 15 mins before leaving the office. I have found that the heater only starts to blow real hot air once I commence driving. That is to say while the car is parked the heat being discharged is slightly warm but by no means hot.Once I start to drive you can feel the air getting real hot but it still takes at least 12 mins from the time I start driving until the time it becomes comfortable and the steering wheel actually starts to warm up. I have spoken with someone who has an Altima and they are experiencing the same thing.

As a matter of fact the Altima owner has a 2003 Altima and at 1999 Altima. He starts both cars in the morning at the same time, by the time he is ready to leave the 1999 is toasty warm and the 2003 is still cold.

I have made sure that I am in Re-circulate mode, have actually tried both modes (fresh air also). Have tried having heat come out from floor and another time from upper vents (not Defrost Mode). Have made sure A/c is not on.

The fact remains that real hot air only begins to discharge once car is in motion. I never had a vehicle that behaved in this manner. I was going to install a remote starter but what is the use if the heater only functions well while in motion.

Perhaps I should hire someone to drive the car for 10 mins before I am ready to use it.

In any case I would appreciate comments, is it just my car or are others having same problem?

Thanks

 

I think it's the nature of the beast. In Auto mode when the car's real cold, the fan won't even come on 'till there's at least a little heat, then as the engine warms more, the blower will rise.:P) Being a V-6, it's gonna take a little more time than the 4's, so it's not so speedy at the best of times. :P) It's possible your cooling system thermostat is stuck open but I doubt it. You will see the temp gauge not at it's normal level. Mine usually sits about midway on the scale. maybe lightly below the mid point. If you're unhappy with the warming time let the dealer have a look. He'll be familiar with warming times of the G and know better if there's something wrong.
Mine isn't the quickest warmer I've owned but is ok for me.[img]/w3timages/icons/smile.gif[/img]. Within 2-3 minutes of driving I'm getting good heat. Not hot yet but good enough. I don't idle for more than a minute, so can't say how hot it would get just sitting.:P) I know what you mean about the steering wheel. I miss the heated wheel of the Max I had.
Good luck.........[img]/w3timages/icons/cool.gif[/img]

Gsedanman's Coupe<P ID="edit"><FONT class="small"><EM>Edited by gsedanman on 01/29/03 05:12 AM.</EM></FONT></P>

 

The block heater is usually plugged in (or set on a timer) for about 2 hours prior to starting the car in COLD weather, ie. minus 15 C or colder. Easier on the engine, and easier to start in extremely cold weather. Warms up to running temperature a few minutes faster as well.

 

Hi from Winnipeg(WinterPeg);
I have had my G sedan since last May and Yes, the heater is slow compared to a 4 cylinder or a small V6. I also have a 2003 Toyota Corolla that heats up within about 5 minutes and my previous Honda Accord V6 heated up quiker also. It's just the nature of the beast. Use your heated seats, they are great and take the HVAC off auto, use the manual mode and set the temp to at least 26 degrees. My wife normally sets it at about 24 MAx because it gets to hot it the car with the heated seats on.
Also, quit complaining that it's too cold until you have lived in WInnipeg.
Have a great day;
Gary

 

Is Winnipeg cold?[img]/w3timages/icons/wink.gif[/img]

Gsedanman's Coupe

 

It's cold but everything is relative.
This morning it is about -10C degrees which is about 15-20F degrees. The heater in the G sedan is more than adequate and air Con works too good even though they replaced the compressor because of the "Noise" fix issue.
Great car that should be pussed all the time. Every time I drive it, after my wife, it takes me a couples of redlines in manu mode to get the engine going again.
I always drive it in manu mode in 4fourth, it seems to be more responsive and keeps the revs up on the highway.
Gary

 

Gary, check your PM

 

Hey gbabaluk, I was kidding about "is Winnipeg cold". My girl friend's neighbours moved from there a few years ago and have told us of Winnipeg winters. When it's bad here in Southern Ontario, all I gotta do is chat with them for a minute or 2 and I don't feel so bad anymore. They say it's damper here but a lot warmer.
I agree that the G's need to be spanked frequently to keep them 'on their toes'. That's a little hard in winter, but can always reset the computers by disconnecting the battery. I've been Grannying my new Coupe for only 400 Klicks (only occasionally up to 5-6K) so will wait a little while to try resetting my computer. I have a hunch I'm gonna feel quite a difference. WWOOOHHHHOOOOOO.
I tried driving my Coupe the same as my Sedan and found out the hard way that I can't just leave it in 4M and expect it to shift back up to 4 again. (I redlined it with only 50 klicks on it) I hope no biggie.[img]/w3timages/icons/smile.gif[/img] but a few diffs anyway.
After that 'whipping' I was a little more careful. LOL
Good luck with the G and warm weather is on it's way.[img]/w3timages/icons/laugh.gif[/img]

Gsedanman's Coupe