Heating & Cooling System Service
Need heating or cooling system repair in Thousand Oaks? Your vehicle's climate control keeps you comfortable year-round – from cool air during hot summer days to warm heat on chilly mornings. At Gallardo's Automotive Service, we diagnose and repair all heating and cooling system issues to keep your cabin at the perfect temperature.
Warning Signs of Climate Control Problems
Don't suffer through uncomfortable drives. Watch for these warning signs:
Heating System Issues
- No heat from vents – only cold air blows when heater is on
- Weak heat output – takes forever to warm up or never gets hot
- Sweet smell from vents – coolant leak in heater core
- Foggy windows that won't clear – heater core leak creating condensation
- Wet carpet on passenger floor – leaking heater core
- Engine overheating with no heat – low coolant or failed thermostat
Air Conditioning Issues
- AC blows warm air – low refrigerant or compressor failure
- Weak airflow – clogged cabin filter or blower motor issue
- AC cycles on and off rapidly – refrigerant level problem
- Clicking or grinding from AC – compressor failure
- Musty smell when AC runs – mold growth on evaporator
- Water dripping inside vehicle – clogged AC drain line
General Climate Control Problems
- Temperature doesn't change – blend door actuator failure
- Air only comes from certain vents – mode door actuator issue
- Fan doesn't work on all speeds – resistor or blower motor problem
- Climate controls unresponsive – control module or wiring issue
- Clicking behind dashboard – actuator motor failing
How Your Climate Control System Works
Heating System
Your heating system uses engine heat to warm the cabin:
- Heater core – small radiator that transfers engine heat to cabin air
- Thermostat – regulates engine temperature for consistent heat
- Coolant – carries heat from engine to heater core
- Blower motor – pushes air through heater core into cabin
Air Conditioning System
The AC system removes heat from cabin air:
- Compressor – pressurizes refrigerant (driven by serpentine belt)
- Condenser – releases heat to outside air (in front of radiator)
- Evaporator – absorbs heat from cabin air (behind dashboard)
- Expansion valve/orifice tube – controls refrigerant flow
- Receiver/dryer – removes moisture from system
Control System
Modern vehicles use electronic controls to manage climate:
- Blend door actuators – mix hot and cold air for desired temperature
- Mode door actuators – direct air to floor, dash, or defrost vents
- Temperature sensors – monitor cabin and outside temperature
- Climate control module – computer that manages the system
Climate Control Services We Provide
Cooling System Service
- AC recharge and repair
- Refrigerant leak detection and repair
- Compressor replacement
- Condenser and evaporator service
- AC system flush
Heating System Service
- Heater core repair and replacement
- Thermostat replacement
- Coolant flush and fill
- Radiator hose replacement
- Cooling system pressure test
Ventilation System Service
- Blower motor replacement
- Blower motor resistor replacement
- Blend door actuator replacement
- Mode door actuator replacement
- Cabin air filter replacement
- Evaporator cleaning (odor treatment)
What to Expect: Timeframes
| Service | Typical Time |
|---|---|
| Climate System Diagnosis | 45-90 minutes |
| Cabin Air Filter Replacement | 15-30 minutes |
| AC Recharge | 45-60 minutes |
| Blower Motor Replacement | 1-2 hours |
| Blend Door Actuator Replacement | 1-4 hours |
| Heater Core Replacement | 4-10 hours (dash removal often required) |
| AC Compressor Replacement | 2-4 hours |
The Gallardo's Climate Control Advantage
- Complete diagnosis – we test all components before recommending repairs
- Modern refrigerant equipment – R-134a and R-1234yf capable
- Electronic diagnostics – scan tools to read climate control codes
- Quality parts – OEM and premium aftermarket components
- Warranty coverage – we stand behind our climate control repairs
- Honest assessment – we explain repair options and alternatives
- Financing available through our special financing program
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does my heater blow cold air?
Common causes include low coolant level, a stuck-open thermostat, a clogged heater core, or a failed blend door actuator. We diagnose the specific cause before recommending repairs.
How often should I replace the cabin air filter?
We recommend cabin filter replacement every 15,000-25,000 miles, or annually. If you drive in dusty conditions or notice reduced airflow or musty odors, replace it sooner.
Why does my AC smell musty?
Moisture on the evaporator creates an environment for mold and bacteria growth. We can treat this with an evaporator cleaning service and recommend more frequent cabin filter replacement.
Is it expensive to replace a heater core?
Unfortunately, yes – not because the part is expensive, but because the dashboard usually needs to be removed to access it. Labor is the major cost factor. If you notice any signs of heater core problems, have them addressed early.
Can I run the AC and heat at the same time?
Yes, and many automatic climate systems do this intentionally. Running AC while heating helps remove humidity from the air, which clears foggy windows faster.
Related Services
Serving the Conejo Valley & Ventura County
Gallardo's Automotive Service provides expert climate control repair to drivers in:
- Thousand Oaks
- Westlake Village
- Newbury Park
- Moorpark
- Agoura Hills
- Oak Park
- Camarillo
- Simi Valley
Stay comfortable on every drive. Call us at (805) 494-9358 or schedule an appointment online for expert heating and cooling system service.
At Gallardo's Automotive Service, your complete automotive care center in Thousand Oaks, CA, we'll keep your climate control working perfectly. Give us a call and let us help keep you safely and economically on the road.
