Fix No Heat in Ford F-150 Pickup Truck

In my 2012 Ford F-150 pickup truck, I'm only getting cold air blowing out of my dashboard vents, except when I'm driving, then I get hot air. That's a possible sign of low antifreeze levels.
After checking the reservoir, it's clear I'm exceptionally low on antifreeze, but it's not so simple as pouring new antifreeze in. Ford trucks (and many other modern vehicles) require special fluids. For the F-150, the owner's manual says only use Motorcraft Orange antifreeze (yes, that's what it's called).
Unfortunately, my local auto supply store didn't stock it, so I ordered a gallon off Amazon.com (amzn.to/2CJVoJY) and had it delivered to my door in 2 days via my Prime membership.
After adding the antifreeze to the reservoir -- it took the whole gallon! -- I started up the truck and let it warm up. Within minutes I had hot air again blowing out of my dashboard vents.
While there can be a number of reasons why you don't have hot air, this is a simple one to check first and as is clear it solved my problem.
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[@planemichael1527]

Years later and your video is still helping folks like me. I suspected this might be the issue but it was good to find that other have had the same problem. Thanks so much for the quick (and cheap) fix.

[@HomesteadDIY]

Awesome! Glad it helped. Just keep an eye on your fluid levels for a few days afterwards because it turned out I had a small leak in a hose that was responsible for the low coolant levels to begin

[@planemichael1527]

@@HomesteadDIY Thanks for the heads up. It's a 2016 F-150 and though I haven't seen any evidence of a leak on the ground, I'm always suspicious of disappearing fluids.

[@christinaalvarado4015]

I was afraid to address my heater going out because I really couldn’t afford it at this time. I found your video my husband went and got the orange coolant and within five minutes we had a brand new heater in our truck. Thank you so much for saving my family stress and money this holiday season God bless you!

[@HomesteadDIY]

Awesome! Glad it helped. But keep an eye on your fluid levels for a few days. I ended up having a leak in my hose which is why my coolant level was low and I had to have it replaced

[@simonkilminster9050]

I was about to take my truck to the dealership and I thought let me just go on KZbin and see if anyone else had this problem and bam! Man, thank you so much! Went and got a gallon of antifreeze and put it in out in the parking lot. Heat worked on the way home! Best 20 bucks I've spent. I just wanted to thank you for saving me a dreaded trip to the dealer and getting ripped for a lot more than 20 bucks.

[@HomesteadDIY]

Awesome! Thanks for sharing.

[@anthonywilliams1428]

I’m here 3 years later and all I can say is thank you!! Worked immediately!

[@HomesteadDIY]

Awesome! Just watch the coolant level for a couple of days. It turns out I had a leak by the heat sensor so I needed to get a hose replaced. But glad it helped!

[@HomesteadDIY]

@Hayes Hassan nope. No one cares at all. Why not take your scam posts somewhere else, or better yet, go get a real job

[@HomesteadDIY]

@Tanner Kase sure it did. How many spam accounts have you set up to try to make it seem real? You do realize people know this stuff is fake, right?

[@nathanshrader3953]

I’m also here 3 years later and my 2011 Ford F-150 just started doing the same thing. I will be checking my coolant level first thing! Thank you sir!

[@HomesteadDIY]

You're welcome! As I've since cautioned viewers since, if it is your coolant, keep and eye on the level for a few days after you refill it because it turned out I had a leak in a hose on the other side of the truck and that was why my coolant was depleted. Cheers!

[@HughesOnTheGo]

Thank you for the video. I had the same issue and fixed it. You saved me some money and time by not going to the dealership.

[@coryklein84]

Not only did this fix my problem, it INSTANTLY fixed it. I added the antifreeze in the parking lot of the auto parts store and as soon I started my truck to drive away...BOOM.. heat baby!!

[@HomesteadDIY]

That's awesome! Just keep an eye on the fluid level for a few days. Turns out my truck had a slow leak that needed a new hose replacement afterwards.

[@albertjackson1064]

Obo o o

[@darrendavis4731]

Well, I'll be. You nailed it. Here in coastal CA it never gets hot or cold. My heater stopped heating and I finally noticed. I checked the coolant, and it was down by exactly 1 gallon. The heater now heats like a champ. Thanks.

[@HomesteadDIY]

Awesome! Just keep an eye on the level for a few days. It turns out I had a small leak in a hose that needed to be replaced. Glad it helped tho. Cheers!

[@tammyleitte520]

Thank you so much. I'm in a Ford Transit work van and evidently Firestone didn't check the fluid. I'm good now. Happy holidays and thanks again.

[@HomesteadDIY]

Glad it worked out for you! Keep an eye on your fluid levels for a few days, though. Turns out I had a small leak in my hose, which is why my fluid levels were low to begin with. Enjoy the holidays yourself.

[@enviromam100]

I had the same issue in a 2013 F150, I watched your video and did what you said and it fixed the problem,,, Thank you, sir,

[@kylemauerhan4391]

Adding to the thanks. The heater stopped working in my ‘14 F150 over the last few weeks. Turns out it was the same issue, Dex radiator fluid (same as GM) was the fix. Cost $18 with a funnel 👍👍👍

[@HomesteadDIY]

Awesome! Glad it worked for you

[@dimitrithekiller]

Shameful anyone would thumbs down to this video. Thank you kindly. Awesome video 👍👍👍👍👍

[@HomesteadDIY]

Right? What were they thinking?! :) Thanks buddy, I'm glad you found the video interesting. Cheers!

[@ALM1GHTY.PEANUT]

Thanks for this. I started getting very little heat then cold air over time. Reservoir was nearly empty. After filling it was good. It is also explained the slurping noise I would sometimes hear starting it on a hill/slope (that's gone now too!)

[@randygrady9305]

Thank you, kind sir. This could possibly be the easiest repair job in the history of mankind. Thank you for posting this video. You have saved me and countless others time, money and aggravation. God bless you.

[@HomesteadDIY]

Great! I'm glad you found it helpful.

[@andyassad2626]

Thank you very much for the help! Saved me a costly trip to the dealer as well. !!!

[@HomesteadDIY]

Awesome! Glad it helped!

[@fabo806hubcity7]

Thanks sir!!! My wife and daughter ride in my truck and with winter coming to the west Texas area that was my problem and the low antifreeze problem was exactly it. Thank u and God bless.

[@HomesteadDIY]

Glad it helped! Just keep an eye on the level for a few days. Turns out I ended up have a leak in a hose that needed to be replaced. Cheers!

[@fabo806hubcity7]

@@HomesteadDIY yes I do have a small leak and I will look into it and watch the level. Thanks again

[@jariveros01]

Thanks Man! Helped my father today, with pandemia he didn't make official service to his old F-150. And Works :) (Chile Zero Celsius these days)

[@HomesteadDIY]

Glad it helped! Make sure he keeps an eye on the fluid level for a few days. Turned out mine had a small hose leak which is why the fluid level go so low in the first place. Cheers, from where its around 90-100F daily :)

[@silvermototx]

Thank you very much for the video and tip! I live in the Houston area and don't need much heat in my truck...but today I did and it was cold...found this video, one gallon of coolant later and I have toasty heat!!

[@HomesteadDIY]

Excellent! Just keep an eye on your coolant levels for a few days. Turns out I had a hose leak that caused my coolant to disappear.

[@GiftedMoFo]

You are the man! Thanks for saving me a dealer trip. Owe you a frosty beer!

[@HomesteadDIY]

Glad you found it helpful

[@johncollierjr21]

I did the same thing wife said no heat & I noticed it was low a few months back so I went & got the Peak orange & heat came back.. googled while setting here waiting for it to warm up. Nice & toasty now

[@HomesteadDIY]

Awesome! Amazing how much of a such a simple solution it is. Of course, it turned out I had a small leak in my hose, which is why my fluid was low to begin with, so I recommend keeping an eye on fluid levels for a few days.

[@usherjones2172]

Thank you Sir, you just don’t know how much you help me and my family!! God Bless You!!!

[@HomesteadDIY]

Thank you. Glad you found it helpful. Cheers!

[@stephenshatwell3915]

Thank you so much for this video. I was having the exact same problem with my truck and putting more antifreeze worked like a charm!!

[@HomesteadDIY]

Great to hear! Just keep your eye on the fluid level for a few days. Turns out one of my hoses had a small leak, which was the cause for the low antifreeze level in the first place. Cheers!

[@kentherrick8128]

Here in texas we needed your instruction. Had same issue exactly. Watched your video!! You’da man!! Thanks.

[@HomesteadDIY]

You guys in Texas have an apocalypse on your hands by the looks of it. Good luck!

[@rgvanglerz3646]

Thanks for the video. It solved my issue. Gave me more insight on keeping up with general maintenance- checking fluids!

[@HomesteadDIY]

Just keep an eye on the level for a few days afterward as my truck had a small hose leak which is why the fluid level was low in the first place.

[@CROCOD1LEZ]

Same method worked in my 07 f150 i appreciate it very much

[@connievick9561]

Not sure if this the problem with mine or not but I will try it as soon as the temp gets to at least 15 degrees. 3 degrees is a tad cool to be out there checking it out. Thank you for the tip and I hope this is all that is the problem with mine!

[@OldAndGettingOlder]

Well dang. After watching your video I went out and checked my coolant. Yes, it was low. I bought some orange drink and filled it up. It took 3+ quarts. I have heat now. I've flipped it from cold to heat several times. I've cycled the engine off and on several times. All seems to be working fine. I thought it was the blend door actuators. I sure hope this was the fix. Without your video I would have never ever thought to check the coolant level. Super simple fix. Thanks.

[@HomesteadDIY]

Awesome! As it turned out, one of my hoses actually had a leak in one of the hoses right where the fluid line joins the temperature sensor, but I hope this works for you

[@OldAndGettingOlder]

@@HomesteadDIY , I read that. I too wonder where the 3+ quarts went. I have nothing on my garage floor. I see no visible leaks. If it leaked this little after 93,000 miles I'll leave well enough alone.

[@OldAndGettingOlder]

I checked my coolant level this morning and it was low again. I expected this. Air in the system - specifically the heater core - was the reason for no heat. Air was purged after driving so naturally the level went down a little. I added what remained of the gallon. This last bit brought the level back to the minimum fill line. I'll be keeping an eye on this.

[@HomesteadDIY]

Good luck! Seems like a big drop though if you went from the Max fill line to now just at the Min level after adding an additional quarter. Hope it is just a lot of air in the line. Cheers!

[@leefaircloth7126]

Thank You It Worked and saved me money from taking to Ford. Have a Merry Christmas 2021.

[@HomesteadDIY]

Great! Thank you, you too. Also, keep an eye on your fluid levels for a couple of days. It turned out I had a small hose leak that caused my levels to drop so I needed to end up replacing it too

[@leefaircloth7126]

@@HomesteadDIY Thank You Sir. I certainly will. Have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. 2021-2022

[@bollengom803]

Oh my god that video help me a lots I’m almost go to the delership It’s take only 5 minutes after it’s working very well

[@HomesteadDIY]

Great! I just recommend keeping an eye on your coolant level for a few days. I ended up having a hose leak which is why my coolant level was low. Cheers!

[@charlescomfort2896]

I have a 2014 f_150 4x4 5.0 coolant level is fine just had ford service blower works fine has very little heat coming out but sometimes the heat is fine

[@rigobertogonzalez1538]

I had the same problem, Thanks for the video.

[@walkerdrae]

Man you and me both. Thankful I didn't blow a head gasket or water pump. Cured my heat problem instantly. Had to buy two canisters to fill to the line. Bone dry. Dumb maintenance on my part. 🤦🏾‍♂️

[@HomesteadDIY]

Good deal! Just keep an eye on it over several days. One of my hoses actually had a leak in it, so that was the reason my level had gone down. But glad the video helped. Cheers!

[@keganwallace8753]

Same problem here. I'll check coolant level. Thanks for the video

[@kristineheffron8815]

Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge! This was exactly what the problem was. It took about an hour after filling it before my heat worked. Thanks again!

[@hardenpt2522]

My 2012 is doing the same thing. Thanks Sir, good eye good eye

[@HomesteadDIY]

Let's just hope yours doesn't turn out to be a leak as mine ultimately did, one which I was not able to fix myself but had to take in for repair. Good luck!

[@stickster44]

Thanks man. Although, I rarely ever use the heater in my F150 (I live in southwest Florida) however, I was curious why my heater was blowing cold air. My reservoir tank was empty so I went down to Discount Auto Parts and they did not have any Motorcraft Orange but they did have the Zerex Dex-Cool brand. I called Zerex and they say this is compatible with Motorcraft Orange. This solved my problem (I used 3/4 gal of the 50/50 mix). Now, I'm going to keep a close eye to see if it has a slow leak.

[@HomesteadDIY]

Great! Ultimately mine did have a leak so hopefully yours does not.

[@Elcuatrapiado]

Se

[@thelawnguardian7134]

Thank you so much dude it worked on my 05 F1 50 I was about a gallon short of coolant

[@HomesteadDIY]

Awesome! Glad it helped.

[@thelawnguardian7134]

RuggedHomestead My feet thank you

[@kodiakradio7510]

I have an 05 4.6 f150 and my wife just text me and said she has no heat. I knew we were a lil low on coolant. Didn't know it could cause no heat. I'll try this. Fingers crossed

[@off-gridhillbillystyle3735]

Thanks brother I'm in Arkansas been dealing with this with my f150 v8 hopefully it works. I can't get air to come out my vents either just my dash and under the glove box

[@hobama_ping4003]

Haha had the same problem and was about to leave for a road trip at -30 deg C .. quick fix thanks for the vid

[@HomesteadDIY]

Glad it helped!

[@jcgrace1000]

Thanks fixed my problem and saved me appointment at garage ❤️ thanks

[@HomesteadDIY]

Glad it helped! I'd check the fluid levels again though. I ended up having a leak in a hose and within a few days my fluid levels were low again.

[@best9642]

Thanks for the video, I got the same b.s. going on up here Seattle WA.

[@HomesteadDIY]

Just be sure to keep an eye on the fluid levels for a few days afterwards. Turns out I had a small leak in a hose which is what caused the fluid level to drop in the first place and needed to replace it for a permanent fix.

[@alexanderknight8421]

Make this man a saint

[@HomesteadDIY]

lol I've told Mother Teresa to save a spot for me

[@Jimmy-zu9gb]

My old 03 was having similar problems, unfortunately that turned out to be a blown head gasket that was allowing air into and coolant out of the coolant system. By the time I really realized I had a big problem my engine temp would randomly spike to red-line when air bubbles hit the pump, took three trips to the mechanics to figure it out. Now my 2013 is having heating issues, I hope it is more simple that the last.

[@HomesteadDIY]

Yeah that would be a nightmare to go through again.Good luck!

[@joevip762]

Thanks for sharing ☺️ going to do some more research on my truck for the right antifreeze, LoL

[@anthonyrauseo5913]

I know this is an old video but thanks you just gained a sub my friend

[@HomesteadDIY]

Cool! Thanks for watching

[@jkbugout]

Thanks. Fixed the problem.

[@HomesteadDIY]

Great! Just keep your eye on the fluid level for a few days. My truck ended up having a small leak which is why the levels were low in the first place. Cheers

[@alacy777]

You helped me fix my truck! 👍🏻🇺🇸

[@HomesteadDIY]

Awesome! Glad it helped. But keep an eye on your fluid levels for a few days. I ended up having a leak in my hose which is why my coolant level was low and I had to have it replaced

[@MaxamillionEd]

Thank you fixed my problem. Nice and warm 😊

[@Yolanda-tb6cg]

I will try this product

[@JosephZanders]

The same thing is going on with my 2010 Ford f150 xlt 4×4 4.6 motor truck

[@jorgecorrea2446]

Worked on 07 thanks

[@jdmadrian22]

bravo sir! u got my heater working again!

[@HomesteadDIY]

Awesome! Glad the video helped.

[@coryklein84]

Dude thank you! It worked. I wish I could like the video more than once

[@zacharyjensen5002]

Thanks for the video. Worked on my f150 also

[@debbielee93]

Thank you so much ours was the same, makes me mad, just had a pulley checked that needs replacing and they did not even check the fluid levels, and it’s under a warranty

[@HomesteadDIY]

Great! I'm glad you found it helpful.

[@patm8586]

It worked! Thank you Sir for your video!

[@HomesteadDIY]

Great! Just keep your eyes on your fluid levels for a few days. Turns out I had a small hose leak that was responsible for the fluid being low in the first place

[@guysix]

Great simple video, I may have the same issue. Thx

[@travisedwards725]

Common sense tell you to check the coolant. Seems most people that commented don't check the coolant I bet they dont even check their oil. Next video you make will be what's that noise in my engine. Oh I added oil and the noise went away

[@HomesteadDIY]

Is that what that noise means?! Lol I wouldn’t be so harsh on people. Under the hood of a vehicle can be very intimidating for many. Which is why I make these different videos, to show that many times it’s just a simple solution. Cheers!

[@Tippyrules626]

Great simple solution! $$ saved

[@HomesteadDIY]

It is! Just keep an eye on your fluid levels for a few days afterwards. Turns out I had a small leak in a hose that caused the fluid to get low in the first place.

[@qp2pendejo]

Thank you for the advice.

[@royrichardson9164]

Yeah, if the fluid is low they definitely want blow warm air in these newer Fords

[@pridehomes8744]

Thank you!! Glad I came across your video. 👍🏽

[@HomesteadDIY]

Glad it your found it of use! Cheers!

[@raymeeluna]

Thank you

[@gerardocavazos7629]

Thank you. Sr. Works

[@thegamingwolf6968]

This worked for me, thanks a lot

[@asimd73]

You don’t have to use ford ORNGE coolant only, did ford pay you to say this? But yes if you have coolant low you won’t get heater working.

[@southeastchristian713]

Thank you, this definitely helped

[@brianruddy8785]

Oh my god! You are wonderful!!!

[@HomesteadDIY]

That's what I keep trying to tell my wife, but she seems doubtful. However, keep your eye on the fluid levels for a few days afterward. Turns out I had a small leak in a hose that was the cause for the antifreeze being low in the first place. Cheers!

[@Thebassmaster1988]

This may only be a temporary fix everyone. These trucks have coolant/antifreeze leaks, may want to check for that, I was pouring a whole container in the reservoir only to see it empty again after a short drive.

[@HomesteadDIY]

Correct! That's what my problem ultimately turned out to be. I've let people know they should keep an eye on it after they say this tip helped them. Thanks for commenting. Cheers!

[@blackman2192]

good for you buddy

[@HomesteadDIY]

Thanks!

[@andrewblack5304]

Thanks will try it.

[@rodostovich9795]

Great help worked for me

[@HomesteadDIY]

Awesome! Just keep an eye on your fluid level for the next few days. Turned out I had a small hose leak which was the cause of my fluid level being low in the first place.

[@boba2389]

Good fix, but why would you would wait for an Amazon delivery? If local auto parts does have what you need go to a dealer and pay rhe extra bucks.

[@HomesteadDIY]

That was the problem. My local auto parts store didn’t have it. While they had orange antifreeze, I wasn’t certain it was the correct stuff so I went with the OEM stuff which I was able to get from Amazon.

[@christopherortiz7955]

Thanks man ! 🤙

[@georgetobias9411]

Gracias Senor from Cali!!!!!!

[@HomesteadDIY]

de nada!

[@toddsmith8807]

Will this problem also cause my fan motor to start blowing very loud? It seems that my heater stopped blowing hot air and the fan kicking on and staying on happened about the same time?

[@seanhoward8276]

Thansk man 100% sure this is my issue.

[@HomesteadDIY]

Great! Just be sure to keep an eye on the fluid level for a few days. Turns out a hose had a small leak which is why my fluid was low in the first place. Cheers!

[@seanhoward8276]

@Homestead DIY I think the coolant line to my passenger turbo is leaking. Putting in the shop in a few weeks just waiting on my bonus check lol . Oil pressure pump is leaking oil onto the line and supposedly it commonly causes the line to leak. Thanks

[@Sheepdog30188]

Thank you!!!

[@HomesteadDIY]

You're welcome! Just keep an eye on your fluid levels for a few days afterwards. Turns out I had a small leak in a hose which is why my fluid levels were low in the first place. Cheers!

[@troywalker6984]

You cant crack the rad from running it low on antifreeze . you can over heat the engine though .

[@HomesteadDIY]

Well, maybe not "cracked" but a seized engine is still pretty f'd. :)

[@lisiatepalu7737]

Thankyou you for your help👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@ThisandThatRanch]

We are raising chickens and growing food give us a look and any advice is welcomed.

[@edenilson90]

Thank you!

[@rockymntnliberty]

Perhaps I'm a little out of touch, but $20 for diluted antifreeze considered cheap?

[@HomesteadDIY]

Relatively speaking, yes. Go to any auto parts store, and at least in my area, antifreeze is priced north of $20

[@jenniferc5970]

Thanks for this!!!!

[@danoconnor615]

So, where did the missing solution go?

[@Outdoor_Don]

My anti freeze is full so mine is not that. It blows air but the air never gets warm/hot

[@delphinus42]

Thanks for this!

[@markporter2642]

Fixed it! Thank you Sir!

[@HomesteadDIY]

Awesome! Glad it helped. Keep an eye on it for a few days afterwards though. I discovered I ended up having a leak in my hose about 3 days after posting this video. Cheers!

[@markporter2642]

RuggedHomestead Yep. Turns out my water pump was bad and was leaking coolant. I had noticed I had a pulley making a lot of noise during a cold start up. That was the water pump. Your video still helped. Even though it wasn’t the final fix it helped me to figure out what was wrong. That’s half the battle. Thank you!

[@HomesteadDIY]

@@markporter2642 Glad it led you in the right direction. Cheers!

[@northalabamaadcworkshop]

Really thank you!

[@williamfoster4268]

Ford F-150 coolant is dex-cool for your model year, same shit different name.

[@HomesteadDIY]

Thanks! I'm always afraid of f-ing up my engine

[@desidewar881]

Yeah thanks

[@jennbassi8052]

thank you sir

[@puddingmaster1999]

My truck i think is the same way when I drive it I get some heat but when I’m not on the gas it cools down I might have to check my coolant to se if it is the same for me

[@jamesrodriguez7784]

Nice thank you

[@HomesteadDIY]

Thank you!

[@97warlock]

the problem was the low radiator level? or low Overflow reservior?

[@HomesteadDIY]

It was actually a leak that I had at the far end of the hose from the reservoir near some sensor. This turned out to be just a temporary fix for me.

[@RICHARDSONMRD]

Thanks i willl try.

[@HomesteadDIY]

Good luck. As I've been advising people, though, keep an eye on your fluid levels for a few days afterwards as I ultimately had a hose leak which led to my coolant level going down.

[@anothawhiteboy]

I figured this was my reason. I still don’t know, I just wanted some confirmation bias to take place

[@HomesteadDIY]

I ended up actually having a leak in a hose by a temperature sensor, so this turned out to be a temporary fix for me, but it's often the main cause of most of these types of heat issues so it's a good first place for people to check

[@anothawhiteboy]

RuggedHomestead mined turned out to be a bad thermostat. Easy fix

[@RammyDread]

Thank you thank you thank you 🙏🏽

[@HomesteadDIY]

You're welcome! Just keep an eye on your fluid levels for a few days afterwards. Turns out I had a small leak in a hose which is why my fluid levels were low in the first place. Cheers!

[@RammyDread]

@@HomesteadDIY thanks 🙏🏽

[@maryjanemichellehappy-mosi1361]

What if it’s too full? Will it cause the same thing?

[@HomesteadDIY]

I don't believe it will

[@aCpierce22]

My truck had the same issue. Why does low coolant affect the heat?

[@HomesteadDIY]

Science! heh The coolant transfers the heat generated by the engine to the heater core (it's like a small radiator in your dashboard), and fans blow that heat into your vehicle. So when your coolant is low there's no way for the heat to get into your car

[@aCpierce22]

@@HomesteadDIY very well said. Thank you sir for both the video and your insight!