Does heating stop working when stuck in traffic?

Seeking Advice Forum
1

Has anyone noticed their heating fans slow down and the air gets cold when the car is idling in traffic?

2

Have you checked if auto stop is on or if the coolant level is okay? My Elantra has a similar issue—its fans slow down at idle because of the low-resistance alternator designed to save fuel. Maybe the Telluride has the same setup?

3

@Brown
Yes, auto stop is on and my coolant level is fine. They tried a software update to fix it, but it’s still happening. I understand fans slowing down at idle, but the air turning cold is frustrating, especially during morning traffic.

4

@Harris
Maybe try turning off auto stop and see if it helps.

5

Annbrinkman said:
@Harris
Maybe try turning off auto stop and see if it helps.

I always turn off auto stop. It’s one of those features that bothers me. I prefer to have control over it.

6

@Mason
I used to dislike it too, but I don’t mind it in the Telluride, except when it affects heating or cooling on extreme weather days.

7

@Mason
I’ll never get a car with auto stop. It’s more for meeting regulations than saving fuel for the driver.

8

Mark said:
@Mason
I’ll never get a car with auto stop. It’s more for meeting regulations than saving fuel for the driver.

I think most new cars in the US come with it now.

9

Mason said:

Mark said:
@Mason
I’ll never get a car with auto stop. It’s more for meeting regulations than saving fuel for the driver.

I think most new cars in the US come with it now.

Not all of them. My Mitsubishi Outlanders and my daughter’s Mirage don’t have it.

10

@Mark
Good to know! I guess I’ve just been unlucky with my cars.

11

Mason said:
@Mark
Good to know! I guess I’ve just been unlucky with my cars.

Yeah, it’s tough. And now even top brands like Toyota are facing issues with engine failures. It’s surprising.

12

@Mark
Toyota did take responsibility for their Tundra engines though. They recalled and replaced engines, even for trucks that weren’t showing problems yet. That must’ve cost them a lot.

13

Mark said:
@Mason
I’ll never get a car with auto stop. It’s more for meeting regulations than saving fuel for the driver.

I found this video on the topic: https://youtube.com/shorts/2YCGnshLIuY?si=1o4Es1Ti5-9z-681. Looks like studies don’t fully agree on its benefits.

14

Annbrinkman said:
@Harris
Maybe try turning off auto stop and see if it helps.

I turn it off whenever it’s really hot or cold and I need the AC or heat to stay consistent.

15

Annbrinkman said:
@Harris
Maybe try turning off auto stop and see if it helps.

I don’t think the engine is turning off when this happens, but I’ll give it a try tomorrow. Fingers crossed it works. Thanks.

16

@Harris
The AC and heat can’t work at full speed when the engine isn’t running.

17

I always turn off start/stop. It’s mainly there to meet emissions standards. It doesn’t save much fuel unless you idle for long periods. Plus, it can wear out the starter faster in stop-and-go traffic.

18

This is a known issue with Tellurides. I have a 2020 model, and in Canadian winters, it’s rough. Below -30°C, there’s no heat. The dealership and Kia Canada say it’s normal for that model year.

19

pepelar said:
This is a known issue with Tellurides. I have a 2020 model, and in Canadian winters, it’s rough. Below -30°C, there’s no heat. The dealership and Kia Canada say it’s normal for that model year.

I also have a 2020 and drove in -22°F this morning. My heat worked fine during my 45-mile commute. Did they upgrade the heater in 2021?

20

@Gracie
Yes, the heater was upgraded in 2021. Mine heats while driving but blows cold air when idling, like at traffic lights. Also, the windshield vents are too small, so ice forms in the bottom corners.