Parts for your 2016 Subaru Exiga-Heater tap

Heater Tap Information for the 2016 Subaru Exiga

When it comes to the 2016 Subaru Exiga, the term "heater tap" might leave you scratching your head. In fact, this particular vehicle does not use a traditional heater tap in its heating system. Unlike some older cars or certain models where a heater tap, sometimes called a heater control valve, is fitted to regulate the flow of hot coolant into the heater core, the 2016 Subaru Exiga relies on more modern and integrated systems to control cabin heating.

The reason why the 2016 Subaru Exiga does not use a heater tap is mainly due to the design of its heating and cooling system. Instead of a manual valve to turn the heater on or off, this vehicle utilises electronically controlled blend doors inside the heater box. These blend doors adjust the mix of warm and cool air blown into the cabin, depending on the temperature set on the climate control system.

This setup offers several advantages. For one, it provides smoother and more accurate temperature control without the need for a physical valve to regulate coolant flow. It also reduces the number of mechanical parts under the bonnet, lowering the chance of coolant leaks or valve failures. Additionally, electrically controlled systems can be integrated into automatic climate control, enhancing driver comfort and convenience.

With no heater tap to maintain or replace, Subaru has simplified the service routines for the heating system on the Exiga. That said, it is still important to maintain other components of the cooling and heating system such as the radiator, thermostat, water pump, and coolant itself. Ensuring coolant is fresh and at the correct level helps the heater core function effectively, delivering warm air when needed.

In cases where the heater stops producing warm air, Subaru technicians would typically check for issues such as clogged heater cores, malfunctioning blend doors, or electrical faults within the HVAC control system, rather than a faulty heater tap. These components are more common points of failure in this model's heating system and are the focus during repairs or diagnostics.

For those interested in servicing their 2016 Subaru Exiga's heater system, there are a few standard maintenance tips worth following to keep everything in good working order. Regularly inspect and replace the engine coolant according to Subaru's recommended intervals, as old or contaminated coolant can lead to corrosion or blockages affecting heater performance. Checking hoses for cracks or leaks also helps prevent coolant loss which can impact heating.

If the vehicle's cabin heating seems sluggish, it's a good idea to verify the thermostat is operating correctly. A thermostat stuck open can prevent the engine from reaching optimal temperature, which means less hot coolant circulating through the heater core. Similarly, a faulty water pump can affect coolant flow, so keeping an eye on engine temperature and coolant circulation signs will provide early warning for any problems.

Overall, while a heater tap is a neat, simple device used on some vehicles to manually control coolant flow to the heater core, the 2016 Subaru Exiga has done away with this part in favour of a more modern, electronically controlled system. This means fewer mechanical parts to fail and a more comfortable, consistent cabin temperature controlled right from the dash.