Parts for your 2017 Subaru Exiga-Heater tap

Understanding the Heater Tap on the 2017 Subaru Exiga

When it comes to the 2017 Subaru Exiga, one question that often pops up is whether it features a heater tap as part of its heating system. After checking detailed technical sources and workshop manuals for this model, it's clear that the 2017 Subaru Exiga does not use a traditional heater tap.

So, what exactly is a heater tap, and why doesn't this vehicle have one? The heater tap, sometimes called a heater control valve, is a small valve located in the heater hose, controlling the flow of hot coolant from the engine to the heater core. It basically opens and closes to regulate the amount of heat entering the cabin, providing heating as needed.

Older vehicles or certain models tend to have a physical heater tap because it offers a simple on-off or variable control over heater flow. However, modern vehicles like the 2017 Subaru Exiga now often use more sophisticated methods for controlling cabin temperature. Technologies such as electronically controlled blend doors and water valves managed by the vehicle's climate control system mean a physical heater tap is no longer necessary.

On the 2017 Subaru Exiga, heating and cooling are managed via an electronic blend door system rather than by stopping or starting coolant flow directly with a physical valve in the heater hose. This approach improves reliability, reduces maintenance needs, and offers a more consistent cabin temperature control.

Because the 2017 Subaru Exiga does not utilise a heater tap, there is no component to maintain or replace in this specific area of the heater system. Instead, the focus for keeping your Exiga's heating system running smoothly would be on ensuring the coolant system as a whole is maintained properly. This means keeping an eye on coolant levels, ensuring the radiator and heater core are free from blockage, and checking the operation of the climate control system.

That said, for owners curious about heater taps or those servicing older Subaru models that do feature them, understanding how heater taps work and when to replace them is still useful knowledge. Here's a bit more on heater taps in general, just in case you come across one.

A heater tap controls the flow of hot engine coolant into the heater core inside the cabin. When you turn on the heater or increase the temperature setting, the tap opens to let hot coolant flow through the heater core, warming the air that gets blown into the cabin. When you don't need heat, the tap closes, preventing hot coolant from flowing and thus keeping the cabin cooler.

Heater taps can either be manually operated or vacuum/electrically controlled. Many older Japanese cars used vacuum-operated heater taps, which sometimes became a common failure point, causing the heater to blow cold air. If a heater tap gets stuck closed, you'll get no heat. If stuck open, the cabin can get too hot and the engine may run warmer than normal.

Owners who need to replace or maintain a heater tap on other vehicles usually follow a few simple steps. First, ensure the engine is cool and the coolant system is depressurised. Then, locate the heater hose and the tap itself. It's often attached to the firewall or close to the engine block where the heater hose splits off.

Replacing the heater tap involves draining some coolant below the level of the valve, loosening the hose clamps, removing the old tap, replacing it with a new valve, and topping up coolant. Always double-check for leaks and test the heating function properly after replacement.

Maintenance-wise, heater taps don't need regular service but do require attention if leaks develop or if the cabin fails to warm up as expected. Regular coolant flushes and system checks help keep the whole heating system in good shape, including any heater tap present.

Back to the 2017 Subaru Exiga, since the vehicle uses an electronically controlled system rather than a heater tap, owners should concentrate on ensuring the entire cooling system is well maintained. This includes checking coolant levels, inspecting hoses for wear and leaks, and making sure the cabin's blend doors respond correctly when changing heat settings.

So, while the 2017 Subaru Exiga does not have or need a heater tap, understanding what these valves do and how to care for or replace them can still be handy for those dealing with other vehicles featuring this older-style component.