2005 XC70 - Lukewarm heat - Next steps?

[abscate]

Don’t forget to clean the cabin temperature sensor in the dash (?)

If that gets clogged up with dog hair the system can go wonky.

[wczimmerman]

The temp gauge is buffered so in the middle does not mean much.
Get a real thermometer and stick it inside the vent after a long drive and see what you get.
I posted info in forum, I don't remember off hand but it should be 160F.

Chances are your thermostat is bad, I'd replace the thermostat first.
Then address the heater core later.

Ok, thanks. I have a todo list that includes the PCV system replacement, timing belt kit (including the water pump, of course) so I'll add the thermostat assembly to the list. After that is the rear shocks as I've already done the front struts.

The thermistor/sensor in the climate module I used some compressed air in a can to gently blow anything out.