Vehicle heater problems.

[Hef]

I have a 2002 Dodge Ram 1500 and the heater does not work. I googled the problem and it seems this was a design flaw from the factory. They refused to do a recall and the fix is over a $1,000 as the entire dashboard has to come out. I have thought about an electric 12 volt heater to sit in floor. Does anyone have any experience with using one of these and if so any reccomendations would be appreciated. TIA. Hef

[Patrick]

If I remember correctly the new body/chassis design came in 2003.. The 2002 body has been around for quite some time and I don't recall any heater issues[ that doesn't mean much though].. So, just what is wrong with your heater,, what does it do or not do...

[fudgie]

I dont think the 12v will be warm enough esp in these winters, assuming you live in northern I'll. I could be wrong. Can you use the air but slide it over to warm instead of cool?

[Hef]

Patrick, It does not emit any heat. It seems when you turn the thermostat to heat, it doesn't open the vent door to let the heat out. At least that is what one Dodge mechanic told me. He says they have seen it many times on that model. He also says Dodge sell a kit to fix the problem but the labor cost alone can go up to $1,000. I took it in to the local Dodge dealer and he denied the repair kit idea. They wanted to install new radiator and thermostat. The truck does not over heat and the there is nothing wrong with the thermostat. Fluids changed every two years so I don't think it's a plugged heater core.

[fudgie]

What does your water temp gauge read? Why did he want to sell you a thermo and rad? Is it all electric or does your controls run on vaccum? Still could be a heater core, is your carpet wet with coolant?

[3W-lonerider]

back years ago when i drove a garbage truck..my truck had a V-8 duetz diesel which is air cooled. in the winter the oil running threw the heater core produced no heat..so they mounted us 12 volt heaters on the floor..worked pretty good to keep your feet warm..done nothing to keep the ice off the windshield. would'nt even take the frost off in the morning. my recamendation..get your heater fixed..

[Hef]

Fudgie, Why radiator and Thermostat? Because the guy was an idiot! Don't know on the electric/vacuum. Just about 30 minutes ago, our shop maintenance man took my truck down to the maintenance shed and checked the input/output hoses on the heater core and had a good flow through so I am positive it is not the core.

[Ricky-D]

Put you a little Chiminea over in the passenger side and keep a window cracked!

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[hmt81]

Just some advice.......
1. Check both small heater core hoses under the hood where they go into the firewall. After vehicle is warmed up and heat on, both hoses should be hot. If only one is then the core is blocked. If both are hot go to step 2.

2. Remove glove box door (or at least fold it down by squeezing the back together until the rubber stoppers clear the frame) the air blend motor and linkage are behind it. If you find it and disconnect the linkage, you can manually move the linkage to see if the heat comes up.

If the van is not overheating, they shoyuld not be suggesting a t-stat & radiator.

Good luck, let us know how you make out.

[Madmike]

it is teh actuator that holds the flap  open for heat to teh defrost.... you can take some of teh lower dash off around the transmission hump and then drill a hole in teh housing and hold the flap open with a piece of welding rod so that the heat will go up to the defrost... I did this about 6 weeks ago for a guy here when it was 20 below and he had no defrost...

[Patrick]

I was just about to suggest a couple things but the others already have.. Another thing to look at,, does the blower fan work?? If not, or only on high speed, then then the resistor thats generally located above the glove box could be the culprit..

[Tx Bohemian]

Good luck with getting your heater fixed if you go that route.

Just a fyi, I got a flyer from Harbor Frieght yesterday and noticed they had a 12volt heater with a cig light attachment. 

Never used one so I can't tell you how they work or if it'll do you any good (seems like any heat on a cold day would help though).  If you do get one of these be sure to cut it off or disconnect it when the vehicle is not running, I'm sure it pulls a lot of juice and would run a battery down quickly.

[scoot]

I kad a 59 VW that I mount a small shelf just below the windshield. I would light a xan of sterno and sit it on it to keep the windshield clear. 

[MP]

I have a 2002 Dodge Ram 1500 and the heater does not work. I googled the problem and it seems this was a design flaw from the factory. They refused to do a recall and the fix is over a $1,000 as the entire dashboard has to come out. I have thought about an electric 12 volt heater to sit in floor. Does anyone have any experience with using one of these and if so any reccomendations would be appreciated. TIA. Hef

What they say is true.  It IS the actuator.  No fix, except to do what they say.  Do NOT go into radiator, fan, etc.  It IS the actuator.  Known problem.

I have had a couple 12 volt heaters.  Thought I could direct at windshield here in ND to help with fogging up.  Would not even do that.  Almost worthless.  Maybe 20 of them MIGHT? keep your feet warm?

Good luck.

MP

MP