I've searched thru the many threads regarding heater cores and thermostat, but I'm still not sure of what could be the problem. My wife's Durango blows out cold air even after the vehicle temp has reached 180 deg. There is no fluid leak nor is there any kind of bad smell inside. Even on long trips, over 30 minutes run time, the air hardly gets above warm. I'm reluctant to take it to a shop, worried they'd tell me it's the heater core when I honestly don't think that is the problem. I know how time consuming it is to change one of those. Any ideas?? [X(]

Thanks

 

Search the treads in search mode for the words heater core in Durango 1st generation. Sounds like your heater core is plugged. Grab the 2 hoses and check for the same water temp on both sides. If one is colder than the other the core is plugged. Take both off and put a garden hose on the side going into the manifold and back flush the core full bore. Hook up the heater hoses and try again to see if there is heat.

 

Yes, one hose is hotter than the other. I will try your suggestion this Sat. Thanks for the advise. Dwight

 

guarantee that is your problem thou. Let the water run full bore for about 2 min minimum. I like to do the other side as well but only after the return side is done first.

 

you might also want to do a complete motor flush... if there's gunk in the heater, there's gunk everywhere else. make sure you use distilled water when you re-fill your system. it will help prevent the gunk from forming when using the 5 year antifreeze.

 

Read this post here and it goes more into detail on flushing. I'm doinf mine this Saturday. Same problem.

 

I want to thank each one of you who took the time to offer up solutions to the heater problem. I flushed the heater core, it took maybe 20 minutes to complete, and now my wife's Durango has heat!!! Thank you all!! You may have diverted a possible global disaster! HA! I'll keep checking back to return the favor when I can.

Thanks Again!
Dwight

 

Ye ah I did mine last weekend and now have heat. Wife is happy too. Another global disaster avoided as well!! [&:]