Hey all, I've been talking to some folks locally who also have dakotas (I have 97 Dakota Sport) - and the heater doesnt work, just nothing but cold air... seems they have an issue with this... does anyone know a common heater problem with these and what to do?

- Happy Holidays!

 

It's a common problem. The heater core is probably plugged up with goo and gelled antifreeze. You can disconnect both heater hoses, direct one into a 5-gallon bucket and use a water hose directed into the other hose to flush the junk out. Flush it one direction for a few minutes then reverse the hoses and flush in the opposite direction. Do this until the water runs clear out of each heater hose. This would also be a very good time to flush out the entire coolant system, add new coolant and replace your radiator hoses and hose clamps and install a new thermostat too.

 

I flushed my heater core couple weeks ago took me 10 min to do it and what a big difference it made.

 

ok, now I've done that, I bought an adapter for my garden hose that fits the heater hose, and did flush it both ways, and it was all gunky... but... heater still doesnt work.

maybe it;s worth nothing, the truck also has 181,000 miles, is it possible the engine is loose, worn and not building enough heat? - I notice the engine temp gauge doesnt show it running very warm, maybe 180?

 

Thermostat is probably stuck closed. If it's original or old, replace it.

Jimmy

 

my truck runs 180 all the time. Im thinking could be a theromostat but normally if they get stuck in the closed position your guage temp is higher than normal. Could be heater controls not working right did u try all settings?

 

I've messed with the heater *****... it's just cold air.... I am wondering, if maybe I should buy a heater core and replace it... but wonder how difficult a job that is, sometimes they are horrible, and some vehicles easy...

I am also trying to buy a new long block engine right now, because I can't trust the mileage on this one, but fearful even after new engine, still no heat, and it's supposed to be 6 degrees here tomorrow! LOL, no way of defrosting windows...

 

It could be the blend door dodges have a problem with them breaking. How long ago has it been since you had heat? The heater core might be fine unless you smell a sweet smell when in your truck. I did one in a ram and it was pretty easy but in the daks its worse cause its like right in the middle the whole dash has to unbolt and slide back a lot of guys take their front seats out so they have more room to work.

 

hmmm blend door, now that sounds like it could certainly be something!!!! - how would I determine if that is the prob? - and I've never had heat in the truck, for the 2 years I've had it. it came this way. (I bought it reallll cheap!)

 

Im not really sure never had to deal with it. Im sure someone else on here knows