So I know that is kinda odd thing to saw but it is correct in my case. So with the cool down of fall hear, I finally had to start using the heat in my new to me 99 dakota. I noticed that even when the engine is at temp (10 mins at 65 mph). with the heat cranked all the way hot and full speed on the fan the air is not the warm. I have to lower the speed to get warmer air. So what is the problem, thermostat, heatercore, air in the system somewhere? Please help I want this problem solved before the world of ice and snow decends on MN.


on a side note does anyone else notice that the floor blower setting seem to barely have any air coming out of it, or is this another problem/symptom of my system being screwed up.

 

A partially clogged heater core is common if it hasn't been maintained. You might try backflushing the heater core to see if it helps.

Look on the floor by the transmission tunnel. There is an actuator down there and it is common to bump the thing. See if its on tight and moves when you actuate the controls.

Good luck.

 

Dose it ever get real hot ever?

I have the 2.5L and it doesn’t get very hot but when I lived in CA. it took about 15 to 20 minutes to get hot air out of my vents, it could be the thermostat change back to the 195 you may have a 160 or the 180 in there.

Check to see if it’s clogged like 00DakDan said back flush it or flush the system if you haven’t done that yet.

Other things may be the problem keep us posted how things are going.

 

On my truck the floor vent had a cap on it, and it is a 99 as well, it got knocked off when dad owned it, he was fixing something I dont remember what..now its like, WTH thats alot of heat down there....when it actually works...damn thing leaks faster than I can get fluid in it! but hopefully soon i find someone to help with the repair, so i wont have to worry lol.

As for the reason why it is cold...could be any of the things you mentioned, I would check the heater core first, like 00DakDan said.

 

Back flushing the heater core should help out. I did mine last year and it made a big difference! Only takes 10 min to do

 

How does the heater core get clogged never heard of them getting clogged in 12 years of owning a Dakota never had any heater clogs must be a back east thing.

 

Corrosion and rust build up, Breakdown of anti freez over time becomes like sludge, Previous owner putting in rad stop leak. That will clog the heater core in a matter of a day and once its in there it is almost impossible to get it to come out.

 

My truck, I would probably do t-stat and fluid flush/replace. Not sure what the 99 water pumps are like, but maybe them as well. that way everything is good to go for another 13 yrs. oh yea, and hoses!

Doing it all is a few bucks, but its done right and then you know the system is clear/clean.

 

So neglect or not knowing how to maintain an auto that’s how it can happen

Being someone that is very careful to maintain my car I should never have this problem I see.

I guess there are a lot of people who don’t do any of their own regular maintenance thus neglecting its care… I’ve known people that still think a wheel is solid rubber and don’t know what a flat tire is or how it happens.

 

I laugh at the people that dont know how to pump gas. Its like really you are driving and you dont know how to pump gas? Also I always thought changing a flat tire should be taught in the school drivers ed. I dont know of how many people I have heard say I dont know how to change a tire.