hey folks got an odd one
1997 ram 1500 5.2 auto
initially the heat dial on the cluster stopped functioning thought it was not a big deal however this morning the entire lights behind the cluster went out after being on for a few minutes. also the heat as seemed to be severely reduced. still functioning, but extremely reduced. same problem or am I looking at 2 different failures?

 

2 different problems. Temp door on your truck is controlled by a cable. If it comes off, breaks, or has some other problem, you can't adjust outlet temp. Being low on coolant will also give you poor heat.

If all the dash lights are out, bad switch, or bad fuse.

 

ok update fixed the lights blown fuse... probably should have checked it... my bad... now the heat not only am I not getting heat but the engine temp gauge itself wont rise above about 140... and im not getting any cab heat. replaced the sensor and cleaned the terminal and filled up on coolant. called my dad (he did the last radiator flush) and he told me 2 things. 1. last flush he did the coolant was rust colored coming out (normal, or so im told) and two he didn't use distilled water only tap when mixing and he also did not mix them before putting them in and it was a lot more water than coolant. will it have an effect?

 

Hhhmmm, I would get a tester, and see what your coolant is good for. (temp wise, you REALLY don't want it to freeze...... bad things happen.) If it doesn't protect down to about -40, I would flush the system, and install a 50/50 mix coolant/water. (or, just by the pre-mix stuff, and call it a day.)

Sounds like the thermostat has stuck open. I suspect that would also compromise flow thru the heater core. The coolant will follow the path of least resistance.