I have a 2002 Dodge Stratus SXT (Manual Transmission)

Just recently I am not getting any heat unless I step on the gas. At idle the car just blows cold air.

I have also noticed that at idle the headlights are slightly dim; and when you step on the gas they go back to normal.

Also, I'm not sure what the normal idle speed is but my stratus idles at about 500 RPM

If I hold the gas at 1000 RPM, I get heat and the headlights are normal...

any ideas or suggestions?

 

I have an 05, mine idles @ 500 as well which freaked me out when I first bought the car.
As for the lights mine does the opp. When Im idle & start something else (ie lower windows open door) it goes dim
for the car not blowing heat, maybe its a stuck temp gauge?