Our 16yr. old first truck is a 2000 Dakota R/T Quad Cab. No Leaks in Cooling system. But it takes his truck a long time to heat up in the cold mornings. Any ideas why it takes so long? Heater Core? I hope not, scary thought to take out entire dash to replace heater core, if it is in fact bad. Any other ideas to what can cause truck defrost and heat not to work quicker?

 

Does the engine get up to operating temp? If not, might be as simple as changing the thermostat.

Welcome to DF!

 

Welcome to DF. Like stated, may be the thermostat. Exactly how long is "a long time" and are you in the areas where it is like -20? Has is always taken a long time to warm up or just started? You should post up in the 2nd gen Dakota section as well, they may be able to help you out too.