if the heater blows cold air in my 1987 dodge dakota how do I fix it?

Answer 1

You aren't going to like my answer.

But first, you did check the coolant level, the condition of the water pump, the thermostat, tightened clamps, and all that stuff?

If everything else is working fine, then unfortunately it's your heater core. Now if you are lucky, maybe there's a lot of crud collected in the core, and perhaps you can do a simple flush to solve your problem.

You can do this from the engine compartment. Just locate the the two water hoses going into the firewall. The upper hose should have a coupler that you can seperate. Get a garden hose in the intake hose and "let 'er rip..." Keep a pail close by to collect the crud that comes out.

Now if you are real lucky, this will solve your problem. If it doesn't, then you need to replace the heater core. It is something you can do yourself, but keep a manual surgically attached to your hip at all times.

The heater core is a small radiator, sort'a the size of your battery and it's either located behind the dash on the passenger side, or it's behind the firewall, and be accessed from under the hood.

If your luck is like mine, plan on removing half your dash, the heating duct work, and your radio.

I did this job once on an '84 Buick Le Sabre and it took me an entire day just to get the dashboard out!

Answer 2

it may be the cable for the heater control has bent,come loose,or broke.that could be at the control panel or the control valve,rarely inbetween.does it feel different than normal?easier or harder?if so it is most likely the cable.with the hood up,look for hoses going through the firewall.once found locate the control valve on it.a glancing look,could tell you if the cable is off or deformed.next have someone turn the heater control knob and look for the lever to move.if not the problem is at the control panel.assuming that has not worked or maybe first you should check the coolant level.MAKE sure the engine is cool before removing the radiator cap.you could check the overflow tank but on an older veh. it may be deceptive. any further work should be done by a mechanic.add clean water if the rad.is low.if interior control is suspect take to a shop.good luck.

Answer 3

Sounds like the heater core or the heater hoses are blocked so the water is not circulating. If you are sure that you have water/antifreeze in the radiator, check the heater hose when the engine is warm. If they are cold, then you have that problem. The only way I know to fix this is to have the core & hoses cleaned out. The other problem may be a stuck thermostat.. yeah check that first.

Answer 4

You should take it to a mechanic you know and trust,it could be a thermostat or a blocked heater that needs flushed or it could be the heater control switch.Its easy to trouble shoot the system if you know what your looking for,that's why I suggest a good mechanic.Good luck

Answer 5

Check your coolant level first......next would be the heater valve under the hood, in-line with your heater hoses... make sure the valve is open, allowing coolant to circulate through the heatercore.

Answer 6

Don't forget the the hot water valve or control to be sure it is in open position.

Answer 7

take it to a shop or replace it. Though I would probably just drive it off a cliff.

Answer 8

Buy a new thermostat and install it.