2001 Chrysler Town and Country Low heat

S7FALCON

MEMBER
2001 CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
130,000 MILES

At idle with a warm engine and fan on medium the heat feels warm and a little better in recirc mode. With fan on high the heat drops and, drops more after driving.
The mechanic first changed the thermostat; no change. Then flushed the system to clear a possible air bound problem; at idle the temp read about 135-40. But the heat again dropped off after driving a few miles.
Now he's suggesting a new radiator, that it may be plugged.
Is this the next step, in what seems like a proccess of eliminating what is not the problem? The only thing heating up is me!
Your advice would be greatly appreciated.
John

3 Replies

ZACKMAN

MECHANIC
4,202 POSTS

BASIC HEATER SYSTEM TROUBLE SHOOTING CHART

CONDITION POSSIBLE CAUSE
Insufficient, Erratic, or No Heat Low Coolant Level

. Incorrect thermostat.
. Restricted coolant flow through heater core.
. Heater hoses plugged.
. Misadjusted control cable.
. Sticking heater control valve.
. Vacuum hose leaking.
. Vacuum hose blocked.
. Vacuum motors inoperative.
. Blocked air inlet.
. Inoperative heater blower motor.
. Oil residue on heater core fins.
. Dirt on heater core fins.

***Radiator: If it is not leaking and your vehicle is NOT overheating, then it is fine. I would check for possible clogged heater core, before I touch the radiator.***

SPONSORED LINKS

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

No

Monday, December 22nd, 2008 AT 9:27 PM

S7FALCON

MEMBER
7 POSTS

The radiator doesn't leak and is not overheating! That's good leave the radiator alone - Is there a way to check the flow thru the heater core without dumping the fluid?
John

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

No

Monday, December 22nd, 2008 AT 10:18 PM

ZACKMAN

MECHANIC
4,202 POSTS

No matter what, you will lose some fluid. Instead of removing the hose ends at the heater core, I would remove the hose from the other end from the engine. It is a little harder, but it will be a lot less messier. Get ready with some plastic bags and rubber bands. When you pull a hose out, cover the nipple with the plastic bag and wrap the rubber band around it. Let the fluid in the hose to drain into a bucket or something.

Once a hose is removed, attach a T-fitting like this one