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Anonymous Posted on Mar 03, 2009

Heat Problem 2001 Dodge Caravan Se 4cyl 2.4L

I have a 2001 Dodge Caravan Se 4cyl 2.4L Minivan. For the past two winters I have had no heat. Last summer my car overheated so I had the radiator replaced because it was clogged beyond belief. I figured whatever was clogging the radiator must have clogged the heater core since the coolant flushes through there as well, so a few days ago I flushed the heater core. I cut the hoses to the heater core and I left the top and bottom ports unplugged. I put a garden hose to the top connector of the heater core and flush dort, debri and rust particles out of the bottom and then I did the same to the bottom connection in reverse so whatever was lodged in there would get jumbled up and spit out. I proceeded to run the water through the heater core until it came out clear, dirt and rust free with a full force steady flow out of the other end. Then I bought new hoses and reconnected the heater core to the motor. Now I get a little heat for 5-10 minutes on a medium fan setting, but after that it goes ice cold. Any higher then a medium fan setting it goes almost instantly cold. I do not have a head gasket problem or a coolant leak, because I had it checked by a mechanic. What else could be the problem with the heat? Could it be something like a vacuum hose or maybe a vent door not closing? If it helps any you can hear a sound of what is believed to be a vent door snapping shut on the lower passenger side. Im freezing my toes off in the van so any and all suggestions and advice is greatly appreciated...Hope to hear from somebody soon, I dont know how much more of this cold I can take. thanks in advance.

  • 6 more comments 
  • Anonymous Mar 03, 2009

    So your saying that I need to replace the actuator which is an air temperature control door motor in the dash board that controls the hot and cold air coming into the cabin, correct?
    Any idea what this part costs? Where I could get it?
    Also any idea if it is in anyway as hard to replace that part as it is to replace the heater core?

  • Anonymous Mar 03, 2009

    either way you look at it the dash has to come out and it would make more sense to have the heater core as well as the air temp control actuator motor replaced at the same time since the dash will be removed anyway. This is off the subject but can ask you a question about another problem Im having with power in the dash?

  • Anonymous Mar 03, 2009

    Yesterday morning I started my van after a night of a bad snow storm and frigid cold I noticed all the lights, gauges air temp controls, buttoms, headlights, brakelights. Everything worked except for the Clock and the power for the radio. Do you know if they are on a seprate fuse and what it would be named under? I checked the fuse box and it doesnt say anything about a radio

  • Anonymous Mar 03, 2009

    Thanks Im gonna go check out my fuse box I will let you know what happens

  • Anonymous Mar 06, 2009

    Do you or does anyone else have any idea as to whether I can take the dash apart and force the air temp actuator door closed or open. So that I only get cabin air as a bootleg fix but also making the heat and ac work?
    I really dont have $400bucks to spend on an actuator right now.

  • Anonymous Mar 12, 2009

    Okay I think you may be right....if you can answer or anyone else can answer this it would be great. I checked around for an Air Temp Actuator motor for the heat and ac coming into the cabin. Some guy has one off of his 2001 van that he is willing to sell me for $40 and he garauntees that it works. However I have never replaced one before and I dont know what it looks like either. If someone can tell me where it would be located in the van and a description of it or give me a pic possibly that would be great. I want to buy the part from this guy but I have him waiting on me until I can verify that it is the right part. Thanks in advance to anyone that can help.!!!

  • Anonymous Mar 12, 2009

    another thing is I get ice cold ac but no heat..could this door motor still be the problem...? and would it be the door or the motor that is the problem??? anyone please...thanks

  • Anonymous Mar 12, 2009

    yeah but Im gonna buy a motor for the ac and heat door that was taken off of another 2001 dodge caravan off of the heater blower assembly. I just wanted to be sure it was the right part because the dealships are A$$h**es over here

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1 Answer

Marvin

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  • Dodge Master 85,242 Answers
  • Posted on Mar 03, 2009
Marvin
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The problem with no heat is caused by air temperature control blend door motor in the dash air ducting, this door moves in different positions to allow air over the heater core or to allow air over the AC evaporator core or a mix or blend of the 2 air streams to obtain the desired outlet temp.. The bad news is the dash must come out to replace this actuator.

  • 4 more comments 
  • Marvin
    Marvin Mar 03, 2009

    yes that is what I am saying, the part will have to come from the dealer. How much not sure, it is about the same labor time as a heater core replacement.

  • Marvin
    Marvin Mar 03, 2009

    what is the question?

  • Marvin
    Marvin Mar 03, 2009

    they may be marked acc short for accessory

  • Marvin
    Marvin Mar 12, 2009

    the Ice cold AC is the door problem as well

  • Marvin
    Marvin Mar 12, 2009

    Go to the dealer and ash them to print a picture of the AC part called a blend door, they will do it if u are real nice.

  • Marvin
    Marvin Mar 12, 2009

    good luck, just make sure the part is tested.

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