If the heater core is getting hot (both hoses going to it are hot) then the only other thing can be the blend air door isn't opening. Since you have issues with the air flow direction, something tells me there is a vacuum problem. If I recall, in 97 the system was actuated using engine vacuum. Check for issues with vacuum first. You may just have a broken hose or one that is disconnected.
Let me know what you find.
Joe
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Wednesday, October 22nd, 2014 AT 5:35 PM