Heating Problem

Tiny
NORD68
  • MEMBER
  • 2003 CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 115,000 MILES
I own a 2003 Chrysler Town & Country with 115,000 miles and for the last 2 or 3 years have been having problems getting the heat to blow hot through the vents. Only after driving for 30 to 40 minutes does the van start to warm up. Now, the rear heater seems to not have this problem, but it still takes up to the same amount of time to get it rolling hot! I've replaced the thermostat twice; had the water pump changed about 10,000 miles ago and I'm constantly checking to make sure it has enough radiator fluid. I'm just at a loss as to what else it could be. I don't think it's the heater core because it doesn't make any noises or have any problems working. Now if the weather is around 35 to 40 degrees outside, the van will work as it should and give plenty of heat. So why does it only have this problem when then temperature drops below 30 degrees?
Monday, December 13th, 2010 AT 6:12 PM

6 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,700 POSTS
When it happens, is the engine running at a normal operating temp? Also, with the engine running, hot, and the heater on, do both heater core hoses get hot?
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Monday, December 13th, 2010 AT 6:14 PM
Tiny
NORD68
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  • 6 POSTS
Yes, it always runs at normal and both hoses get hot. I noticed the other day that the pipe that connected on the lower side of the radiator to the firewall (the metal one) seemed to be rusting out and it looked like it had some sort of protective coating that used to be around it. It sits so low to the ground right there that I thought this pipe could be the reason it's losing so much heat, but an engine runs so hot that this area shouldn't be a concern. I'm going to replace the pipe after Christmas anyways - it looks like it might rust through at any time.
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Monday, December 13th, 2010 AT 6:22 PM
Tiny
NORD68
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Here is a pic of the metal hose.
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Monday, December 13th, 2010 AT 6:44 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,700 POSTS
I agree; it looks bad and should be replaced.

If both heater hoses are hot, there has to be a problem with the blend air door. It must not be opening fully.
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Monday, December 13th, 2010 AT 6:58 PM
Tiny
NORD68
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  • 6 POSTS
Is this behind the dash then?
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Monday, December 13th, 2010 AT 8:00 PM
Tiny
FEDUP60638
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
I have the same problems this morning it was smoking under the hood on the passenger side what could this be
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Wednesday, January 28th, 2015 AT 6:24 AM

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