I switch the heat dial from cold to hot the air gets slightly warmer

JOEMO

MEMBER
1997 DODGE RAM
5.2L
V8
4WD
MANUAL
200,000 MILES

Truck is a 1500. AC blows really cold, all fan speeds work, I can hear the ‘clunk’ from the valve door (I believe this is cable operated on this year) when I switch the heat knob from cold to hot and back again. Both pipes running to the heater core are hot when the engine is at operating temperatures, the outlet slightly cooler than the inlet but both still really hot. Yet no heat.

When I switch the heat dial from cold to hot the air gets slightly warmer but no more than 40 degrees F

Cold this still be a heater core problem if both pipes are hot?

What else could I check?

Thanks
Joe

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,709 POSTS

Welcome to 2CarPros.

It sounds like everything is working but the blend air door. You are correct. It is a cable. Here are the directions for replacement of the cable. Before getting a new cable, make sure nothing has come loose or broken. The attached pictures correlate with the directions.

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1997 Dodge or Ram Truck RAM 1500 Truck 4WD V8-5.2L VIN Y
Temperature Control Cable Replacement
Vehicle Heating and Air Conditioning Air Door Air Door Cable Service and Repair Procedures Temperature Control Cable Replacement
TEMPERATURE CONTROL CABLE REPLACEMENT
Fig 43 Temperature Control Cable (Heater-A/C Housing End)

Pic 1

REMOVAL
1. Lower the steering column and roll down the instrument panel.
2. Disconnect the temperature control cable from the top of the heater-A/C housing.
3. Remove the heater-A/C control.

Fig 44 Temperature Control Cable (Heater-A/C Control End)

Pic 2

4. Disconnect the temperature control cable from the beater-AC control.

INSTALLATION
1. Connect the temperature control cable to the heater-A/C control.
2. Install the heater-A/C control.
3. Connect the temperature control cable to the top of the heater-A/C housing.
4. Install the instrument panel and raise the steering column.

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Let me know if this helps or if you have other questions.

Take care,
Joe

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