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I just purchased a 1998 Dodge Ram 1500 5.9 ext-cab. The problem is it doesn’t warm up at all. The temp gayge stays at 130* which is all the way to the left. ive got on a bunch of forums and websites cant really figure it out. But so far what ive come up with is clogged radiator or stuck open t-stat. Some said heater core but both my hoses are warm. So one guy said he had this problem and it ended up being a clogged radiator I am thinking it could be that because after an hour of driving I can put my hand on the radiator and leave it there. Another guy said my t-stat is stuck open?? but if the radiator is clogged wouldn’t it OVERHEAT?? or should I just start with the t-stat?? please give me any of your thoughts I just purchased this truck and am low on money. Thanks in advance. Oh and I have no heat but I don’t think its my H-core because like I said there both the same warm temp wich feels the same temp as the engine temp gauge 130* Thanks again.
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I think your right with the t-stat being stuck open. If the rad was clogged/restricted
you would over heat. Check that your coolant is full. If you have a scanner plug in and
read live engine coolant data to confirm the real engine temp.http://www.ericthecarguy.com/hvac/1106-solving-no-heat-problems
I’d start with the thermostat. It is the cheapest, easiest thing you can do. I have a bad habit of always thinking “big fix” first and it is often a small thing that causes the issue.
I have replaced lots of heater cores in these trucks, what happens is they can plug off on the bottom half of the heater core so you only have flow through the top half and not getting much heat….just replaced one in a 98’…Not to bad to replace a can be done without removing the heater box…
These trucks (1994-2001/2002 dodge) don’t have the greatest HVAC systems. Replace the T-stat first, it’s easy to get to and a fairly cheap part. If that doesn’t solve the problem, use a funnel and hose and run some boiling water/cleaner mixture backwards through the heater core. This might dislodge whatever it is that’s clogging the core, and save you from pulling your dash out to replace the core.
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