1998 Dodge Dakota--no heat?

Question

My 1998 Dakota has no heat; the hot water hoses into and out of the heater core are hot.  The mode doors work and direct air to the dash vents, defroster and floor.  Problem is that the air is outside temp even when the engine is at normal operating temp.  Does anyone know if the blend door is vacuum operated, cable operated or electrically operated.  Also, do you know how to get to the blen door if it can be operated manually.  Lastly, would a stuck hot water shut off valve cause this (I have hot water both in and out of the heater core so this may be unlikely)
thanks in advance.

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

I recently had the same situation with a 97 Dakota.  I changed the thermostat, but it didn't make any difference.  I fixed my problem by disconnecting both heater hoses (one near the thermostat, one near the water pump) and flushing the heater core with a garden hose.  Now I have heat again!  (p.s. the blend air door is cable operated)

Bill c · Answer

If both your heater hoses are hot and the rad upper hose stays cold until approx 10 minutes after you do a cold start its not the Thermostat. If the Tstat failed open the heater hoses would never get "hot" and you would  get some heat to the cabin and the upper rad hose would start heating up very soon after start up and at the same rate as the heater hoses. 

I had this problem on an 88 mustang once - The mustang control head for the HVAC system was broke - the temperature dial stayed at full cold even after cranking it to hot. Not sure of the 98 dakota but it is likely a cable operated door - the HVAC control temperature dial is connected to the temp door in the HVAC module by a cable. - Try this - turn the ignition on, Blower off, engine off and turn the temperature selector - you should be able to hear the door move in the module under the Instrument panel - if not the HVAC controls are not moving the temp door and its likely stuck at full cold. It may be just a bad connection at the controls, a broken cable (or wire)or a stuck temperature door in the module.

I hope this helps...

Romeo_Alpha X · Answer

There is no hot water shut off valve, this isnt a furnace in your house. Sounds like your thermostat is gone, hence why you have no heat. Also could be your heater core (domestics have this problem more than imports), thermostat is around $10 so change that first, heater core....well lets hope it doesnt go that far.

Jesse D · Answer

Replace the thermostat.  The thermostat is essential for proper heater operation.  Check your trucks computer for a code that states engine temperature too low for too long.  Hope this helps, Jess.

Anonymous · Answer

1999 dodge dakota on heat

Doctor_Robb · Answer

Black-flush the heater core.  It's notorious on these things.

tturbod2001 · Answer

It may be possible that the heater core needs a backflush.I have had the same problem with my Dynasty and my Ford Astro Van.

yankeegray_99 · Answer

blackcar54 is correct. you have a clog inside your heater core,back flush it and everything will be fine.since your ducts are working,engine achieves normal op temp,it couldnt be anything else.  if the thermostat was bad, your truck would either, never reach proper op temp, or overheat

bam · Answer

changed my thermostat in my 99 dakota and still no heat.....the gauge sits at less the 1/4 any ideas???

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1998 Dodge Dakota--no heat?

9 Answers