2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission I think my heater core is clogged with debris from outside.. HELP!

[C. Harlan]

with it being about 30 outside, the temp in my truck is about 50-60 degrees. . a little chilly when I make my long trips... How hard is it to get to the heater core to clean it out?? I checked the hoses and both are hot, so we know its not a circulation problem. Also, the door opens and closes properly, so that is also narrowed out. . Do I have to get the dash taken apart and such to get to the problem?? Please let me know, as I need to address it this weekend!!!



-Chris-

 

[rono]

I think I have the same problem. I think the dash has to be removed or at least tilited down toward the seats to access the heater core area. I've read somewhere on this site that is what has to be done. I hope someone has found a better way, cause removing or tilting the dash is a major thing. BTW I'm over close to Tyler, where are you.

Ron

 

[Bob4x4]

I have had some sucess blowing out the housing when it becomes choked with debris. Find where the recirc air is picked up and blow away



Bob

 

[CarlJensen]

Pull the fan and try to get the junk out that way. You may get lucky. Try that before opening dash. That is a job and is the only way you can really get at the AC or heater cores. If you have to pull dash clean EVERYTHING and replace ALL bad hoses or parts. Don't want to do it twice!! Haynes manual has a pretty good dash pull section with photos.

 

[BigPapa]

Pull the fan out and feel around and see if it's full of junk. Get all you can out with your hands, then duct tape a small (3/8"-1/2") piece of hose to the end of a shop vac hose and put it down in there to suck the rest of the junk out. I bought my truck used from a fellow in north Georgia and mine was full of pine needles.



Scott

 

[Carolina Cummins1]

Blend door is the culprit

It's your blend door not opening or closing. It controls the temperature inside the cab. It could be a hard painful fix or very simple.



First, on the passenger side, at the bottom of the dash, close to center, near the carpet, the HVAC black duct has a small servo motor that turns the blend door back and forth.



Second, turn the temperature knob to the hottest setting and watch the servo motor (metal coupling) twist real slow. Turn back to the coolest setting and see if turns the opposite.



Third, if it didn't turn the motor is bad or check the wiring for power. you have to pull the carpet back and actually cut the padding to get the three small screws out.





I can just about bet this is your problem from experience. Quick fix!! use a 14mm wrench and manually turn the blend door to allow full blast from your heater and fix the problem in May. :-laf

 

[Carolina Cummins1]

I forgot to mention, if that doesn't work, drop the steering colum and lay the dash up on the seats and pull out the HVAC system. Not fun and plan on 5-6 hours of time.