A little old lady that knows nothing about Rams

[KrazyRedHead]

I inherited a 2013 Ram when my mom died this past May. The heater was just barely warm. Now it's not heating up at all, blowing cold air. I'm old, and on disability, and I don't want to get taken advantage of if I take it somewhere to get it fixed. Can someone please help me figure out the issue??

 

[tron67j]

Could be a number of things. Easy things to check are the cabin air filter, it is little door behind the glove box, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vr2JV9c2z_U

The coolant level could be low, look at white plastic reservoir to see if coolant level is between marks, on passenger side of engine. You will see two lines, one says minimum and the other maximum and coolant should be between them. If you pop the top off and take a good picture of how the coolant looks for color someone here can give an idea if it looks off and may need changing.

Third thing is a stuck thermostat, that is a little harder to check. Essentially, you take it out and put in water and start to heat it up. Use a thermometer to measure when it pops open and should be between about 195 and 220 degrees Fahrenheit. If it doesn't pop then it needs to be replaced. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gZ8mWIzcE88

It could also be a bad heater core, that is definitely a mechanic visit. There could be other issues as well, if you provide a bit more detail on a bit more specific (but don't be too specific obviously) location I am sure someone on here could give you a trusted mechanic.

Good luck.

 

[Dean2]

There are quite a few possible causes for your problem, from low coolant levels, blend door problems, heater control switch issues, thermostat stuck open (does your engine temp run below 190 F even after the engine has been running and in use for 15 minutes or more) all the way up to a plugged heater core.

I understand not wanting to go to the dealer, and I agree. A great many dealers are not trustworthy. The good thing about heating problems is pretty much any good shop can do those kinds of diagnostics and repair. I presume you have had vehicles previously, do you have a good independent garage that you deal with. If so, take it to them. If not, talk to your friends and neighbours and find out who they use and are happy with as an independent garage.

Tron - we were posting at same time I see.

 

[Mojo88]

My #1 guess would be low coolant. Be sure to buy the proper type!

 

[tron67j]

There are quite a few possible causes for your problem, from low coolant levels, blend door problems, heater control switch issues, thermostat stuck open (does your engine temp run below 190 F even after the engine has been running and in use for 15 minutes or more) all the way up to a plugged heater core.

I understand not wanting to go to the dealer, and I agree. A great many dealers are not trustworthy. The good thing about heating problems is pretty much any good shop can do those kinds of diagnostics and repair. I presume you have had vehicles previously, do you have a good independent garage that you deal with. If so, take it to them. If not, talk to your friends and neighbours and find out who they use and are happy with as an independent garage.

Tron - we were posting at same time I see.

Yeah, something I have a least a little knowledge on. Not like so many posts that I get lost just reading. Good thought about the blend door, I have heard about that but don't really know how that works, I will have to research that as never a problem I encountered.

 

[tap4154]

If you're not able to physically check any of the things being suggested, I would go on the Nextdoor app and ask around for a good local independent mechanic. One may even offer to come by and check it out for.

 

[4xdad]

Where do you live maybe someone can steer you to a good mechanic. The low coolant is the best place to start. But I would recommend looking into the radiator when it’s cold (When it’s cold!!!). Don’t open it when it’s hot!!!!

 

[4xdad]

If it’s low fill with the proper coolant then run the motor until it is hot. Fill the tank up to the lower level. With the coolant topped up look for leaks. Then take it for a burn and see what happens.

 

[Harley Harrold]

 

[Papa Red]

Welcome to the forum.

Red