Dodge Avenger Heater Not Working

Reader Question: Hi,

I have a question about my 1999 Dodge Avenger heater core. This is my first car and my parents want to get rid of it because they think some thing serious is wrong… but I just want to know what you think.

Well the heater does not blow hot air… the fan works and blows just fine. The hoses are not hot. My parents think some one put Liquidglass in it.

What else could be the problem?

Hey there,

Yo Kayla, have you read my article about heaters and what makes them work?

Heater Core

If the two heater hoses are not hot, I would first check the antifreeze level inside the radiator (not the plastic overflow bottle but inside the radiator itself). If the radiator is full of antifreeze, feel the upper and lower radiator hoses to make sure both of them are hot to the touch (once the engine has warmed up).

If the radiator hoses are not hot to the touch I would check the thermostat and make sure it is working or just replace it if you are in doubt. Other things that I would look into if the heater hoses are not hot would be:

1. Is the radiator stopped up and not circulating antifreeze?

2. Is the water pump circulating the antifreeze properly?

3. Is there a circulation problem elsewhere in the cooling system?

I hope that this is a simple repair, if you really had Liquidglass in the system I would suspect the engine would also be overheating…which you did not mention.

Keep me posted as to what happens, will you?

Blessings,
Austin Davis