Front Heater Not Blowing Very Strong FIX ?!?!

Ok it seems my 98TSP has this problem also. (The Trans sport 97 & up are the same as Venture & Montana)

I had a quick look at it the other day. Checking the cabin air filter compartment everything looks a ok. Filters not clogged, fan blowing strong. Now checking at the vents on the dash with the heater on full (5) very little air blows out, it's good and hot but not enough air movement. Switching from defrost, heater & vents had the same results.

I plan on tackling this myself and was hoping someone here has beat me to it (the solution) and would enlighten me a little as to what I'm looking at here.

** I've heard talk of 'blend gates' behind the radio sticking and causing this. If so has anyone fixed the problem.

** Could it be clogged heater core, not the internal part but exterior where air is sucked through it.

** Has anyone went up under the dash to the heater core. Do you have to pull much to get at it. Is there anyway to get in there for visual inspection of core/blend gate & check for air flow ?

I don't freeze or nothing, just would like to have it work somewhat normal. On my company vehicle 99 windstar when warmed up heater on low is almost too much heat, but with my 98TSP with heater on full is just barely enough.

Thanks in advance.
Wayne

woscarr, Did you ever find the fix for this? I have exact same issue on my wifes 99 Venture. I have started tearing apart the center console and glove box as I believe like you that there is something preventing air flow across the heater core itself. I noticed on Saturday when I was under the dash that alot less air comes out the floor or panel or defrost when you change the temp from cold to hot. Any insights would be appreciated.:wink:

hello does the blower change speeds or is it like its stay at same speed when turning to #1 - #5??? if so possible blower motor resistor

Well, I have the typical blower speed issue that 1-2 do not work but 3-4-5 all work fine and changes speed. When the heat was blowing on my head the other night you can definitely feel the speed change when changing the blower speed. You can also feel less air coming from the ducts when changing the temp control from cold to warm. I think there is something wrong with the temp door or the control that moves it. Possibly something blocking air flow across the heater core.

Well I never really solved the front heater issue and decided against tearing the dash apart for time being.

Shortly after that I discovered that my rear heater works amazingly well and pretty well compensates for the wimpy front heat. Other than me and the wife getting cold feet the van stays toasty warm thanks to the rear heater.

So that kinda tells me it's not a coolant/eng temp issue. I know it's not a blower problem because when set to cool/ac there's plenty of air flow. So back to 'blen gate' and/or 'clogged heater core' meaning cogged with debris restricting air flow through it is what I suspect the problem might be. When I first purchased the van (used) I noticed the cabin filters were badly clogged with leaves, some might have gotten past the filters!?

Witch means ripping the dash apart! :(

So. Rear heat suffice! ;)


I'd also be interested in any insights, follow ups ect...

Cheers

woscarr, Thanks for the update. I also have great rear heat but used to have great front heat as well. I've owned the van since new and never changed or cleaned the cabin air filters until a week ago and they were both real bad. I'll keep looking for posts on my problem and will fininsh tearing apart the dash. My wife already lost the glove box, and cd player. may as well fix the blower resistor and the burned out lilghts in the radio now too.:licka:

Please start a new thread to address any future issues related to this, as the original thread is nearly 2 years old. Thank you.
Closed.