2002 Dodge Crand Caravan Sport problems

I have a 2002 Dodge Grand Caravan Sport with several problems I am hoping someone can give me guidance on.
113,000 miles
1. Under the dashboard, on the passenger side, there is a vent that is stuck open, thus blows cold air. I have been under there several times and can't seem to see where I can close this vent or whatever to shut off the cold air. Particularly bothersome in cold weather.
2. My heater never warms up enough to blow warm air. I have to let the van run for about 15 minutes for the engine to warm up, but once I start driving, it's cold again. Is there a way to diagnose this without having to take it to a dealer? Could this possibly be an inexpensive replacement of the heater core?
3. I don't notice it when the weather is warm, however, when it's cold, my van whines at me when I turn the steering wheel. It doesn't matter if it's parked or if I'm driving. After about 20-30 minutes of driving, after my engine has warmed up a good bit (I'm only guessing that's the reason), it stops whining. My father thought perhaps there was sediment in the P/S system and recommended having the power steering flushed. Didn't help! Do you think changing the P/S filter would eliminate this whining?
4. I left my van at Jiffy Lube for my last oil change. When I went back, I got in, put my key in and turned the ignition and no lights, not even the interior or radio. The guy was nice enough to come out and use his portible jump machine. As soon as he connected the device, everything lit up and I was able to start the engine and go. However, shortly there after my check engine light has come on. What could be the cause of the massive power outage and where can I find a diagnostic codes list.

Obviously I am a do it myself, kinda gal and would prefer not to make a costly stop into the mechanic. I appreciate any information you can give me.

Marlene

1. I don't know.
2. The thermostat is bad or you are low on antifreeze.
3. Only some of the power steering pumps have a screen filter built into them, if it gets clogged, then it may whine.
4. Battery is dead, maybe they left a door open and the interior light drained the battery. Maybe the whine is coming from the alternator?

If you are a D.I.Y. type of girl, why did you take van to Jiffy Lube to change the oil?

B:
Thanks.
2. The thermostat was changed last spring and I keep the fluids where they are supposed to be.
4. The battery was fine, he didn't actually do a charge. As soon as he touched the + to complete the circuit, everything was working fine.

(I guess I should clarify. I own a business and am a single mom w/ 2 kids, so my time is limited. I multitask most days, and I can afford to spend $20 for an oil change. When it comes to fixing things, I would prefer to try first before I have to swallow my pride and take it to someone.
M

I have a 2002 Dodge Grand Caravan Sport with several problems I am hoping someone can give me guidance on.
113,000 miles
1. Under the dashboard, on the passenger side, there is a vent that is stuck open, thus blows cold air. I have been under there several times and can't seem to see where I can close this vent or whatever to shut off the cold air. Particularly bothersome in cold weather.
2. My heater never warms up enough to blow warm air. I have to let the van run for about 15 minutes for the engine to warm up, but once I start driving, it's cold again. Is there a way to diagnose this without having to take it to a dealer? Could this possibly be an inexpensive replacement of the heater core?
3. I don't notice it when the weather is warm, however, when it's cold, my van whines at me when I turn the steering wheel. It doesn't matter if it's parked or if I'm driving. After about 20-30 minutes of driving, after my engine has warmed up a good bit (I'm only guessing that's the reason), it stops whining. My father thought perhaps there was sediment in the P/S system and recommended having the power steering flushed. Didn't help! Do you think changing the P/S filter would eliminate this whining?
4. I left my van at Jiffy Lube for my last oil change. When I went back, I got in, put my key in and turned the ignition and no lights, not even the interior or radio. The guy was nice enough to come out and use his portible jump machine. As soon as he connected the device, everything lit up and I was able to start the engine and go. However, shortly there after my check engine light has come on. What could be the cause of the massive power outage and where can I find a diagnostic codes list.

Obviously I am a do it myself, kinda gal and would prefer not to make a costly stop into the mechanic. I appreciate any information you can give me.

Marlene
#1 Try the cal procedure in this link:
http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=5062&highlight=recalibrate+hvac
#2 as someone else suggested it sounds like low coolant. Did you have the coolant system worked on recently? Could have air in it. Does the thermostat appear to control temperature at the point on the gauge it always has?
#3 Don't know, still sounds like pump is running either dirty fluid or against a restriction(filter?).
#4 Don't know.

Maybe there is an air buble in your antifreeze. Bleed the system.
Do you have rear heat? Check the metal tubes going to rear heater under van on driver's side, look for leaks.
Replacing a heater core in the dash is not inexpensive nor easy to do, the whole dash has to be taken apart.
Find a rich husband and make him buy you a new van.
Check the connector going to battery, maybe it is loose, or is corroded.
One of my friends is a multi tasker, we call him scatter brains.
his sister is a multi tasker too, we call her promiscous.
You didn't mention if the battery is original, the OEM batteries last at the max, 5 years, then they just die with no warning.
You can also go to Dodge's web site, register, then type in your VIN# and see if there are any recalls on your power steering. Some have bad hoses and leak.