Heater in 99 Ram

Hi everyone, I live in the Northeast and it has been extremely cold(well below zero at night and single digits during the day) for the past couple of days. The truck isn't getting nearly as warm as it should. The temperature gauge shows approx. half way between the first mark(130) and the 210 mark after running the engine for 30 minutes. It's closer to 130 when I first start the engine. It doesn't seem to get any warmer even after driving for another 20 minutes. The air coming from the vents is lukewarm. Could this be a thermostat issue or something else. I realize its extremely cold but it seems after 30 minutes it should be hot in there. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!

Leo
99 Ram 1500 4X4 5.2

In that perticular situation, the thermostat would be the first thing on the adjenda. although, Take a look at your over flow jug and see where the fluid level is according to run time of the engine.
An engine running for a half hour should be at the HOT mark, and sitting over night it would read cold. If for some reason it is low, fill and check toe fluid level in the radiator. this would be checked when the engine is cold.
If the overflow is empty, there is an issue to deal with.

oh yea, use a 195 temp thermostat or the highest temp they sell for that applaction.

In that perticular situation, the thermostat would be the first thing on the adjenda. although, Take a look at your over flow jug and see where the fluid level is according to run time of the engine.
An engine running for a half hour should be at the HOT mark, and sitting over night it would read cold. If for some reason it is low, fill and check toe fluid level in the radiator. this would be checked when the engine is cold.
If the overflow is empty, there is an issue to deal with.


I'll check the jug this afternoon, I usually keep an eye on it and it is fine but I definately need to double check it now. As far as the thermostat, should I just replace it(i know they are usually cheap enough and in other cars I have replaced them with little trouble). Any other tips? Thanks for the response!

I have a 99 Ram doing the exact same thing, low heat and the temperature gauge is doing the same, did you change the thermostat and did that cure it?
Mike
[email protected]

I haven't yet been able to change the thermostat, but the overflow jug and radiator level are fine. This seems to obly be a problem for me when it is below the freezing mark, not sure if that helps troubleshoot this any. It seems to heat up fine when it is 30 degrees or above.

new to the ram but not the forums,

probably just too cold, radiator keeps cooling the coolant too low every time it passes thru the radiator

you've got coolant at around 190 degrees, flowing thru a radiator with cold wind blowing thru it at -20 degrees... that's a 210 degree differential... compared to a 120 degree differential when it's warm out. plus you have a steady stream of -20 degree air blowing thru the intake helping cool the engine before hitting the combustion chambers

semis will put a cover over part of the radiator what what's called a "Winter Front" so the radiator is less efficient, so the coolant stays hotter

found a link http://www.alaskatent.com/products/covers/winter_fronts.htm
These will keep the operating temperature of your engine warmer on really cold days. When the weather warms up, you can unzip it to allow more air to flow across the radiator.

"Many Alaskans cover their radiators with winter fronts when the temperatures dip below zero. These covers dramatically reduce the flow of super cooled air over the radiator and engine components.

Our winter fronts keep your engine compartment warmer, and your cab as well.. "



http://www.realtruck.com/productline/283/1/1/fia_winter_front_and_bug_screen.html
"Winter Cold Front: Promotes better fuel economy, faster engine warm-up and interior heat. Keeps engines at optimum operating temperatures. All weather heavy-duty quilted vinyl. Adjustable air flow doors."

(looks to be $64)

if you wanted a cheap way, then grab an old tarp, cut to fit, so that the tarp covers part of the radiator from top to bottom ( like covering the driver's side of the radiator, from top to bottom. Don't cover just the top half or bottom half of the radiator) or instead of directly covering the radiator, cover the grille so a good portion of the wind is blocked from blowing thru the radiator.

I think alot better than swapping out thermostats

You'll have a 'less efficient' radiator, so now when 190 degree coolant flows thru it, it only comes out around 160 or so, not like 80 degrees....



if you are thinking mechanical problem... maybe vacuum line to yoru accessories has a leak, baffle not fully closing, allowing air to blow directly thru your heater core... if your temp gauge is lower than it usually is, then the winter front is your best bet.

new to the ram but not the forums,

probably just too cold, radiator keeps cooling the coolant too low every time it passes thru the radiator

you've got coolant at around 190 degrees, flowing thru a radiator with cold wind blowing thru it at -20 degrees... that's a 210 degree differential... compared to a 120 degree differential when it's warm out. plus you have a steady stream of -20 degree air blowing thru the intake helping cool the engine before hitting the combustion chambers

semis will put a cover over part of the radiator what what's called a "Winter Front" so the radiator is less efficient, so the coolant stays hotter

found a link http://www.alaskatent.com/products/covers/winter_fronts.htm
These will keep the operating temperature of your engine warmer on really cold days. When the weather warms up, you can unzip it to allow more air to flow across the radiator.

"Many Alaskans cover their radiators with winter fronts when the temperatures dip below zero. These covers dramatically reduce the flow of super cooled air over the radiator and engine components.

Our winter fronts keep your engine compartment warmer, and your cab as well.. "



http://www.realtruck.com/productline/283/1/1/fia_winter_front_and_bug_screen.html
"Winter Cold Front: Promotes better fuel economy, faster engine warm-up and interior heat. Keeps engines at optimum operating temperatures. All weather heavy-duty quilted vinyl. Adjustable air flow doors."

(looks to be $64)

if you wanted a cheap way, then grab an old tarp, cut to fit, so that the tarp covers part of the radiator from top to bottom ( like covering the driver's side of the radiator, from top to bottom. Don't cover just the top half or bottom half of the radiator) or instead of directly covering the radiator, cover the grille so a good portion of the wind is blocked from blowing thru the radiator.

I think alot better than swapping out thermostats

You'll have a 'less efficient' radiator, so now when 190 degree coolant flows thru it, it only comes out around 160 or so, not like 80 degrees....



if you are thinking mechanical problem... maybe vacuum line to yoru accessories has a leak, baffle not fully closing, allowing air to blow directly thru your heater core... if your temp gauge is lower than it usually is, then the winter front is your best bet.


Thanks for the info! I've seen those in semi's before and I always wondered how that worked. I'll look into that, I appreciate all the helpful links. Have a good day!

sure... hope that helps... might want to do a 'trial run' and block part of the radiator - just make sure it's secure and doesn't wind up getting eaten by your fan... if that works then go for something more permanent whether homemade or ordered (find from google search, or amazon or jcwhitney or local parts place)

sure... hope that helps... might want to do a 'trial run' and block part of the radiator - just make sure it's secure and doesn't wind up getting eaten by your fan... if that works then go for something more permanent whether homemade or ordered (find from google search, or amazon or jcwhitney or local parts place)

Thanks again, I'll let you know the results if I get a chance to try it