1997 Caravan clicking heater not working

[bman55]

I have a '97 Dodge Caravan. The heater is not putting out heat. And engine is not warming up. There is a clicking sound coming from a small box unit right by all the belts on the left side of the engine. Looks like relays or switches on the outside of this box that is clicking. I assume it is not heating the coolant or something like that because of an electrical problem. Any ideas would be appreciated. Thanks!!!

[vipergg]

Originally Posted by bman55

I have a '97 Dodge Caravan. The heater is not putting out heat. And engine is not warming up. There is a clicking sound coming from a small box unit right by all the belts on the left side of the engine. Looks like relays or switches on the outside of this box that is clicking. I assume it is not heating the coolant or something like that because of an electrical problem. Any ideas would be appreciated. Thanks!!!

if you don't have heat and the motor isn't warming then you need to replace the thermostat , fairly inexpensive . Get this fixed as soon as you can , this greatly increases gas consumption and can foul plugs . The clicking would have nothing to do with the van heat though I can't tell you what it is . Probably have to have the dealer look at that .

[bman55]

Originally Posted by vipergg

if you don't have heat and the motor isn't warming then you need to replace the thermostat , fairly inexpensive . Get this fixed as soon as you can , this greatly increases gas consumption and can foul plugs . The clicking would have nothing to do with the van heat though I can't tell you what it is . Probably have to have the dealer look at that .

Thanks vipergg, I am getting a little warm air and the engine isn't going all the way to cold. The box that is clicking appears to be attached to the cooling/heating system. Perhaps it is the HVAC unit or the AC/Heater control module, or even a heater core valve is not opening because of electrical malfunction?? It's by the belts kinda by itself with what look like square relays on it - if anyone else happens to know what it is called perhaps it just needs a switch/relay. Thanks for the help!

[KManiac]

First things first! Replace that thermostat! The computers in these vehicles depend on feedback from many systems to work properly. One of the feedback conditions they look for is proper coolant temperature. That clicking relay may be clicking because the coolant is not heating up. Once you have your van running at proper temperature again, then investigate the clicking relay and see if it is still clicking.

[bman55]

Originally Posted by KManiac

First things first! Replace that thermostat! The computers in these vehicles depend on feedback from many systems to work properly. One of the feedback conditions they look for is proper coolant temperature. That clicking relay may be clicking because the coolant is not heating up. Once you have your van running at proper temperature again, then investigate the clicking relay and see if it is still clicking.

Thanks Kmaniac your absolutely right. Will replace thermostat. Thanks

[HeadlessHorseman]

Originally Posted by KManiac

First things first! Replace that thermostat! The computers in these vehicles depend on feedback from many systems to work properly. One of the feedback conditions they look for is proper coolant temperature. That clicking relay may be clicking because the coolant is not heating up. Once you have your van running at proper temperature again, then investigate the clicking relay and see if it is still clicking.

This is true... I had a similar clicking sound when my thermostat broke in the open position and never warmed the engine properly. All my heating problems and strange noises went away after replacing the thermostat.