The heater started leaking thru the vents. Was not sure what it was until it got so bad that steam started coming up into the cab. It leaves a coating on the inside windshield that clouds up when it gets cooler. This is difficult to get off. I finally just by passed the heater. Now I have to figure out how to replace the heater core esp since my dash is coming apart also.
2001 Dodge Ram trucks did not come with any kind of exterior air filter for the a/c-heater system. As a result of this deficiency, over time, twigs, leaves and pine needles will eventually find there way into the a/c and heater core where they will rot. This rotting of organic material will not only cause a nauseating moldy smell but contribute to early failure of the a/c and heater core.
To add further frustration to this problem, you must evacuate your a/c system and partially drain the radiator prior to dismantel the entire interior dash to reach the core housing unit in order to replace the heater and a/c core. This is not a simple repair nor a quick one.
Clearly, Dodge is aware of this problem because they have since added exterior air intake filters to newer trucks. Also, a service manager at my local dealership stated this is a common problem and they advise owners to spray Lysol into the air intake while running the fan on high to kill the mold if the core is not leaking.
- websurfusa,
Kirkland, WA, US
Search CarComplaints.com for these popular complaint phrases...
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
The heater started leaking thru the vents. Was not sure what it was until it got so bad that steam started coming up into the cab. It leaves a coating on the inside windshield that clouds up when it gets cooler. This is difficult to get off. I finally just by passed the heater. Now I have to figure out how to replace the heater core esp since my dash is coming apart also.
- Ronald H., Abilene, US