1994 Caravan Heater - How hot is yours?

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Bob F - 10 Oct 2009 15:41 GMT

I recently acquired a 1994 Dodge Caravan. I am concerned abour the heater
output. Turning it on to high heat in Seattle's 50-60F weather, the air coming
out seems to only get warm, not nearly as hot as my previous 1987 Nissan van.

I am wondering if this heater is partially plugged or the engine thermostat is
not right. The temperature guage show slightly less than 1/2 scale when the
engine is fully warmed.

If you have a van somewhat near this "vintage", can you tell me if this is
typical?

I will be using this van for skiing this winter, so a good heater is useful.

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Bob F - 10 Oct 2009 15:57 GMT

> I recently acquired a 1994 Dodge Caravan. I am concerned abour the
> heater output. Turning it on to high heat in Seattle's 50-60F
[quoted text clipped - 9 lines]
> I will be using this van for skiing this winter, so a good heater is
> useful.

Oops!

6 cyl 3.3L 4 spd automatic. (3spd w/overdrive)

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QX - 11 Oct 2009 01:22 GMT

>> I recently acquired a 1994 Dodge Caravan. I am concerned abour the
>> heater output. Turning it on to high heat in Seattle's 50-60F
[quoted text clipped - 13 lines]
>
>6 cyl 3.3L 4 spd automatic. (3spd w/overdrive)

A lot of times, it's not the A/C or heater, but the air duct doors are
not coming to the proper positions to blow heat or A/C air into the
cabin.
Do a web search for "Caravan" "Heater, A/C calibration". It involves
holding certain buttons down for a few seconds.
That resets the vacuum doors to the original factory settings.
Worked like a champ for my van.

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Bob F - 18 Oct 2009 00:33 GMT

>>> I recently acquired a 1994 Dodge Caravan. I am concerned abour the
>>> heater output. Turning it on to high heat in Seattle's 50-60F
[quoted text clipped - 21 lines]
> That resets the vacuum doors to the original factory settings.
> Worked like a champ for my van.

Older technology for an older van.

Following the procedure here:
http://www.justanswer.com/questions/1l4bf-hi-1994-dodge-caravan-3-slight

It took a #2 philips screwdriver and about 5 minutes to re-adjust the blend door
movement.

Thanks for the suggestions. Lots of heat now. I'm ready for ski season.

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Hachiroku ハチロク - 07 Nov 2009 16:25 GMT

>>>> I recently acquired a 1994 Dodge Caravan. I am concerned abour the
>>>> heater output. Turning it on to high heat in Seattle's 50-60F weather,
[quoted text clipped - 30 lines]
>
> Thanks for the suggestions. Lots of heat now. I'm ready for ski season.

Great. That's just great. NOW he tells me!

Three years ago I bought a Scion tC, and had a Grand Voyager and a
Chrysler LHS (GREAT car, BTW, and I am the number 1 Japanese car fan in
the country!). I did a spreadsheet comparison of the work I could do, the
work I would have to have someone else do, and the parts needed, and the
Grand Voyager won by about $1,000, so I traded the LHS for $600 towards
the Scion (still makes me sick to think about it...).

I had the same heat problem, and in trying to remove the water pump I
broke the idler pully bolt off in the block. Hey! I TURNED it the way they
said to!

No problem with the water pump, except I broke 6 of the 10 bolts holding
it in. I gave the van away. Then I heard about the blend door...

That's OK. I pick up a '92 Grand Caravan tomorrow...

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cavedweller - 11 Oct 2009 01:55 GMT

> I recently acquired a 1994 Dodge Caravan. I am concerned abour the heater
> output. Turning it on to high heat in Seattle's 50-60F weather, the air coming
[quoted text clipped - 8 lines]
>
> I will be using this van for skiing this winter, so a good heater is useful.

Make sure your coolant level is correct.

Otherwise, there was a Tech Service Bulletin covering blend door
sticking.

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