Dodge Ram: Heater Core, Blend Doors And More - Part I

Well.... you asked for it now you got it. In my previous rant video : • Eric O. Where Have You... , I showed you guys a little bit of this 2003 Dodge Ram 2500 that I had tore apart and many of you requested seeing the job... well, here it is on it's way back together. Hope you enjoy :) Stay tuned for part II.

[@DriveBetter]

Has anyone from an automotive school called and asked you to speak yet? Following you through the heater box was the most straightforward I've ever seen it explained. Best real world mechanic channel on KZbin. Keep it up!

[@SouthMainAuto]

+TheBurnout Haha no... when they kicked me out in 10th grade they said never come back so I don't expect a call any time soon lol

[@JohnRodriguesPhotographer]

He would be a great teacher

[@Mikeaaron777]

You are the coworker everyone wants.

[@Johnny1.0]

Take notes kids this is a flawless execution from the mechanical and production side!

[@wegeterdoneservices]

I agree with you it reminded me of when I was in college and learning algebra Until I had someone explain it so I could understand it I could understand the words that the prof keep saying so after failing the class two times the third I had a prof that could it explain it in more simple terms so I could understand it better. I finally passed it and it sure help with other classes as in Statistics which came naturally after that.

[@ivorwm2291]

Watching you patiently and systematically work, helps me feel more confident about completing my projects. Your daughter is getting close to the age of teaching her how to identify tools. Never hurts to have an extra pair of hands to pass you tools. She is just adorable. You are so blessed

[@ToddS50]

This is another great video, 7 years ago remains relevant as I get ready to do this over my Christmas break.. That "home made" door is from HeaterTreater it looks like, but BlendDoorUSA is a good option for all aluminum blend doors.. thanks for this Mr O

[@hendersonjp]

you are a true pro, camera action and small children in back ground. keep up the good work ERIC.

[@SouthMainAuto]

+android nexus Thank you!

[@bettejogreenwell2406]

I have done one dash out heater core replacement on my 02 Dodge 1500 a number of years ago that I bought new and still have in decent shape at 250k miles. Since I live in SW Florida I just froze the blend door in the AC position a number of years ago and get along fine. Am now faced with a blend door problem on my grandson's 08 Dodge Dakota which has 4 actuators that I have found and the bad one is the one in the middle. So glad I ran across your post on access via radio removal. As a large not too flexible 78-year-old that will be my route. Thanks

[@spelunkerd]

I had to laugh when you smirked and said "there's not much to it". Of courser that's after the entire dash, computer and accumulator are removed so you can get access. This is the best video I've found of this procedure. I think people get tired of trying to video everything, so most heater core videos are clipped by frustrated mechanics trying to get finished. It's so nice to see it wide open where you can see everything. If this was my truck I'd invest in long underwear and put up with a door that doesn't work, ha ha. But if the core starts leaking, you either fix it or bypass the core entirely.

[@SouthMainAuto]

Haha come on man ... nothing to it!

[@donny2123]

I need to find someone who is as professional and caring about the car your working on by me. I wish all mechanics were like you.

[@autotech2143]

I gotta say you sure took the dash apart a lot more than I ever did. Don't think I have pulled the dash completely out for an evap on a Mopar veh. That may have to do with working in the dealership so mostly all under warranty. I do pull the carpet all the way out and pressure wash, with soap, it for a heater core leak that has saturated the carpet. I did that for warranty or customer pay even though I didn't get to flag hours for it under warranty and never gouged a customer for it. The good thing about working at the dealership is I can make up the loss hrs on electrical warranty jobs. I'm good at sticking it a little to the manufacture rather than to a customer. Again loving your videos. Keep it up.

[@ManicMechanic007]

Gotta love HVAC work. Lots of great tips and humor in this episode. Thank you sir.

[@84gharness]

Awesome walk through! I'm about to try this myself and was feeling a bit overwhelmed. This definitely helps!

[@joshwatson3737]

Holding my breath at around 5:18 that she doesn't flip the stool over lol

[@AZBEEMR]

We can edit the trip to the first aid kit out.

[@wyattoneable]

I've seen many of your videos when after market stuff got in your way. Point well taken. Somebody did a lot of work to repair the heater box so you could do a lot of work to make it right. That was the best demonstration of a heater system I've seen. Those TV auto shows have nothing compared to what we can see here.

[@SouthMainAuto]

+wyattoneable Thanks Wyatt!

[@dirtbagdf]

Thanks Eric for your excellent videos, the best on You Tube. I always enjoy and learn a lot watching them.

[@PhdZee]

Always enjoy watching your work. Along with always learning keep up the good work man! Peace from Australia! :)

[@ronphillips8941]

When I find a problem that I haven't been into before, I generally look to your video channel first. I like how you get right down to it and explain what you have encountered in the past on different vehicles. I appreciate how you talk in a straight forward fashion and try your best to get everything you're doing included on the video. I also like how you give any extra advice on your past experiences and try to help your followers save money and time and get it fixed right the first time, thank you.

[@plmmn1097]

Amazing, fabulous brain you have... and awesome patience. I've done a couple of heater cores and it is a whole new world behind that dash board... thumbs up to you.

[@ralphanderson8052]

Eric, I would like to say thanks for your "If I can do this, you can do this" encouragement. Having the defrost mode fail on my ram, I was in need of this repair being done. At 65, I wasn't sure if I should attempt repair myself or take to a local repair shop; I decide to do the job. During research, I came across a firm called Blend Door USA that makes & sells aluminum replacement doors for Dodge ram pick ups only, The instrument panel (dash board) on this year ram model tend to crack & fall apart, so I replaced the dash top while removed from truck. I also spent much time replacing the foam missing between the air duct joints. Thanks again for your swell troubleshooting videos.

[@zeropointzero]

Beautiful work! Love the testing and verification process. I have had the displeasure of installing "cut-in" blend doors a couple times. Difference is, I made nice cuts with a Dremel. Also threw away the foil tape junk, used Gorilla tape and heat treated it.

[@richardfritz3946]

I'm a new fan....but just completed the replacement of all 5 blend doors and heater core on my 05 Ram with no issues or 'you didn't show THAT in the video!" moments. Eric, you're the man! Thanks for making these videos.

[@johnson554671]

Great video, I finally get to see the guts of the HVAC box, thank you for your explanation and video.

[@lawrence4449]

Excellent, very informative video. Make no apologies for anything you did, it is all great. Many, many thanks from many people. It is guys like you that renew my faith inhumanity.

[@SouthMainAuto]

+LILIANA HENRY Thanks :)

[@bostedtap8399]

Excellent demonstration and test. Thanks for sharing and best regards from the UK.

[@pburet]

Love your videos ! The best part is to include your family... it's a bowl of fresh air.

[@edzachary8657]

I know I'm late to the party but what a great, informative video, he's so good at explaining everything he's doing, my new favorite channel

[@theoldwizard998]

Thanks for taking the time to explain the air flow through the heater box and showing how the blend doors work.

[@erickieffer8440]

Eric, this is a very informative post. Most people will just throw out a car if it has serious HVAC issues, at least here in N.Y.S., so you don’t see this done much at all. Thank you for continuing to share your excellent work with us.

[@danbow9414]

Great Video!! Like the added humor to the "Butchers Repair" previously done. Very informative! THX!!

[@satamanschmidt3428]

Is it just me or do most people find screwing with this interior stuff a lot more intimidating than working on an engine. This interior stuff just scares the crap out of me as it's all fragile plastic held together with apparently chewing gum and bailing wire. Don't like messing with dash boards. Amazing job Eric, I'm sure I'd have broken something. I'm really busy preparing my car for it's latest, and hopefully last, paint job which will happen post SEMA. Rather paint a car any day than screw with a dash. I know sandpaper, paint and spray guns. I know nothing about dashboards.

[@kmath50]

I agree completely. I tried to do some work on my Hyundai, and despite being careful, many of the clips fell inside the dash panel, and could not be retrieved, so I had to buy new ones. It appears that everything was designed for quick assembly, and not intended to be taken apart later.

[@hey_youtubeim_back2159]

Nope! You are not alone brother.

[@DK-lq8nj]

Holy smokes! Your tips and tricks. Using an air blower through over flow hose! I've always used a pressure tester devise. Wow, was I wasting my efforts and time. We all look past the obvious simple solutions. You are the man! Though you think some 9f your videos aren't interesting I ALWAYS learn something. Keep up the good work

[@randygudeahn7304]

I'm glad you did not close with "if I can do it, you can do it", because you would never catch me doing that,, for sure and for certain! Great job Eric keeping the Hargrave's piggies warm. :)

[@michaelszweda]

first class as always eric thanks

[@Texasknowhow]

I just kept thinking, "Eric, just take the dang air intake tube off!" it was so in the way. Hats off to you for working through all this and filming it for us... I have this job in front of me so was good to see from your video what I have coming. So a BIG THANK YOU for this. What did all this cost the customer? Just round numbers... Thanks, Clay

[@jasoncmccoy]

This is what I needed to see! I have an 03 Dodge 1500, and my heater has been out for two winters! Good to finally see what the issue is.

[@SouthMainAuto]

+Jason McCoy Cool! You will like part 2!

[@denniswilkinson1118]

Great video. You have unlimited patience. I like your attention to detail.

[@SouthMainAuto]

+Dennis Wilkinson unlimited patienceHAHA My wife laughed when she read this

[@TheJmich2001]

she's an angel straight from heaven..thanks Dr O

[@wgmskiing]

Thanks Eric, I never thought of pressurizing the coolant system in that way. That's a quick way to do it.

[@SouthMainAuto]

+Garrett McEwen quick and easy

[@davemaster001]

Great video Eric, only thing I missed was the brake clean :}}

[@theacguy9601]

Hey there SMA, glad to be back. Glad every time you upload a new vid haha

[@fernlaliberte2420]

To South main auto repair : Excellent video’s thanks for taking time to make them all.

[@robertrobbins5456]

Love the videos! Keep'em coming

[@chrisbrown6804]

I will be rebuilding my hvac box with the blenddoorusa kit. They have all aluminum doors and is 100% better than the oem plastic junk. Also changing heater core and evaporator on my 03 ram

[@jeffmiller6100]

Watching old videos Today.. Great vid ! But without a doubt the star of the show is I am sure your assistant !

[@sixpacksandsrts9122]

I loved that top at the end. Eric learned me a new fact. Thanks buddy

[@SouthMainAuto]

+Jason Curry That is what I try to do

[@stuzman52]

Great video Eric with tips sprinkled throughout and lots of attention to detail. Try not working too hard and stay relaxed....

[@SouthMainAuto]

+stuzman52 Work hard!? Me... nahhhh haha thanks Terry

[@dozza202]

+stuzman52 everythings easy when your a master tech like eric o

[@samd410]

I really enjoy your videos. learned a lot. thanks

[@gregbartholomew4692]

Nice work Eric and Merry Christmas to you and your family

[@carlkraus6034]

This year, 2021 I did a heater core replacement on my 2001 Jimmy. I sympathize with your dilemma. I didn't have the debacle you have but I still had to take the whole dash out. I had no idea what I was getting into, but it all came out okay, much to my amazement.

[@jdracer111]

Look at that sneaky little princess sneeking around behind you.

[@daveogarf]

Trinity's TOO CUTE, pantomiming you in the opening scene, monkeying around, and climbing on the stool. I'm sure that since she spends a lot of time in the shop, she's aware of avoiding nasty things on the floor or in all those drawers. Accidents will happen, but you can't protect the kids from every eventuality. EXCELLENT Job, sir! You turned a sow's ear back into a silk purse.

[@Vootsksa]

I think you were very proficient and professional. I did the same change out on my 1995 dodge intrepid. It was well worth it. I'm thinking about doing the same to my ram. Thanks for good work. I'd refer you.

[@Garth2011]

Proof that newer cars/trucks are designed to be assembled, not to be serviced (after the warranty) without great labor expenses. Vehicles with "dual heat & a/c" are even worse as they usually have two heater cores and evaporators which combined with, in most cases, the entire dash assembly has to be removed. For those folks who have an older vehicle, say 5 or 6 years, run the risk and likeliness that more than one plastic retainer or clip will break which leaves the owner with a less secure/mounted dash and other equipment. And depending on how much finesse your mechanic exerts in care to avoid breaking plastics etc. you could be buying parts that were perfectly fine before the elephant entered the cabin area. From what I see here, SMAR LLC does not rush it in attempts to avoid collateral damage due to brittle plastic from age and COLD weather. One reason why I won't let just any shop work on my older vehicles, they need tender gloves or I'm going to be stuck looking for parts that are no longer made or no longer available. Good job on this one.

[@terencehawkes3933]

Very interesting. Well done explanation. In your future you should be teaching. You have a gift.

[@CHIBA280CRV]

Excellent session , thanks ..waiting on part 2...

[@SouthMainAuto]

+JOGO Coming soon

[@erikandresen5399]

Got me through another night of OT. Thanks Eric👌

[@SouthMainAuto]

+Erik Andresen Haha Man I need that gig!

[@albertquick6598]

Awesome video thank you you did an excellent job explaining everything

[@Dmp241]

That dash install was awesome. Couldn't nh have fallen more into place like you said

[@LZDEN]

great work as always.

[@mikekaminski428]

I find your videos better than the last two movies I've seen on the big screen, I think I'll make make some popcorn next time I view. :)

[@SouthMainAuto]

+Mike Kaminski Hey Mike I appreciate that! We try to keep them fresh and informative! Thanks for the support!!

[@SteveRobReviews]

Awesome vid Eric, nice tip at the end. 👍👍

[@SouthMainAuto]

+Steve Rob Thanks

[@freddiebates5539]

It is such a pleasure to see a real mechanic do something right they are very far and few between these days, there is no such person around Where I live . I need a heater core put in my '96 trooper I have had to park it just because I can't find anyone to take the job.

[@1013redoak]

Your little daughter is absolutely the cutest little thing I've ever seen!

[@alanrobison3298]

Great demonstration of how the blend doors work. I was always curious as to how they worked. I have a Chevy Silverado and have been having problems with heat coming out of the dash vents when the blower is turned off.

[@nvlvdave]

Great video and excellent work as always. I did my 99 Grand Cherokee Limited...good times. I could juuust about lift the whole dash on and off by myself..haha

[@rstlr73]

great video. great tip on testing pressure.

[@stiless7417]

I just noticed an antifreeze smell in my dodge.Thanks for the video!!!

[@SouthMainAuto]

+Stiles S Well there ya go!

[@jimhearl1931]

Thanks for the Video. Your videos are the best !!!!!

[@SouthMainAuto]

+Jim Hearl Thanks Jim

[@alexkieffer6380]

I understand what your saying Eric. It’s not the aftermarket parts, it’s the dodos that install them. They don’t install wires, tubes, or the part clean and tidy. They don’t use any wire loom zip ties electrical tape. I like when they try to Connect wires together they use butt connectors and they don’t even heat shrink them or they tie the ends of the wire together and put a little bit of electrical tape around them. Then they just leave a rats nest of wires under the dash, or running along the floor. The ones I can’t stand the out of any of them are the young kids that install subwoofers and amps, it’s always a mess.

[@JF32304]

Genius way of testing cooling system. 👍

[@ibbeach09]

Disappointment at epic level! No break clean *throws tools, kicks rocks, shrugs in disgust* I will have nightmares for weeks!

[@SouthMainAuto]

+ibbeach09 Haha I'll try better

[@ibbeach09]

+South Main Auto Repair I have no doubt. Happy Halloween. Lol

[@dcrickerson9775]

Awesome job and video !

[@SouthMainAuto]

+DC Rickerson Thanks

[@zoidberg444]

I would pay good money to see the cursing and tool throwing that resulted from your discovery of that 4th rate hack job. hahaha I would have gone absolutely thermonuclear if i found a hack job like that on my vehicle.

[@SouthMainAuto]

+zoidberg444 it was a mess let me tell ya

[@tomriggle3217]

Looks like you got the boss with you

[@johningram2153]

That hack job is encouraged by Dorman. The only doors I could find at my local parts stores were "repair kits", which each contain the door you need, a length of aluminum duct tape, and some absolutely miserable instructions that tell you the go in through the dashboard and cut a hole in your HVAC box. While it's certainly true that this repair is a pain, it's not so bad that it's worth sliding in to this box, in my opinion.

[@wadehicks9270]

I'm sure you know that 86 Ford pickups blend doors are one peice contruction meaning the door and hinge is all made together and when the door moves it's bending the plastic tabs that are riveted to the heater box. One super cold day I put the heater setting on defrost when I did there was this loud bang and after that it wouldn't switch the air flow to the different positions those blasted plastic flexible hinges broke . So I gave it a good looking over and thought I bet I can use some really small metal hinges and drill a couple holes in the blend door at its edge and bolt the hinge to the blend door while bolting the other side of the hinge to the heater box where those blasted flexible hinges were mounted. It's lasted now for the past 5 years or so and still working great. If you ever run across an 80--86 F-150 that the blend door flexiable hinges are broke, by using metal hinges that old blend door can be reused and it's a quick and easy fix 😁

[@DtKnize]

Wow you do good work! My 04 Ram has the same problem but I might need the Meat Wagon after I try to tackle this job with having a bad back.

[@richardpaul495]

this is the best video on the planet,thanks did my o ploblems thanks so much got new blend doors from blend doors usa super stuff God bless

[@TileRoofsCanada]

I had to do something similar. My 2011 f350 had a clogged evaporator so I had the pleasure of removing my interior and dash to replace it. I took my time about 12 hours and channeled my inner Eric O. Saved myself over $1500!

[@steadyeddie7453]

Great job. Great explanation. I think Ford Escort had the easiest heater core to replace with the 2 screw access door, and the Dodge Ram has the most difficult. Although I seem to remember an old Buick or Cutlass required pulling the passenger fender out to access the heater hose connections. I like a challenge but I hate desigh stupidity. Thanks for the video. Cheers

[@CVD-di1xn]

All similar problems in the 2001 (and latter) Grand Cherokee. I amazed how Jeep could get a bad idea and then never correct it. I have felt your pain.

[@raykrv6a]

Wow, great job Eric. I don't know how you keep your cool with some of that stuff. I would have used up my vocabulary of swear words. Whatever you charge for that job, it's worth every penny.

[@tfp777]

Great tips, thanks for sharing.

[@lakesautomotivediagnostics6509]

Pretty good demonstration brother

[@fieldsofomagh]

Handy test for leaks.Need to be tweak savvy with them there hoses.Plenty of detailed info and demos.Should be of mighty help to any interested doers.

[@PineHollowAutoDiagnostics]

LOL on the Power Probes getting bigger every year...so true! And where's the bonus material where the old heater box gets "Eric's aftermarket treatment"?

[@SteveRobReviews]

I was thinking the same thing, only needs one round from his 500 S&W magnum pistola :)

[@SouthMainAuto]

+Steve Rob Oh Ivan is spoiling the grand finally lol

[@davemaster001]

+South Main Auto Repair You should take that old busted heater box to the firing range

[@hawaiianf1504]

+South Main Auto Repair -- Oh Baby Now You Know For Sure that I'm reserving couch time for this one's final tribute to Hack n Lack of Sanity!! The only real way to pass any sanity meter - Blow the Booger Up!

[@SteveRobReviews]

+Hawaiian F150 LMAO I'm with ya :)

[@localcrew]

I'm working on an '04 Ram 1500 with weak heater mojo. First I'm gonna blow out the heater core. If that doesn't work -- I'm gonna wear wool socks and long johns 'cause I sure don't want to tear out the friggin' dashboard. Jeez Louise.

[@JohnRodriguesPhotographer]

Electric hunting socks?

[@russellcox9037]

localcrew it’s what u pay a mechanic for.......my 04 actuator is acting unruly too, so back to the shop she goes

[@grominwithrob1339]

I used to be a small engine mechanic. We would find the funniest things the good ol boys would do to get the job done! 🤣😂🤣 Many cases they make cheap fixes much more expensive. I enjoy good and bad ingenuity.

[@_mart_7183]

I did that similar thing in my 99 ford f150. The blend door snapped of course. 10 hours of labor to pull the dash. Bought the new redesigned blend door, two piece METAL pin instead if plastic. Cut a hole in my heater box via the glove box took me around 1 and half hours and the heater box doesnt leak or nothing after taping with that foil tape. I wouldnt do that on a customers car but my own helll ya!

[@buscadoresdetesoro2420]

Congratulations bro good job

[@kcscustom9759]

I agree I can not stand how some people install aftermarket accessories!! Just because it’s not OEM doesn’t mean you shouldn’t install it like it’s OEM! Every aftermarket accessory that I install, I install it like it would be if it came from the factory that way. That means connectors everywhere that things come apart etc. VERY little to NO zip ties, I use conduit clips instead everywhere possible just like the factory wiring. Every single wire is ran inside conduit, not only that but if there’s an existing OEM wiring harness where my wires need to run then I will run them inside of the existing wire loom, no random wires hanging out but at the same time no more wire loom then there needs to be. Because 3-4-5 strips of conduit ran side by side in my opinion almost looks as bad as a bundle of wires ran beside one strip of conduit. I keep things as clean and as OEM looking as physically possible👌🏻 And for anyone else out there that installs aftermarket accessories if you don’t already I highly suggest you do the same! If your a business owner and/or installing aftermarket accessories is your job your customers will GREATLY appreciate it, trust me. But even if your installing something on your own vehicle you should still take the time to do it right, you’ll be SO much happier with the end result!

[@joeacfalle2380]

Great information as I am a RAM owner. Looking forward to "Part too". But wait a minute...what no brake cleaner, say it ain't so.

[@toddsanderson735]

Damn fine job sir, 👍🏽🇨🇦

[@BLYBOUND]

Great video, it helped. I'm looking for a lever for the defrost door. The lever to attach the vacuum actuator!

[@Sandman60077]

It's amazing that this has been a common issue with these trucks since the early 2000's and they're still allowed to make them like that. The government needs to stop protecting these big companies and start making laws to protect consumers from these issues.

[@billhamilton2366]

If I understand you correctly, You recommend the recirculation door, upper blend door and defroster door from Dorman. the other two at the AC evaporator go with OEM.I am in the process of doing this job before a Canadian winter arrives...

[@dyllanstolzenburg970]

I know it's much too late now, but im about to do the blend doors on my 06 1500. Those blend doors you said looked home made, were actually the ones that are sold from a company called "Heater Treater". I did some watching around in the past few weeks and found a company called "Blend Door USA" which makes aluminum ones that are machined to 1 solid piece.

[@theoldwizard998]

Cool way to do a quick and dirty cooling system check !

[@cw2lido]

Great video!

[@Big_Loo]

"There may be some wonderful installs that I've never seen." Yeah...that's the point of a good install...

[@stevengullison5123]

Hello, very helpful thank you for sharing

[@victorbeltran3075]

Wel well very good job there wheel done am struggling with diagnostics on my mom RAM it makes a lot noise under the dust but thanks to your video I kind have an idea what’s going on in there but am afraid all have to come down to make sure are the blend doors but the low side in the Infineon compartment frost while the a/c is running I would very much like to hear what you think thanks for been there for us and do what you do Jahovah bless your every day and family what is really important

[@ericcorse]

Well I enjoyed it lots of good info. Your little girl stole the show, for a little while anyway.

[@SouthMainAuto]

+Eric Corse She is a show stealer every time!

[@pcuser80]

Not very good, imagine something sharp or glas on the floor.

[@BobSmith-mc7uq]

Thank you Mr. NEGATIVE!! Lets all live in a bubble so nothing can happen to us.

[@krazytrane5805]

pcuser80 imagine a person who maintains a clean shop where broken glass, etc are swept up and tossed in the garbage

[@leemarcengill4855]

I thought the vent on the end with the holes went to defroster and mode 1 door went to panel?

[@Blast357]

at the job right now... oh well glad I will have a video to watch tonight, thanks Eric!