The Heater core is difficult to replace on the RAM since it is buried in the plenum box. The box has a convenient door panel that you can open to remove and replace the core. The catch is that the convenient door is on the back of the box and you have to remove the heater box to get to it. This involves removing the steering wheel, steering column, complete dash panel, evacuating the AC, draining the radiator, and finally removing the heater box. Once you have the box out(8-12hrs), the core is simple to replace.
You want to be sure that the core is the problem before you undertake this process. If there is a strong smell of antifreeze in the cab or a puddle of coolant on the passenger side floor, the diagnosis is easy.
Check that the radiator is full, not the overflow tank, the radiator. On a cold engine you can remove the radiator cap and check the level. It should be full. If there is air in the system it will affect cab heating and engine cooling.
Another good check is to feel the two heater hoses going into the firewall from a cold start. The hoses should warm up at about the same rate and get uncomfortably hot-close to radiator temperature.
If the core appears to be OK, the next concern is with the blend doors that divert air through the heater core. This is a common failure on the RAM. Check heatertreater.net for an explanation of the operation of the system and a fix for the common problems. The RAM has four different DC servo motor controlled air flow doors that are susceptible to failure and all of these need to be checked by either observing the symptoms of failure or reading the codes. The problems are easy to fix with the HeaterTreater kits, but the OEM dealer fix requires removing the plenum box as described above. It is a costly repair if you take it back to the dealer and are not under warranty.
pull the dash
how long does it take to install a heater core in a 2000 dodge neon
How to replace the inside Spectra Heater Core on a 2000 dodge durango??
There is no valve, it is probably clogged up.
To change the heater core on a 2000 Dodge Neon, first, disconnect the negative battery terminal and drain the coolant. Remove the dashboard and center console to access the heater core housing, then disconnect the heater hoses from the core. Remove the screws or bolts securing the heater core, take it out, and replace it with a new one, reassembling everything in reverse order. Finally, refill the coolant and check for leaks.
I have looked up time to change heater core on 2000 dodge caravan it said 2 hours. I have never done this so I need to know where to start?
Heater Core is the likely culprit
You need to recover the R134 charge, remove the whole dashboard, then remove the a/c heater box to get to the heater core. The heater core should be accessible right next to the gas pedal. No dash removal is necessary.
Haynes repair manual, Dodge Neon 2000 thru 2003. Book #30036
It sounds like the heater core is leaking. Check for the smell of antifreeze and that will confirm the bad heater core.
your heater core is leaking. Needs to be replaced
Inside the dash, in the HVAC housing. The entire dash has to be removed to access.