My 2001 limited grand cherokee is running cool and very little heat comes out. My buddy said it's the heater core and would cost me a grand to replace since they would have to dig through the dash. I'm hoping for an easier fix like a thermostat or just flushing the cooling system. What do you think? Going to work in 18 degree weather with barely any heat isn't too fun.

 

Start with the cheapest first a full clean and flush of the cooling system/heater core, change thermostat.


More info is needed is the engine coming up to operating temps?

 

It's under 210, about a line or two before it.

 

Well, I would say that's your problem. I would definitely start with the thermostat. It could be stuck open or have the wrong temp stat in her. Slap a 195F OEM stat in that thing.

 

This one work?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1999-2013-Je...=mtr#vi-ilComp

 

so you have the V8 then?

 

Yes I do.

 

http://www.wermopar.com/jeep/grand-c...ame=thermostat

gasket included according to item description.

the one linked to is also the same part. I guess it all comes down to where you can save a few bucks.

 

I'd also check the heater core hoses. Are they both HOT,cool,etc?

 

The thermostat housing on the 318/360 V8 can be tricky to keep from leaking. The stamped steel housing sucks at best. I managed to get a cast aluminum housing once, but now I can't find them anywhere. I recommend replacing the housing, use a quality Fel-Pro gasket, and use some RTV. Don't go crazy with the silicone, just a thin layer on both sides of the gasket and let it sit over night before putting coolant in.

 

Do you have the manual heater or the climate control? You have the Limited so I think I answered my own question. The is a procedure to get trouble codes out of the heater itself, although I don't know it. Check with someone that has an FSM.

 

Just put that same thermostat in my 2004 4.7 with a new housing...temp runs a little over the line below the 210 line...i thought maybe it was running too cool but my heat works perfect...but now i seem to have a radiator leak that just appeared 3 days after i did the other work....unbelievable!!!!! Looks like ill be ordering a new radiator and try to tackle that within the next week

 

Having the same thing an 04 Overland I would not look forward to replacing the radiator in mine, good luck!

 

Yeah...im not looking forward to it at all!!!!!