Dodge Ram With No Heat? Here's our fix!

Shawn Gilfillan • January 26, 2024

January Repair of The Month - Ram 5500

Our Repair of the Month is based on a Ram 5500 that came in with a heating issue. The customer explained that his heat was not working as efficiently as it used to and was only getting lukewarm. Another thing the customer noticed was that the heat on the passenger side seemed to be blowing warmer than on the driver's side. Based on previous experiences, we immediately knew that this was likely to be an issue with the vehicle's heater core.

The heater core is a part of the vehicle's cooling system that is responsible for heating the cabin when you turn the heat on. It is almost always located between the dashboard and the firewall, making the removal of the dashboard necessary to replace it. The evaporative core, part of the air conditioning system, can also be found behind the dashboard. This customer wanted to take preventative measures and replace the evaporator core too while everything was taken apart. There was no extra labor charge for this because the evaporative core needs to be removed to get to the heater core.

When you turn your heat on, a valve that sends hot coolant to the heater core opens. As the hot coolant runs through the core, the air surrounding it warms up. Then it gets pushed out of your vents, warming up the inside of your car. Problems begin to arise when coolant can no longer flow through the core freely. Disrupted flow is usually caused by a clog but can be caused by a coolant leak in some cases.

In this case, the heater core in this Ram was clogged, resulting in a weak ability to warm up a cold cabin.

If the issue is caught soon enough, the clog may be able to get flushed out of the system to restore heat. However, this doesn’t always do the trick and it becomes necessary to replace the heater core to fix the issue the proper way.

We were able to help this customer fix this issue by removing the dashboard and other necessary components to replace the heater and evaporative cores. After replacement, the truck had strong heat and was ready to keep its crew warm. We also performed a coolant fluid exchange to clear any contaminants that may have been present in the old coolant. Contaminants in the cooling system can be a large contributor to the core clogging.

This is no slight task and a lengthy process, and we would like to acknowledge our awesome technician Jay, who was able to complete this job quickly to get this work truck back to work! If you think your heater core might need some attention in this cold weather, let us know! We’re happy to help!

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Shawn Gilfillan is the dedicated owner of Automotive Magic in Kenvil, NJ. With over two decades of experience, Shawn has led his team in providing expert auto repair and service since 2003.

In 2022, Magic Lube & Rubber was born in Lake Hopatcong, NJ. Committed to fostering strong community ties and supporting team development, Shawn prioritizes customer satisfaction above all. As a proud family man and long-time resident of Roxbury, NJ, Shawn brings a blend of professionalism and warmth to his business.

Trust Shawn and his team for all your automotive needs with confidence and assurance.

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Rabbit Wheels Car Rental at Automotive Keeps You Moving!

March 25, 2025

Your Solution is Right Here! Automotive Magic offers on-site car rentals to help you stay on the move while your vehicle is being serviced? That’s right — Rabbit Wheels Car Rental Service is available at both locations, and it’s becoming a client favorite! Dropping off your vehicle for service can sometimes feel like hitting the pause button on your day and coordinating rides, waiting around, or juggling your schedule just to stay mobile? It’s a hassle. That’s exactly why we’ve been offering Rabbit Wheels — a convenient rental solution designed with your busy life in mind. While Rabbit Wheels has been available for a while, it's now truly taking off as more clients realize just how effortless it makes their service experience. When you're at Automotive Magic in Kenvil, the process is simple, seamless, and all about keeping you moving. Here’s How It Works: Drop off your car for service, and instead of worrying about how you’ll get around, you can make a reservation for a reliable Rabbit Wheels rental, available right on-site. No waiting. No extra stops. Just keys in hand and freedom to go about your day. Why Clients Love Rabbit Wheels: Speed: Quick and easy rental process — get back on the road fast. Reliability: Well-maintained vehicles ready when you are. Affordability: A cost-effective way to avoid downtime without breaking the bank. Whether you’re heading to work, tackling errands, or just want the freedom to come and go while your vehicle is in expert hands, Rabbit Wheels has got you covered. At Automotive Magic, we’re dedicated to giving our clients the best experience possible — and that means minimizing inconvenience while maximizing your time and flexibility. Let’s Keep You Moving! Don't let vehicle service disrupt your plans. Call today to make your reservation for both your service and your Rabbit Wheels rental — all in one easy step. Because when it comes to convenience, we’ve thought of everything — including the wheels to keep you going!