Hi everyone, so its winter time here in Canada. My 2009 chrysler aspen hybrid has 160k km on it and it recently stopped blowing hot air when your idling or stopped at a red light. As soon as you start driving it blows hot again. I've replaced the thermostat and all coolant levels are fine. Any other suggestions? or if this has happened to others. I'm open to just about anything.

 

warm the engine up then feel boh heater core hoses if they are both hot where yo cant hold onto them t hats good sign if one o bot are cool hen its clogged up

 

You might want to check the water pump too. Sounds like you don't get heat until the fluid gets pushed through the heater core which could very well be partially plugged up. Check to see that pressure is being built up in the cooling system too. You may need to replace the pressure cap..

 

My 02 T&C did this last year. A quick flush on the front heater core and back to good heat at idle.

 

My mom's Aspen Hybrid has the same problem. It is the auxiliary coolant pump. This particular pump allows coolant to flow when the engine reaches NOT and shuts down.

 

Did you ever find out what the problem was. I have two Aspen Hybrids. One always blew cold air when in electric mode, the other doesn't.

 

it’s most definitely the auxiliary water pump. Hardest thing was finding someone who could help me find a pump as it was discontinued and no aftermarket. But after 2 brutal winter I finally found a pump that work. (Thanks to google and hrs of searching) Off a BMW. Here the part number 17127850113.
I was able to find a used one for $125 bucks and the aspen heater finally works.
it’s also located right behind the driver side front wheel well.

 

The auxiliary pump is located behind the Front PASSENGER SIDE wheel well. Sorry correcting myself.