Troubleshooting - What am I missing? Still Warm driver / cold passenger

[nmsuman]

So I have been trying to figure out my semi-warm driver and cold passenger HVAC problem for about a week now. 

 

First I found low coolant to be the first problem = Refilled

Second, I pressure tested the system = tightened hose clamp at coolant pump

Third, checked all of the Blender actuators on the Passenger side = all motors move and function smoothly with no noises.

   - I also tried resetting at HVAC Controls using this gentlemen's method at the first link below  

Fourth, verified that coolant is flowing through the heater core = hot coolant felt on the return pipe (lower core pipe) on the driver side.

 

Still only able to get mildly warm air on the driver side and less warm air on the passenger side only when HVAC is set at "Hi" with "Auto = Off". 

 

What could I be missing?  

 

About to try the Fuse reset in the fuse panel, but wanted to see if anyone else had a possible idea. 

I don't think it is necessarily needing a flush as I do feel warm coolant on the lower return side pipe. 

 

Video #1: 

 

 

[Dean H]

I would flush the heater core several times.

[2late4u]

lets see,,,,,, 2012,,,,,,, when was the last time you or the journey had a coolant change, have it checked and as mentioned above do the flush esp for the heater core after all its only 13 yrs old....plugged up or restricted heater core is about the only thing that would cause your problem....... what is the temp running on the journey and what engine running at and what is the mileage as well?????????

[Summer Solstice]

Absolutely check the thermostat and coolant temp. I just had the thermostat on a 2016 3.6 changed that had been sticking for a couple of years. Engine never went past 185 in cooler weather and the heat was lack luster. What a difference 10 degrees makes. The engine warms up to full temp in 1/4 of the time it used to take it to get to 185.

[2late4u]

also just be aware that the heater core on journeys are a 2 zone so 1 zone for the drivers side and 1 zone for the passenger so that is how you can get warm on one side but cold on the other side,,check out the YouTube video on how to do a short cut on replacing the heater core.... either do a flush and then wonder if you will get a leak from the heater core or just go ahead and replace it...your choice I assume,,,also you never did say which engine you have???????????????

[5rebel9]

I looked up his past postings.

A 3.6 AWD

 and at least 145k mile.

  YES to flush both the main cooling system  AND a couple solely heater core flushes.

After those, YES a new thermostat

BUT be prepared for a heater core replacement, the core is positioned at the lowest point of the entire cooling system and is the "magnet" to collect "sediments".

I had to replace the core TWICE in 2 years (cut the tubes and splice with heater hose) due to the very poor care given the by the previous owner for my son's '11 3.6 awd journey.

Edited October 22 by 5rebel9

[John/Horace]

And early year Journeys lhad HOAT glycol, which  when mixed with OAT used since I think 2013 can create gel in system. 

People like to go to regular propylene glycol conversion. My 2015 Ram owners manual clearly states to not do this, stay with OAT fluid. Just dumped mine after 10 yrs, no scale or issues. New OAT fluid only has a 5 yr rating now. I imagine Journey is similar rules.