Hey guys, wouldn't you know ... coldest weather hits, and heater is having some weird issues.

Seems like issues of low coolant, but the temp gauge is reading fine.

Come to a stop (not every time), and the heat turns dead cold. Seems like either air pockets or low coolant. I changed the coolant in July, but haven't had an issue since.

I'm also smelling a ton of coolant smell when we get home and turn it off in garage.

I really don't know much on this thing. It's got the dual (pass/driver) heater control, and I'm hoping it's not associated with a solenoid. Anybody have an issue like this before, I could use some help ... outside thermostat said 2deg driving home tonight!

Thanks, Neal

Coolant smell=not good. Check the level in the overflow bottle. After it cools off, check the radiator to see if it's full. If radiator is full, but the overflow is empty, fill the overflow about 3/4 full with straight antifreeze, and take it out and drive it long enough to warm up. Then when you get home, let it cool off and see if the level in the overflow has dropped.
With a smell, it has to be coming out somewhere.

your water pump is bad, Had the same problem with mine. never found a puddle only leakes while running. Could fill it up, Have heat for about 15 miles then no heat. When it was low heat would work at speed but at a stop- no heat. Pump is cheap and easy to replace (atleast on the big v6). Its about 10 10mm bolts. Check it this forum for the rundown on how to replace http://forum.chryslerminivan.net/index.php?. You also have to loosen the passenger side motor mount so the engne will droop to remove the pump. no special tools needed took me about an hour in 10* weather outside in the drive way

edit: I also had a strong coolant smell when it was turned off (never saw a drip or puddle)

Waterpumps are very common on these vans. If its a V6, they arent too bad to change though.

your water pump is bad, Had the same problem with mine. never found a puddle only leakes while running. Could fill it up, Have heat for about 15 miles then no heat. When it was low heat would work at speed but at a stop- no heat. Pump is cheap and easy to replace (atleast on the big v6). Its about 10 10mm bolts. Check it this forum for the rundown on how to replace http://forum.chryslerminivan.net/index.php?. You also have to loosen the passenger side motor mount so the engne will droop to remove the pump. no special tools needed took me about an hour in 10* weather outside in the drive way

edit: I also had a strong coolant smell when it was turned off (never saw a drip or puddle)
DO NOT drop the mount out to change the pump. WAY too much work. It will come out fine without doing anything else. 20 minute job tops.