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I also had NO reservations doing the "cut and hose splice" the the heater core on our '11. NO WAY that I wanted to do it "by the book" on a DJ, I did do a '04 Neon almost  "by the book"{dash removal}, but cut the HVAC case to get the heater core out. This was on my son's first car and it almost made me not want to do any dashboard related work on any Dodge models!  Yes paying dealer rates is a KILLER and I think as a way to make people trade in and buy a new{er} vehicle from them.....MORE MONEY!

I guess she needs to take a vacation down south here and at that time find a place that can do all that for 1/3 rd the price, of course you get what you pay for so that is up to the opp to decide on what they want donelike I posted a before I wouldn't have no qualms on doing the cut and splice the heater core that would save me almost 2500 most expensive heater core on Amazon   For Dodge Journey Heater Core 2009-2017 | Front | Aluminum | 5191347AC $72.86  of course local part stores would probably be a bit higher and less than $200 for the thermostat and coolant plus what ever the local shade tree mechanic  that they might trust...HAVE to add if your estimate has stated on it that they just came back from Spain then they might have padded the bill a bit thinking they have some extra $$$$ to spend😆 as mentioned check out YouTube for more info on the cut and splice method and decide for yourself on what you want done good luck

Very high labor rate and that to do the heater core replacement "by the book" requires the a/c to be evacuated and disconnected and the WHOLE dashboard and steering column to be removed to replace the heater core. A "monster size" job. Find an independent shop for a quote and to do the job. Some states do not permit a registered dealer or shop to replace the heater core by the "cut and hose splice" method due to potential hot coolant leak spraying inside the drivers side footwell area as member 2late4u replied to you. Biggest SAFETY concern would be lack of windshield defrosting ability for vision.

I just got quoted an additional item on the heater core replacement for 3k, I imagine that this is also over charging right? a quick search online mentioned that this should be more ~$1k     The total is very high so I cannot really afford this anymore since it comes up to $5k, just a safety concern, if I do not change this at all and accept the cold temperature in the car, is there any safety risk?     Thanks!

Hi, thank you both @2late4u and @5rebel9. Correct I live in the Boston area which is probably high in terms of labor rates but will look for more of a garage mechanic rather than a dealership like you mention.    The journey is running fine and the temp gauge is working properly. The only issue is that heat is not coming out. I can go some more days without heat while I find a better price.   I appreciate the guidance, have a nice day.    

Labor rates are exorbitantly high in some areas, all we know of this member is that is located in the northeast US. IF they are in a big city area, then I would believe their "quote", but I would be looking for a HIGHLY RATED INDEPENDENT SHOP. VERY FEW DEALERS  actually care about the customer, just want the MONEY.

I would suggest a different dealership more garage, but IF THE JOURNEY IS RUNNING FINE ACCORDING TO THE TEMP GAGE AND ALSO AROUND 199-210 TEMP IN THE INFO CENTER THEN THE PROBLEM IS YOUR HEATER CORE IS PLUGGED UP check out you tube for the  short cut way to replace the heater core,,,,to replace the thermostat which cost around $20-50 depending on where you get it and then the proper coolant another $ 40-50 and then labor to clean and flush the system should be less than $200-250 total for all so yes they are way over charging you   welcome back to the group

Hi, I recently came back from a long time away and my Dodge Journey 2011 Mainstreet AWD 3.6L did not generate any heat. I took it to a mechanic and they quoted a solution for $1.731,60. The only information they shared is: MISC--pa--thermostat and coolant and cool flush kit.     Is this a reasonable price? It is a large sum for my personal finances but also don't want my kids to freeze. Here are the 3 images I got.      

I went and took a closer look at the connector and look what I found. I guess good lighting helps. I have my answer. Thank you everyone for your input.

Must have been a courtesy light wire??