Chrysler Repair: Intrepid, no cabin heat/core flush, domestic water supply, heater core replacement

Question
My wife and I recently discovered that the heater in our 02 Dodge intrepid, 2.7 liter engine (118k miles), would not blow hot air.  Searched around on the internet and found that this is generally caused by a leaking, or otherwise not functioning heater core.  Tried a test I saw on web, start car, reach operating temp, turn on cabin heater and check the heater hoses for temp.  One was hot the other was not at all hot (i checked them right where they go into the firewall).  There is not apparent leak in the cabin, checked all the floor boards for dampness found none.  Do not notice a smell of coolant in the cabin (how strong would the odor be?).  This causes me to wonder if the problem is really the heater core. Is there a heater control valve or something that would divert the hot coolant away from the core?  Or do I need a new heater core?

Answer
Happy New Year, Jay!
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Hi Jay,
I would believe that the flow of coolant through the heater core is constricted. But before getting into a heater core replacement may I suggest that you try to back flush the core using domestic water supply and a hose and coupler to connect to the outlet side (cold) at the fire wall or further down the outlet hose (where it enter a pipe) if more convenieant after removing the supply side hose for draining the outflow from the flush effort. You may be able to find a kit that has a hose thread adapter with nipple to connect to the hose.  You may be able to flush out whatever is blocking the flow that way. You might also want to check the return pathway where it joins the system at the thermostat housing to be sure it isn't plugged at that point.
If you can't re-establish flow then let me know and I can xerox copy and mail you the replacement procedure from the '04 manual. There are 25 steps each way in the process because you have to remove the entire distribution housing from under the dash. So I hope a back flush will work.
Roland