Mitsubishi Repair: Mittsubishi Eclipse heater problem, eclipse gt, degree air

Question
My 2000 Eclipse GT's heater will not get very hot. The driver's side blows out 88 degree air and the passenger side blows out 98 degree air. This does not keep the car warm enough. The hoses going in and out through the firewall are extremely hot to the touch. We already had the thermostat replaced and had the antifreeze flushed from the entire system several times and we are still having the same problem. Any suggestions?

Answer
Jen,
There is probably something blocking the heater core, or not enough air passing over the core.  The heater core is simply a little radiator behind your glove box, which coolant passes through.  When the coolant passes through, and you turn your blower motor (the fan) on, it forces air to pass over the hot heater core, and that air blows through the air ducts and into the cabin.

So, your blower motor may not be blowing enough air around the core.  This can be caused by debris that may be stuck to the core.  If you have pets that ride in the car with you, animal hair can get sucked into the ducting and entangle itself around the core.  Another problem could be a damper that is stuck open.  The damper allows outside fresh air to flow into the core area, and that will cool down the air blowing into the cabin signifigantly.  You may want to try moving your fresh air switch over to recirculated air, and see if the air coming out gets hotter.  If you feel the air gets much warmer, than that means a fresh air damper is probably stuck open.  If the temperature of the air does not go up, than it means a something is blocking air flow around the core and you should have the heater core pulled and examined.  Unfortuntely, pulling the heater core is a time consuming procedure and you also have to have your A/C evaporator disconnected as well.  That will require a professional to discharge and recharge your refrigerant.
Good luck!