How To: Change Heater Core
Since there wasnt a "how to" on this and I was going to do it, figured I would make one.
Get new core. (It has a lifetime warranty)
Get your tools
-- 10mm deep and shallow sockets (3/8 and 1/4 drive rachet)
-- 12mm socket
-- extension for rackets
-- Phillips screwdriver(s)
-- ziplock bags
First remove the panel under the steering wheel, the trim around the instrument cluster.(most of these will be phillips screws)
The metal bracket under the steering wheel will be 10mm bolts.
Remove the glove box and the radio trim. The metal bracket behind the glove box is 10mm.
Now would be a good time to start separating the screws that go with each panel/bracket in small ziplock bags.
Start removing all the screws for the radio, storage pocket, cupholder etc...
Panel removed
Remove instrument cluster
There is also a screw under cluster that holds dash (dont forget it)
2 Nuts, 2 bolts and that screw holds the dash on.
Lower steering wheel (unless you want to remove it also)
So you can get the dash out easier.
The plastic ducts have to come out so the metal tube support can be removed
There is a screw on the end of the duct.
There are lots of 10mm nuts and bolts holding this metal support tube in.
I found it made it easier to unbolt the metal brackets that encase the radio so I could separate the tube from them.
The relay/fuse box needs to be slid off the tabs that hold it.
Dont forget to look over every inch for fasteners that hold/route the wiring.
There are 12mm bolts that hold the steering column.
Start searching for the cables that operate the HVAC system
Another cable...
The dryer and evaporator are housed next to the fan.
***Important: my AC has been removed.
So it was no problem for me to remove the dryer and evaporator.
If your AC system is still intact, then removing your heater core might take more effort
Remove the 10mm bolts to get the evap/dryer out.
There is one 10mm bolt up top and two 10mm nuts underneath the heater core housing.
Remove them and take out heater core assembly
(should of already removed the heater lines from engine bay)
With heater core assembly out, bring it inside to change out the core.
Changing the core
Old
New
Remove the screws and change over the spouts.
Take note of which one is where...
Slide into housing, secure with plastic bracket
Looks good!
Now assemble every thing in reverse, Hopefully you used ziplock bags to separate everything.
ENJOY your heat!!!
Get new core. (It has a lifetime warranty)
Get your tools
-- 10mm deep and shallow sockets (3/8 and 1/4 drive rachet)
-- 12mm socket
-- extension for rackets
-- Phillips screwdriver(s)
-- ziplock bags
First remove the panel under the steering wheel, the trim around the instrument cluster.(most of these will be phillips screws)
The metal bracket under the steering wheel will be 10mm bolts.
Remove the glove box and the radio trim. The metal bracket behind the glove box is 10mm.
Now would be a good time to start separating the screws that go with each panel/bracket in small ziplock bags.
Start removing all the screws for the radio, storage pocket, cupholder etc...
Panel removed
Remove instrument cluster
There is also a screw under cluster that holds dash (dont forget it)
2 Nuts, 2 bolts and that screw holds the dash on.
Lower steering wheel (unless you want to remove it also)
So you can get the dash out easier.
The plastic ducts have to come out so the metal tube support can be removed
There is a screw on the end of the duct.
There are lots of 10mm nuts and bolts holding this metal support tube in.
I found it made it easier to unbolt the metal brackets that encase the radio so I could separate the tube from them.
The relay/fuse box needs to be slid off the tabs that hold it.
Dont forget to look over every inch for fasteners that hold/route the wiring.
There are 12mm bolts that hold the steering column.
Start searching for the cables that operate the HVAC system
Another cable...
The dryer and evaporator are housed next to the fan.
***Important: my AC has been removed.
So it was no problem for me to remove the dryer and evaporator.
If your AC system is still intact, then removing your heater core might take more effort
Remove the 10mm bolts to get the evap/dryer out.
There is one 10mm bolt up top and two 10mm nuts underneath the heater core housing.
Remove them and take out heater core assembly
(should of already removed the heater lines from engine bay)
With heater core assembly out, bring it inside to change out the core.
Changing the core
Old
New
Remove the screws and change over the spouts.
Take note of which one is where...
Slide into housing, secure with plastic bracket
Looks good!
Now assemble every thing in reverse, Hopefully you used ziplock bags to separate everything.
ENJOY your heat!!!
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