There is no heat in the front

ANONYMOUS

MEMBER
2001 OLDSMOBILE SILHOUETTE
180,000 MILES

There is no heat in the front. I have already had the heads milled, new head gaskets, thermostat but still no heat. How do I replace the front heater core? Can I just drop it out of the bottom of the heater box or does the heater box have to come out.

1 Reply

ASEMASTER6371

MECHANIC
52,797 POSTS

Removal Procedure

Drain the cooling system. Refer to Draining and Filling Cooling System See: Engine, Cooling and Exhaust Cooling System Service and Repair Draining and Filling Cooling Systems.
Disconnect the wiper motor module. Refer to Windshield Wiper System Module Replacement See: Wiper and Washer Systems Wiper Motor Service and Repair.
Disconnect the vacuum hose from the brake booster and reposition.
Remove the air cleaner cover and intake tube. Refer to Air Cleaner Inlet Duct Replacement See: Engine, Cooling and Exhaust Engine Air Cleaner Fresh Air Duct/Hose Service and Repair.

Important: Disconnect the throttle and cruise control cables to prevent bending the cable housings.

Disconnect the throttle and cruise control cables from the TBI mounting bracket.
Remove the transmission fluid filler tube. Refer to Fluid Filler Tube Replacement See: Transmission and Drivetrain Automatic Transmission/Transaxle Automatic Transmission Dipstick - Dipstick Tube Service and Repair.
Disconnect both heater hose quick disconnects from the inlet and outlet pipes.

Disconnect both of the heater hose clamps from the heater hoses using the J 38185.
Remove the heater hoses from the heater core.

Important: Cap off the heater core inlet and outlet pipes to prevent coolant spilling inside of the vehicle.

Cap off the heater core pipes.
Remove the heater core cover.

Remove the heater core pipe retaining clamp screw.

Remove the heater core from the HVAC module.

Installation Procedure

Install the heater core to the HVAC module.

Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

Install the heater core pipe retaining clamp screw.

Tighten
Tighten the screw to 1.6 Nm (14 lb in).

Install the heater core cover.

Install the heater hoses to the heater core.
Position the heater hose clamps using the J 38185 as indicated.
Connect the heater hose quick connects to the inlet and outlet pipes.
Install the transmission fluid filler tube. Refer to Fluid Filler Tube Replacement See: Transmission and Drivetrain Automatic Transmission/Transaxle Automatic Transmission Dipstick - Dipstick Tube Service and Repair.
Install the air cleaner cover and intake hose. Refer to Air Cleaner Inlet Duct Replacement See: Engine, Cooling and Exhaust Engine Air Cleaner Fresh Air Duct/Hose Service and Repair.
Connect the throttle and cruise control cables to the TBI mounting bracket.
Connect the vacuum hose to the brake booster.
Connect the wiper motor module. Refer to Windshield Wiper System Module Replacement See: Wiper and Washer Systems Wiper Motor Service and Repair.
Refill the coolant. Refer to Draining and Filling Cooling System See: Engine, Cooling and Exhaust Cooling System Service and Repair Draining and Filling Cooling Systems.