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Heater Core

Tiny
JDHANNIBAL
  • MEMBER
  • 2003 DODGE NEON
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
How do I change a heater core? Is there any less complicated ways than the manual describes?
Thursday, December 9th, 2010 AT 10:30 PM

24 Replies

Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,869 POSTS
Hello,

Its not to bad but you will need to vacuum down and recharge the system here is a guide for that and the instructions on how to replace the core in the diagrams below.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/re-charge-an-air-conditioner-system

this guide will walk you through the steps with your car instructions below.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/replace-heater-core

Check out the diagrams (Below). Please let us know if you need anything else to get the problem fixed.
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Thursday, December 9th, 2010 AT 11:46 PM
Tiny
MATTDSCOTT
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2003 DODGE NEON
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 122,000 MILES
I'm trying to replace the heater core on my 03 dodge neon, and have reached a point of confusion. I have the haynes repair manuel and it has been great so far untill you get to chapter 11 and begin removing the instrument panel. CH 11, section 23, steps 12-15 do not have illustrations or references to previous section/chapters so I have no idea where these parts are that I need to take off. I need to "disconnect the data link connector", "remove the instrument panel support mounting bolts", "remove the A-pillar-to-instrument panel mounting bolts(two on each side), and disconnect the antenna right side connector". If anyone has diagrams/pictures of those steps it would be much appreciated. I'm in the navy and really need to get my car functional soon.
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Sunday, July 28th, 2019 AT 7:09 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,689 POSTS
The data link is under the dash on the left side of the brake (it is a plug where a scanner plugs in). The the mounting bolts for the inst panel, is nothing more than a support bar that attaches from the inst panel to the sheet metal for support. The A-pillar is where the dash bolts to the sides of the interior. The antanna can be disconnected at the stereo rear.
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Sunday, July 28th, 2019 AT 7:09 PM (Merged)
Tiny
RICHARD_PRUNEDAHOTMAILCOM
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
  • 2003 DODGE NEON
  • 150,000 MILES
Two leaks. When reservoir is service water leaks inside car when engine is running and heater on. Out side in engine compartment rubber approximately 3 inches in length and not connected to anything on firewall will leak when engine is turn off. Radiator will then be serviced with almost a half gallon of water after when rubber hose stop leaking. Radiator cap appears on. 2nd turn when cap installed and aligned with hose does not require much effort when reinstalling. Don't have the money at this time to replace the heater core, what can I do now. For a later date on a repair?
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Sunday, July 28th, 2019 AT 7:10 PM (Merged)
Tiny
IMPALASS
  • MECHANIC
  • 3,112 POSTS
Hello - sounds like you know the problem. The heater core is bad and will continue to leak. The one pick, is this the hose you are talking about? This is the drain for the HVAC. Normally the condensation from the AC drips from here. So the floor board is wet due to the heater core leaking and it also draining out of the hose and the HVAC is filling with antifreeze. The other pic shows you the inside of a HVAC and the drain hole. This hole is a tube and the rubber hose you see inside the engine compartment is connected to this.
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Sunday, July 28th, 2019 AT 7:10 PM (Merged)
Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 33,869 POSTS
Remove the two heater hoses from the heater core and connect them together.

That hose that isn't connected to anything is the drain hose for the water that condenses from the humidity in the air when the air conditioning cools it. Coolant leaking from the heater core drips into the same drain pan.
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Sunday, July 28th, 2019 AT 7:10 PM (Merged)
Tiny
RICHARD_PRUNEDAHOTMAILCOM
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Thank you both on the info. It was very helpful I will get it repaired as soon as I can gather the money for repair and undo the hoses temporary connected. Thanks again.
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Sunday, July 28th, 2019 AT 7:10 PM (Merged)
Tiny
IMPALASS
  • MECHANIC
  • 3,112 POSTS
Hey please don't forget since it is getting into the cold months. You won't have any heat to the windshield for defrost. Good luck
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Sunday, July 28th, 2019 AT 7:10 PM (Merged)
Tiny
RICHARD_PRUNEDAHOTMAILCOM
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Most definitely and will get it taken care of soon as possible. Thank You
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Sunday, July 28th, 2019 AT 7:10 PM (Merged)
Tiny
RRV
  • MEMBER
  • 9 POSTS
I had the same problem and the fix by the mechanic was to put a silicone based sealant at the point of contact for the drain pipe with the body. Ensure the drain pipe opening faces down towards the floor. Best of luck.
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Sunday, July 28th, 2019 AT 7:10 PM (Merged)
Tiny
CONOR LARSON
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2001 DODGE NEON
  • 150,000 MILES
Do you need to evac the ac system to replace the heater core?
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Sunday, July 28th, 2019 AT 7:10 PM (Merged)
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
Yes it needs evac and recharge because dash and heater unit need to come out prior to replacing the heater core.
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Sunday, July 28th, 2019 AT 7:10 PM (Merged)
Tiny
CORNBREAD78
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2000 DODGE NEON
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 280,000 MILES
WOULD LIKE TO GET SOME IMAGES ON HOW TO FIX OR REPLACE MY HEATER CORE THE EASIEST WOULD BE GREAT
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Sunday, July 28th, 2019 AT 7:10 PM (Merged)
Tiny
BMRFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
  • 19,053 POSTS
Almost Every thing in front dash has to come out the car
are you sure its the heatre core no good ?
Drain engine coolant
remove heater hoses at fire wall and plug
remove 3 retaining nuts under hood (fire wall)
remove instrument panel
remove right side retaining screw
remove remaining nut under dash panel stud
disconnect blue connector from plenum
remove heater assembly from car
remove clips and screws
good luck


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/99387_heater_core_1.jpg

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Sunday, July 28th, 2019 AT 7:10 PM (Merged)
Tiny
KAVASPORTS
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2000 DODGE NEON
2000 Dodge Neon

how to change heater core
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Sunday, July 28th, 2019 AT 7:10 PM (Merged)
Tiny
SERVICE WRITER
  • MECHANIC
  • 9,123 POSTS


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/30961_neon_1.jpg



https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/30961_neon1_2.jpg

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Sunday, July 28th, 2019 AT 7:10 PM (Merged)
Tiny
PINKTHORNL
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
  • 1995 DODGE NEON
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 200,000 MILES
I believe the heater core has gone up in our Neon. We have replaced the thermostat and everything else still runs fine, but no heat. I can do most things when it comes to engines, but have never had to replace a heater core. Could you please inform me on the steps to do so? Thanks so much
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Sunday, July 28th, 2019 AT 7:10 PM (Merged)
Tiny
SERVICE WRITER
  • MECHANIC
  • 9,123 POSTS
Best bet is to check the manual.
https://www.2carpros.com/kpages/auto_repair_manuals.htm

You can try to backflush the heater core by disconnecting the heater hoses and running a garden hose through the exiting side back into the core and out the ingoing line.
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Sunday, July 28th, 2019 AT 7:10 PM (Merged)
Tiny
PINKTHORNL
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
How do I tell which one is exit/intake? I also have a new problem now where when put in gear you have to really lay on the gas pedal/the rpms have to be high to get to even barely move. Transmission fluid or need new trans?
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Sunday, July 28th, 2019 AT 7:10 PM (Merged)
Tiny
SERVICE WRITER
  • MECHANIC
  • 9,123 POSTS
Put the heater core on the back burner.

IS the transmission fluid full, if not fill it with atf + 4 transmission fluid only. Check it while it is in park and the engine running.
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Sunday, July 28th, 2019 AT 7:10 PM (Merged)

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