Heater core replacement?

Here are the instructions on how to replace the heater core and if your car has AC this video will show how to vacuum down and recharge the system.

https://youtu.be/4EqdrBVb0sY

Remove the HVAC module assembly. Refer to HVAC Module Assembly Replacement.
Remove the lower center floor air outlet duct.
Remove the upper center floor air outlet duct screws.
Remove the upper center floor air outlet duct.
Fig. 211: View Of Upper Center Floor Air Outlet Duct And Screws
Drill out the heater core cover heat stakes.
Fig. 212: Removing Heater Core Cover
Remove the heater core cover screws.
Remove the heater core cover.
Fig. 213: Removing Heater Core
Remove the heater core.
the whole heater module has to come out to replace it. Check out the diagrams (Below). Please let us know if you need anything else to get the problem fixed.

If the hvac isn't out of the car you are stuck because it's going through the firewall an dthere maybe a screw holding it in. Otherwise check for screws then pry up on it you are going to replac eit anyhow so if you damage who cares. Then you can see what you bent.

You are trying to pull it out without having the module out it has to come out so the a/c charge has to be recycled as well. Seepic these are in engine compartment you have to get the module out to get the heater core out.

Use 2CarPros anytime, we are here to help. Please tell a friend.

Now if you would like to tackle this job anyway, I suggest you purchase a repair manual for your vehicle or subscribe to an on-line service such as "AllData" or "Mitchell 1".

These will give you detailed instructions as well as pictures, a list of hardware/tools required and helpful hints and tips.

The involved process I speak of must begin with the recovering of your a/c refrigerant. This means you have to empty your a/c system of R134a because your "Evaporator" is located in the same place as your "Heater Core", and the removal of the heater core requires the complete removal of your HVAC module assembly, which is located under your dashboard. This will require the removal of your upper dashboard, the a-pillar trim panels, the center console, passenger side kick panel, and a few more small but difficult items.

And all of this must be removed just to get to the HVAC module. Once you have the module removed from the car, there'll be several more pieces connected to the module that'll have to be removed before you can access the heater core.

This is why a shop will quote you an "astronomical" price to service this unit. The mechanics aren't lying to you when the say it'll be "EXPENSIVE"!

Here's the procedure you're looking for. Sorry I can't provide illustrations. (Buy that service manual)

HEATER CORE REPLACEMENT

REMOVAL PROCEDURE

Remove the HVAC module assembly.
Remove the lower center floor air outlet duct.
Remove the upper center floor air outlet duct screws.
Remove the upper center floor air outlet duct.

Drill out the heater core cover heat stakes.

Remove the heater core cover screws.
Remove the heater core cover.

Remove the heater core.

INSTALLATION PROCEDURE

Install the heater core.
Install the heater core cover.

Install the heater core cover screws. Tighten Tighten the screws to 1.5 N.M (13 lb in).
Install the upper center floor air outlet duct.

Install the upper center floor air outlet duct screws. Tighten Tighten the screws to 1.5 N.M (13 lb in).
Install the lower center floor air outlet duct.
Install the HVAC module assembly.

Well Alldata and Prodemand make no specific mention of whether or not there are any bolts on the firewall that hold the HVAC or core in place, but it is entirely possible that there are some. I have seen it a few times. Of course the heater hoses are running up to the firewall, so they need to be taken off and can kind of hold things in place, almost like a nut or bolt would.

You will need to discharge the air conditioner when doing this job.

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

Here are some diagrams on how to do the job.

Check out the diagrams (Below)

Please let us know if you need anything else to get the problem fixed.

You might check the fluid and such. And make sure that the steering and various column pieces are all tight, and that there is nothing interfering with the wheel's movement down under the dash.

As for the cold air, you probably left the blend door actuator unhooked/unplugged. Or maybe the control unit needs to be reset and go through the relearning process. Try disconnecting the battery for ten minutes and then reconnect it. Start the car, turn the heat on, and wait a few minutes. See how it feels then.

Also, be sure that you completely refilled the cooling system and got all of the air bled out of it. Because when you took to core out, a lot of air got into the system.

Did you disconnect the steering column when you did the heater core removing the dash?

HEATER CORE REPLACEMENT

REMOVAL PROCEDURE

Remove the HVAC module assembly. See: Housing Assembly HVAC Service and Repair
Remove the lower center floor air outlet duct.
Remove the upper center floor air outlet duct screws.
Remove the upper center floor air outlet duct.

Drill out the heater core cover heat stakes.

Remove the heater core cover screws.
Remove the heater core cover.

Remove the heater core.

INSTALLATION PROCEDURE

Install the heater core.
Install the heater core cover.

NOTE: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.

Install the heater core cover screws.

Tighten
Tighten the screws to 1.5 N.M (13 lb in).

Install the upper center floor air outlet duct.

Install the upper center floor air outlet duct screws.

Tighten
Tighten the screws to 1.5 N.M (13 lb in).

Install the lower center floor air outlet duct.
Install the HVAC module assembly.

Huge job for at home

Roy

Hey that's great to see! Please do come back any time you need to. And send your friends too.