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2002 Dodge Truck Heater core

Tiny
JMITCHELL2958
  • MEMBER
  • 2002 DODGE TRUCK
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 106,000 MILES
I had my engine replaced a year ago with a Jasper 4.7 V8 engine. Last winter I had no issues with the heat, recently I can smell the antifreeeze smell for the first minute or so, then it goes away. This only happens when I use the defrost or floor heat using outside air. When I use the recirculating air there is no smell. There are no signs of leaking on the floor board or a drop in the fuild level in the radiator. I am not sure if it needs to be replace or there may be a loose hose. If so where is the heater core located, under the dash in front of the passenger seat or in the middle of the dash behind the control knobs and radio. Where are the hose coming in from the firewall, do I have to take off the dash to tighten the hoses If needs to replaced what is thge average cost.
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Wednesday, November 5th, 2008 AT 6:04 PM

5 Replies

Tiny
IMPALASS
  • MECHANIC
  • 3,112 POSTS
Hello
Please provide the specifics on your vehicle so that we can better assist you. There are numerous Dodge trucks, is it a Dakota, Durango, Ram 1500 etc. Also, please tell me what engine came out of the truck and the 8th digit of your VIN.
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Wednesday, November 5th, 2008 AT 6:35 PM
Tiny
JMITCHELL2958
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  • 3 POSTS
My VIN# 1D7HA18N*********, and it is a Dodge 1500 four door pick-up sport. The original engine was a magnum 4.7L V8. I did notice that even with the recirculation heat there is a very faint smell but goes away quicker than when using the outside air. It only lasts for a minute or two, unless I turn the blower on high. Also one more bit of info, there was a time where the blower did not work at all until I tap on the unit that is under the dash in front of the passenger seat. I do thank you for help, it is very nice that you offer this service. It just happens that I found the site on accident, I will be sure to let everyone I know to use it.
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Thursday, November 6th, 2008 AT 9:40 AM
Tiny
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  • MECHANIC
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Hello jmitchell2958

Okay - here we go. You can check the connections of the heater hoses but all the times I have seen - when you smell anti freeze your core is leaking. Your floor doesn't have to be wet as it can be a mild leak.

It may be plugged a little - you can check that by feeling the heater hoses going into and coming out of the dash. If the inlet is hot and the out is cool, fluid is not going through the core.

I suggest you change the core. Now on your vehicle you have to remove the HVAC housing. To be honest, it won't be fun or it can be fun - I guess that is that glass is half empty or half full thing - but you can do it. I can provide you with all the info if you would like it.

Also, since on yours you have to remove the HVAC housing, you will have to disconnect the AC lines so you will have to service the AC system.

Your blower is also in this. My suggestion - once you have it out replace the heater core and the blower motor.

Just let me know if you want the info on removing the HVAC. It is lengthy so I want to make sure you want if before sending it.

Heater hoses - sorry but I searched through two tech manuals and there is no pic of them. They should be 2 hoses, about 5/8th and very close together going into the passenger's side of the fire wall. The best I can do is provide one from another vehicle to give you an idea.


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/248015_scan0001_1.jpg



You can get the heater core for about $83 and the blower for about $60 at Auto Zone or I show the dealer is about $91 for the core and $129 for the blower.

Also, very important - always keep your old engine data like you supplied for me. That is what is tied to your vehicle for parts etc.

Last - you may have two recalls on your vehicle for the heating system. I have attached them. Please contact the dealer/service department and provide your VIN number and this info if you would like and have them check. Recalls I believe are free repair and need to be fixed.

Recall #1 - C11 04/01/2003 Recall - Blower Motor Overlay Harness Installation
Recall #2 - NHTSA03V078000 03/01/2003 Recall 03V078000: Blower Motor Circuit Defect

Again, let me know if you want the data sent

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Thursday, November 6th, 2008 AT 6:32 PM
Tiny
JMITCHELL2958
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Thank you for all your help, I am not sure if I want to get into HVAC. I had done some damage in the past with them. Do you think the recall could have caused this issue? What would you estimate the labor charge from a dealer would be? I need to donate more and I will very soon you have be a great help. I will also your service again, the information is very helpful.
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Thursday, November 6th, 2008 AT 6:46 PM
Tiny
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Hello jmitchell2958,

Well - I understand. . .. . ..I went ahead and attached how to get the HVAC out - some of it, not the Body and Frame, Interior Trim, Dashboard/Instrument Panel, Service and Repair, Instrument Panel Service Procedures, Instrument Panel Assembly Replacement dash removal. It can be intimidating but as I said, it can be accomplished.

I don't think the recall would be the cause. . ..heater cores leak. . ..they go bad, you have 106K good and happy miles on the vehicle - the recalls were from 2003 - and both deal with the blower motor not the core.

Estimate - your best bet is to get a few figures from say the dealer and several places in town. I would ask around to see what folks recommend as reputable. I would also ask the Better Business Bureau - they may have folks reported to them as great and not so great. But get some estimates from them but make sure they come up with the same conclusion.

I have attached what I think - but I don't have some things some may charge but at least it gives you an idea.

Last, I would go out and look at it for a few minutes - take off a couple of inside panels to see what you are up against. You still may not do it but you will have a better idea once you take a look.

Hope this helps.


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/248015_Untitled_picture_2.jpg



REMOVAL

WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIRBAGS, DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEFORE ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISOLATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE, THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE AIRBAG SYSTEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PERFORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRECAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENTAL AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL INJURY.

Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable.
Remove the instrument panel from the vehicle. Refer to: Body and Frame, Interior Trim, Dashboard/Instrument Panel, Service and Repair, Instrument Panel Service Procedures, Instrument Panel Assembly Replacement, See: Body and Frame Interior Moulding / Trim Dashboard / Instrument Panel Service and Repair Instrument Panel Service Procedures Instrument Panel Assembly Replacement
Recover the refrigerant from the refrigerant system. See: Refrigerant


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/248015_97395988_1.jpg



Disconnect the liquid line refrigerant line fitting from the evaporator inlet tube. See: Coupler HVAC Service and Repair
Disconnect the accumulator inlet tube refrigerant line fitting from the evaporator outlet tube. Install plugs in, or tape over all of the opened refrigerant line fittings. See: Coupler HVAC Service and Repair
Drain the engine cooling system. See: Engine, Cooling and Exhaust Cooling System Service and Repair
Disconnect the heater hoses from the heater core tubes. Install plugs in, or tape over the opened heater core tubes.
Unplug all electrical connectors from the actuators and blower motor.
Remove the nuts from the HVAC housing mounting studs.
Remove the HVAC housing from inside the vehicle taking care not to allow any remaining coolant to drain on the vehicles interior.
INSTALLATION

WARNING: IF THE VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH AIR CONDITIONING, REVIEW THE WARNINGS AND CAUTIONS IN PLUMBING BEFORE PERFORMING THE FOLLOWING OPERATION. See: Refrigerant Service Precautions

Position the HVAC housing to the dash panel. Be certain that the evaporator condensate drain tube and the housing mounting studs are inserted into their correct mounting holes.
Install and tighten the nuts onto the HVAC housing mounting studs. Tighten the nuts to 6.2 Nm (55 in.lbs.) .
Connect the HVAC system electrical connectors.
Unplug or remove the tape from the heater core tubes. Connect the heater hoses to the heater core tubes and fill the engine cooling system. See: Engine, Cooling and Exhaust Cooling System Service and Repair
Unplug or remove the tape from the liquid line and the evaporator inlet tube fittings. Connect the liquid line coupler to the evaporator inlet tube. See: Coupler HVAC Service and Repair
Evacuate the refrigerant system. See: Refrigerant
Charge the refrigerant system. See: Refrigerant
Install the instrument panel in the vehicle. Refer to: Body and Frame, Interior Trim, Dashboard/Instrument Panel, Service and Repair, Instrument Panel Service Procedures, Instrument Panel Assembly Replacement, See: Body and Frame Interior Moulding / Trim Dashboard / Instrument Panel Service and Repair Instrument Panel Service Procedures Instrument Panel Assembly Replacement
Connect the battery negative cable.
Start the engine and check for proper operation of the heating and air conditioning systems.
Run the calibration procedure.
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Thursday, November 6th, 2008 AT 7:21 PM

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