Heater core replacement

2003 GMC SONOMA
117,000 MILES • 2.2L • 4 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
Repair Safety Notice: This information is for general instructional purposes only. Vehicle repair can be dangerous. Verify all information, follow manufacturer service procedures, use proper tools and safety equipment, and consult a qualified repair shop when needed.
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SWILLIAMS
  • AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 597 POSTS
The ENTIRE dash comes out. There are screws behind the speakers on each side and behind the defroster vent. Pls some on each end underneath and at the center where the console is.
You also need to drop the steering column.

Get a new core. They are not usually worth repairing.
Oct 25, 2020 at 12:19 PM (Merged)
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SERPENTRACER
  • MEMBER
  • 34 POSTS
does the hoses of the heater core get hot?
if they don't you need to flush it out or bleed the system better/more.

if they do then you can start looking into the controls.
vacuum operates all the doors of these trucks.

a common problem with these trucks is a bad vacuum line. they go into the cab near the brake booster.
rubber vacuum lines on these trucks seem to last about 4 years.
Oct 25, 2020 at 12:19 PM (Merged)
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KHLOW2008
  • AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 41,814 POSTS
Here is a flow chart for troubleshooting. See if you can come up with any information that might help us get to the bottom of this.


https://images.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/192750_HeaterDiagnosis98SonomaFig01a_1.jpg


https://images.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/192750_HeaterDiagnosis98SonomaFig01b_1.jpg


https://images.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/192750_HeaterDiagnosis98SonomaFig02a_1.jpg


https://images.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/192750_HeaterDiagnosis98SonomaFig02b_1.jpg

Oct 25, 2020 at 12:20 PM (Merged)
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TARCHER
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
Heater core removal from inside cockpit or through fender well???
Oct 25, 2020 at 12:20 PM (Merged)
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MASTERTECHTIM
  • AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 4,750 POSTS
from inside the cock pit. remove passenger side lower hush panel and glove box. remove cover to access heater core. **fairly easy job for the do it yourself mechanic.
Oct 25, 2020 at 12:20 PM (Merged)