I was wondering what good advice I could get about doing this myself? The core just went out yesterday and I need to replace it ASAP. I hear you need a manual and a special tool, is this true? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

You will need the manual, because from what I have read, you need to tear into the dash pretty deep. Some members have done it several times (JMC I think...) and will hopefully see this and advise further...

Good luck!

Mitch

 

I just had my heater coil replaced in Oct. The Dash had to be taken all the way out and back in (about 10 - 12 hrs total). Even with trained mechanics they didnt get the instrument panel in correctly, and then 2 weeks later the replacement coil was defective and they replaced it again.. It is well worth it to pay someone else!!

 

The special tool is required to release the coolant hoses going to the heater core. You don't realy need the tool but it makes it a lot easier. E-Mail me and I can send you the instructions. Here is a pic of the clip;


JMC

 

Lots of labor to get to the dang thing.

Mornin to take the dash out, bit of time to do the core, afternoon to put the dash back in.

Adrianspeeder

 

How often do you use your heater, i live down south, if you want to save some cash to get back on the road, just go to advanced auto/autozone and by a rerouter kit,(free flow), cut the hoses , should be on the passenger side running into the firewall, i just cut em, could budge the dang clamps, so then i rerouted em , runs fine,

 

Looks as if though I will be tackling this on saturday with the help of my father. Rerouting is not an option since I live in Michigan.

Would it be best to replace the hoses while I am at it? Or will the old ones be fine? The dealer is suppose to call me back with the pricing.

 

Seven year hoses are well past their serviceable life. I would replace them. Make sure that the replacement inlet hose has the restrictor in it.

JMC

 

Looks as if though I will be changing the heater core and the hoses, just to be on the safe side. So here is my list of items needed, if you see that I am missing anything let me know.

heater core
inlet and outlet hoses with new connections
antifreze
directions
zip baggies for labeling small parts/screws

 

This sucked a lot, but I did get it done with the help of my old man in about eight hours. Thanks to all that helped and replied.