- Child's Play
- Mother-In-Laws Do It
- Tricky at Times
- Instructions Required
- You'll Be Here for a
few hours
  • heater core
  • antifreeze/coolant
  • distilled water
  • heater core hoses
  • hose clamps
  • jack and safety stands
  • socket set
  • basic wrench set
    (standard and metric sizes)
  • hose disconnect tools
    (Loan A Tool Part #L648727) depending on application
  • pliers
  • drain pan
  • rags
  • absorbent/floor dry
  • hand cleaner
    		•

    Your vehicle’s heater core is one of those important parts you don’t often think about until it’s too late. The heater core regulates the temperature inside your car. When it breaks, you’re left without any heat. Don’t allow a faulty heater core to let you down when the temperature starts to drop. You can trust the PartSource experts to give you the tools and instructions needed to replace your heater core quickly and easily on your own.

    This is the perfect time to ensure you stay warm all winter. Remember, the Parts Pros at your local PartSource are always available if you have questions or need advice. They’re ready to help no matter what the job is.

    Let’s go!


    		 
    Make Safety Your Top Priority

    Every vehicle is different. When it comes to maintenance and repairs, always follow the vehicle's owner's manual. Don't work with a Philips when the job calls for a flat. Substituting tools can compromise your safety or your vehicle's performance.

    Safety should be your number one priority. Don't smoke, drink alcoholic beverages, or wear a necktie while working on the car. And watch out for hot objects, sharp instruments, hazardous materials and other potential safety hazards in and around your workspace.

    Finally, when the fun turns to frustration or if the job requires specialized knowledge beyond your abilities, seek the assistance of a Parts Pro, professional mechanic or installer. The last thing we want is someone getting hurt.

    *IMPORTANT* - Disconnect the negative battery cable before you begin any work on your vehicle.

    Follow the Advice Below To Remove and Replace Your Heater Core


    Removing Your Heater Core

    Begin by raising and supporting the front of your vehicle.

    *IMPORTANT* Always place a safety stand under the raised part of your vehicle. If the vehicle slips off of the jack, it can cause serious injury or death.
    Drain the antifreeze and coolant from your radiator.
    Remove the A/C-heater drain tube from the firewall (if applicable to your vehicle).
    Loosen the hose clamps on the heater core hoses. Then remove the hoses from the heater core if they’re accessible from the engine bay.
    NOTE - There may still be antifreeze in these hoses and heater core, so have a drain pan ready to catch any extra drips.

    If you have an air compressor, use it to blow excess liquid out of the heater core once the hoses are removed.
    After draining the antifreeze, lower the vehicle.
    Locate the access area for your particular heater core. On most vehicles, the heater core is accessible by removing the plastic panels under the dash.
    IMPORTANT - Be careful not to move the heater core when removing the cover. You could damage it and cause a leak.
    Once you’ve accessed the heater core, pay attention to its location and how the pipes are positioned.
    Remove the heater core mounting clamps and any remaining hoses.
    With rags at the ready for any accidental spills, remove the heater core.
    Clean up any spills and, if needed, dry the carpeting with a blow dryer.
    Check for any seals, O-rings, or other parts that may need to be transferred from the old heater core to the new one.

    Installing A New Heater Core

    Transfer any needed parts from the old heater core to the new one.
    Very carefully place the new heater core in its proper location and reinstall the mounting clamps.
    Reinstall any hoses that are accessible from inside the car.
    If possible, do not reinstall the access covers for the heater core at this time.
    Raise and support the front of your vehicle.
    Reinstall the heater core hoses you removed earlier.
    Reinstall the A/C-heater drain tube to the firewall (if applicable to your vehicle).

    Check the condition of the hoses and replace them if needed. It’s also a good idea to replace your hose clamps any time you’ve taken them off.

    Close the drain on the radiator and refill it with the proper mixture of antifreeze and distilled water, or use a 50/50 premixed antifreeze. Be sure to follow any instructions in your vehicle owner’s manual for recommended fluids.
    Lower your vehicle.
    Check that all hoses are reinstalled, the radiator is filled, and that the radiator cap is closed.
    Start the car and check for any leaks under the car and inside near the heater core.
    NOTE - On some vehicles it’s necessary to “bleed” the air from the cooling system after draining it. Check with your local PartSource for specific instructions for your vehicle.
    On some vehicles it’s necessary to “bleed” the air from the cooling system after draining it. Check with your local PartSource for specific instructions for your vehicle.
    Start the car again and let it reach normal operating temperature while still checking for any leaks.
    Turn the vehicle heater to high and then turn on the fan to ensure heat is blowing from the heater core.
    Once everything is working properly and there are no leaks, reinstall the heater core access covers.
    Check the radiator level again and top it up if needed.
    Check to make sure every necessary part has been reinstalled.
    Dispose of any used fluids in accordance with your local bylaws. Now you can enjoy the warmth of your new heater core!