96 heater core replacement
#1
96 heater core replacement
I'm trying to get to it. I've searched around about it and was told I could get to it by removing the bottom dash then was told the whole dash had to pivot forward. I've gotten it to pivot forward but I still can't get to the heater core. Dunno if I need to completely remove the radio but it doesn't seem to give much room. So I'm at a bit of a loss here. Any help please
#2
Seems like there's a "How-To" on the forum somewhere.... in a nut shell, IIRC, drop the steering column and rest it on the driver seat. Remove the entire instrument panel from the vehicle. Don't need to do anything with the A/C. Remove the heater case from the vehicle. Remove the heater core cover and replace the core. Take lots of pictures so you know where stuff goes when you put it back together. Flat rate labor time is ~6.5 hours, and that's if you've done it before, (even less time if you're good) If not, allow more time.
#3
The how-tos I found had me going different ways, one mentioned leaving the dash but removing the radio and glove box to get to the heater case screws nut that didn't help. One mentioned just removing the bottom half of the dash and another mentioned pivoting the whole thing forward. I now have the wheel resting on the seat, I may get more room if I d/c all the harnesses. This is my 1st attempt at this sort of dashboard disection and I was expecting 6hrs+ and it hasn't disappointed lol
#4
If you remove all connections to the dashboard: 3 big ones on the right, one big connector held together with screw in the middle near the steering column, vacuum hose connection, connector behind radio, and antenna connection, you should be able to lift the entire dashboard out off of the pivot pins. You will then have access to the plastic heater core cover. Removing the glove box gets you nowhere...it comes out with the entire dashboard assembly.
When I replaced the heater core on my '96, I removed the radio and heater controls... after pivoting the dash forward, I found out I didn't have to because there is another in-line connector behind the dash.
Just go slow...if it doesn't lift out easy, then something is still connected...assess the situation and try again.
When I replaced the heater core on my '96, I removed the radio and heater controls... after pivoting the dash forward, I found out I didn't have to because there is another in-line connector behind the dash.
Just go slow...if it doesn't lift out easy, then something is still connected...assess the situation and try again.