Repair 7

Signs that indicate the need to replace a heater core include coolant in the floor area of the Ford Aerostar, and greasy film at the bottom of the windshield. If not replaced, windows will begin to fog and floor boards will begin to rust, which could lead to overheating due to loss of antifreeze. Replacing the heater core in the Ford Aerostar takes a couple of tools and a few of hours to complete.

Instructions

Replacing the Heater Core

1

Open the valve at the bottom of the radiator by removing the radiator cap to drain the cooling system. Always drain the coolant into a container that can be sealed and reused if its not several years old. When draining the coolant, remember animals are attracted to antifreeze, and will drink any that is left in an open container or on the ground. This will make pets sick and could be fatal.

2

Disconnect the heater hoses from the heater core using tool T85T-18539-AH, to compress the couplers. The T85T-18539-AH tool or a comparable tool is available at most auto-parts stores; some auto parts stores offer the borrowing or rental of tools. The heater hoses connect to the heater core tubes on the fire wall passenger side of the engine compartment. Plug the heater hoses with small pieces of a rag to stop any coolant loss while removing the heater core.

3

While working in the passenger compartment, lay an old towel on the floorboard in case any coolant spills. Remove the six screws holding the heater core access door to the blower assembly; remove the access door. Depress the retainer clips at the top of the heater core and pull the heater core toward the bottom of the passenger seat, removing it from the blower assembly.

4

Remove the new heater core from the manufacturers box. Make sure it matches the old one. Position the new heater core caully into the blower assembly, snapping the top of the heater core into the retainer clips. Install the heater core access door to the blower assembly with the six screws that were removed.

5

Reconnect the heater hoses to the new heater core tubes inside the engine compartment. Push on the heater hose coupler until it locks. Tighten the drain plug at the bottom of the radiator. Fill the radiator with coolant. Start the Ford Aerostar, leaving the radiator cap off and turning the heater on high. Watch for coolant level to drop in the radiator, then turn the ignition off. Top off with coolant and replace the radiator cap.

6

This is a good time to check for leaks. Start the vehicle and let it warm up with the heater on high. While waiting for the vehicle to warm up, drain the coolant from the old heater core into a suitable container. Check for leaks at the hose connections and under the dash on the passenger side. If there are no leaks, discard the old heater core and towel from the passenger floorboard.

You can remove the heater core from your 1992 Dodge Caravan yourself using tools and supplies that can be purchased from any auto parts store. The heater core is like the radiator, only smaller. Unlike the radiator, which cools the engine, the heater core warms the passenger compartment. It can be found under the dashboard. You will save yourself a lot of money on repair bills if you can do this job yourself.

Instructions

1

Drive the Caravan onto a car ramp. Shut off the engine and allow it to cool. Place a drain pan under the radiator in the front of the vehicle. Loosen the radiator cap by turning it counterclockwise. Open the radiator drain plug by turning it counterclockwise with a wrench. Let the radiators coolant drain into the pan.

2

Get under the vehicle and find the two hoses connected to the firewall. The firewall separates the engine from the driver. Using pliers, loosen the spring clamps and slip them down the hoses to remove the hoses, which connect the heater core to the engine. Watch your face and body because some coolant may leak out as you do this.

3

Plug up the holes with rags.

4

Spread blankets over the entire front interior of the vehicle to protect it from coolant leakage.

5

Use a screwdriver to remove the passenger side kick panel, radio trim panel, foot well and access panel.

6

Remove the dashboard by pulling back on it away from the windshield.

7

Remove the screws from the heater core cover using a screwdriver. This cover can be found behind the glove compartment.

8

Remove the strap holding the heater core in place using a screwdriver. Pull out the heater core, taking care not to spill any coolant.

The Ford Expedition is a full-sized SUV produced by Ford as a replacement for the Bronco. The 99 Ford Expedition is a part of the vehicles first design generation. The heater core is located behind the dash board on the passengers side. While the heater core is being replaced it is a good idea to check the temperature blend door as well. Replacing the heater core is an involved project that requires most of a day.

Instructions

1

Park the Expedition on a level surface and set the parking brake. Open the hood and disconnect the negative battery cable. Prop the hood open with the hood support.

2

Disconnect the bulkhead connectors at the back of the engine compartment and push them into the vehicle.

3

Pull down on the steering column panel and remove it. Remove the five bolts under the steering column panel with a socket wrench. There are two on both sides and one in the middle at the bottom.

4

Remove the bolts along the top of the dash, just under the windshield. Remove the bolts under the carpet, along the back of the passengers foot well.

5

Open the glove box and pull out enough that the clips pop free and the glove box stays open. Remove the two bolts holding the passenger airbag. Pull off the oval cover above the glove box and remove the bolt underneath. Remove the passenger airbag.

6

From outside, disconnect the evaporator case sample tub and the blower motor. These can be reached from the engine compartment, just in front of the passenger side door.

7

Reach inside the passenger fender well and disconnect the antenna lead. Push it through the firewall.

8

Remove the bolt in the rear corner of the passenger foot well. Grab the dash board on both sides and pull forward. This will usually require two people. Pull the dash board forward far enough to allow access to the heater core.

9

Remove the 14 bolts around the plentum case. Open the case and remove the two bolts that secure the heater core in place. Disconnect the tubes attached to the heater core with the quick disconnects. Remove the heater core from the vehicle.

10

Put the new heater core in the SUV and tighten the mounting bolts. Attach the hoses and push them on until the clamps snap closed. Close the plentum case and tighten all of the bolts.

11

Reassemble the dash board in the reverse order it was disassembled. Reconnect the negative battery cable. Close the hood.

Vehicle engine problems can be extremely costly. But, instead of scrapping the car, many options are available for repairing or replacing the engine, including the use of a rebuilt engine core.

Identification

When an engine is replaced with one urbished by the dealers manufacturer, normally the original damaged engine is returned to the factory for analyzing and possible urbishment, erred to as an engine core or rebuilt engine core.

Causes

Engines can fail for a variety of reasons. For these reasons, manufacturers keep rebuilt engine cores available to serve their customer base so that if a replacement is needed, a more expensive new engine isnt the only purchase option. Key failure points of an engine are due to age, overheating issues and inadequate maintenance or lubrication.

Significance

Using rebuilt engine cores has helped keep people in their vehicles longer, saving them money and avoiding the need to scrap them. A typical cost of a core, between $2,250 and $4,000 (as of 2010), is much less than purchasing a new car outright.

The heater core in a vehicle resembles a small radiator. When you turn on the heat in your car, engine coolant is redirected from the engine to pass through the heater core before heading to the radiator. The fan in your car blows the air over the heater core to heat it up. The air then flows into your car, warming the passenger compartment. In the 1991 Honda Accord, the heater core is located inside of the heater assembly, which is located behind the dashboard of the vehicle.

Instructions

1

Remove the cables from the battery to disconnect it from the engine. Drain all of the coolant from the cooling system into a sanitary container by removing the plug at the bottom of the radiator. Make sure the engine is cool before removing the coolant.

2

Remove the heater hoses going to the heater by loosening the clamps that are holding them on at the firewall. Remove the cable that is connected to the heater valve. Watch out for residual coolant that may be left inside of the hoses.

3

Take off the duct cover on the bottom of the heater assembly by prying out the snap-in screw with a flathead screwdriver. Remove the dashboard and the support pipe.

4

Remove the heater assembly by unbolting the four bolts holding it in and pulling it out. Take off the cover that is covering the heater core, and the clamp that is holding the heater core in place. Pull the heater core out of the heater assembly.

5

Insert the new heater core into the assembly and replace the clamp and heater core cover. Reinstall the heater assembly in the vehicle by placing it in its old spot and replacing the four bolts holding it in.

6

Reinstall the dashboard and the duct cover on the bottom of the heater assembly. Make sure you reconnect the heater hoses at the vehicles firewall and tighten their clamps accordingly. Replace the cable going to the heater valve.

7

Add the coolant back into the radiator making sure that it is full before starting the vehicle. Reconnect the battery wires and start the vehicle. Let the vehicle warm up to test the newly replaced heater core.