Heater and Cooling Unit: Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2012 Subaru Forester. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Disconnect the ground cable from battery.
Using the refrigerant recovery system, discharge refrigerant. < Ref. to PROCEDURE , Refrigerant Recovery Procedure. >
Drain coolant from the radiator.
- Non-turbo model: < Ref. to DRAINING OF ENGINE COOLANT , REPLACEMENT, Engine Coolant. >
- Turbo model: < Ref. to DRAINING OF ENGINE COOLANT , REPLACEMENT, Engine Coolant. >
Remove the bolt and detach the hose and pipe from the expansion valve. Remove the bolts which hold the pipe from the engine compartment.
CAUTION: Seal the disconnected hose and pipe with a plug or vinyl tape to prevent foreign matter from entering.
Release the heater hose clamps in engine compartment to remove the hoses.

Fig 1: Locating Heater Hose Clamps
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Remove the instrument panel. < Ref. to REMOVAL , Instrument Panel Assembly. >
Remove the blower motor unit assembly. < Ref. to REMOVAL , Blower Motor Unit Assembly. >
Disconnect the connectors of the actuator, thermo sensor and blower resistor or power transistor.
Remove the bolt and nuts and remove the heater and cooling unit.

Fig 2: Locating Heater And Cooling Unit Bolt And Nuts
Courtesy of SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.