Section 46 (HVAC System (Service Information)): Plumbing: Core-Heater: Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2006 Dodge Magnum, 2006 Dodge Charger, and 2006 Chrysler 300. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

WARNING: On vehicles equipped with airbags, disable the airbag system before attempting any steering wheel, steering column, or instrument panel component diagnosis or service. Disconnect and isolate the negative battery (ground) cable, then wait two minutes for the airbag system capacitor to discharge before performing further diagnosis or service. This is the only sure way to disable the airbag system. Failure to take the proper precautions could result in accidental airbag deployment and possible personal injury or death.

Fig 1: Remove/Install Heater Core

Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

NOTE: LHD model shown. RHD model similar.

Drain the engine cooling system (Refer to COOLING - STANDARD PROCEDURE - COOLING SYSTEM DRAIN) .
Disconnect and isolate the negative battery cable.
Carefully disconnect the heater hoses from the heater core tubes (7).
Remove the instrument panel silencer from the driver side of the instrument panel (Refer to BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/INSTRUMENT PANEL SILENCER - REMOVAL) .
On LHD models, remove the blend door actuator (1) from the driver side of the HVAC air distribution housing (2) (Refer to HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/CONTROLS/ACTUATOR-BLEND DOOR - REMOVAL) .
On RHD models, position the parking brake bracket out of the way and remove the steering column (Refer to STEERING/COLUMN - REMOVAL) .
Remove the two screws (9) that secure the flange (8) to the front of the HVAC housing (10) near the dash panel.
Remove the flange from the HVAC housing.
NOTE: Take proper precautions to protect the carpeting from spilled engine coolant. Have absorbent toweling readily available to clean up any spills.
Remove the retaining clamps (3) that secure the heater core tubes to the heater core (5).
Disconnect the heater core tubes from the heater core and remove and discard the O-ring seals.
Carefully pull the heater core tubes through the dash panel.
Install plugs in, or tape over the opened heater core ports.
Remove the screw (6) that secures the heater core retaining bracket (4) to the driver side of the HVAC air distribution housing (2).
Remove the heater core retaining bracket from the air distribution housing.
Carefully pull the heater core out of the air distribution housing.