Heater Hose Coupling: Disconnect

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2013 Ford Mustang. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: Do not attempt to install a new bushing, spacer or O-rings in the heater hose coupling; damage to the heater hose coupling can result. If the heater hose coupling is the cause of a coolant leak, the affected heater hose must be replaced as an assembly.

WARNING: Before disconnecting any heater water hoses, shut OFF the engine and wait until engine is fully cool. Failure to comply with this warning may result in serious injury or burns from hot liquid escaping from the engine cooling system.

Depressurize the engine cooling system.
Push the heater hose toward the tube to fully expose the locking tabs.
NOTE: When compressing the white coupling retainer, the Heater Hose Inlet Tube Remover must be perpendicular to and on the highest point of the coupling.

NOTE: If the heater hose coupling is accessible, the retainer tabs can be compressed by hand to disconnect the heater hose.

Push the Heater Hose Inlet Tube Remover over the coupling retainer windows to compress the retainer locking tabs.

Fig 1: Pushing Heater Hose Inlet Tube Remover Over Coupling Retainer Windows
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
NOTE: A slight twisting motion while pulling on the heater water hose may be necessary to assist in the removal.

Pull the heater hose away from the heater core tube.

Fig 2: Pulling Heater Hose Away From Heater Core Tube
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Spread the retainer tabs apart and slide the retainer off the tube.
- Discard the retainer.
  
  Fig 3: Spreading Retainer Tabs Apart
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.