1. Safety First:
- Let your car cool down completely to prevent burns.
- Disconnect the negative terminal of your car battery to avoid electrical hazards.
2. Prepare Your Car:
- Park your Camaro on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
- Raise the front end and support it with jack stands. Be sure to follow the proper safety procedures when raising your car.
3. Drain the Coolant:
- Locate the radiator drain petcock or plug, usually at the bottom of the radiator.
- Place a drain pan below the drain cock and open it to drain the coolant from the system.
- Allow the coolant to drain completely.
4. Disconnect Heater Core Hoses:
- Follow the heater hoses from the engine compartment to the firewall where they connect to the heater core.
- Use a wrench or pliers to loosen the hose clamps and disconnect the hoses.
5. Remove the HVAC Housing:
- Locate the HVAC housing inside the vehicle, behind the dashboard.
- Remove the screws, bolts, or fasteners holding the HVAC housing in place.
- Carefully remove the HVAC housing from the vehicle. This may require some maneuvering to clear obstacles like the steering column.
6. Remove the Heater Core:
- Once the HVAC housing is removed, you will have access to the heater core.
- Locate the heater core box and remove any additional brackets or components that may obstruct the removal of the heater core.
- Carefully lift the heater core out of the box.
7. Install the New Heater Core:
- Position the new heater core into the heater core box.
- Secure the heater core in place using any mounting brackets or screws that were removed earlier.
8. Reinstall the HVAC Housing:
- Carefully reinstall the HVAC housing into the vehicle.
- Secure the housing using the screws, bolts, or fasteners that you removed earlier.
9. Reconnect the Heater Core Hoses:
- Reattach the heater hoses to the heater core.
- Use new hose clamps if needed to ensure a tight seal.
10. Refill the Coolant:
- Refill the cooling system with the appropriate coolant according to the manufacturer's recommendations. You may need to bleed the cooling system to remove any air pockets.
11. Test the Heater:
- Start the car and let it run for a few minutes.
- Turn on the heater and adjust the temperature to verify that warm air is flowing through the vents.
12. Check for Leaks:
- Inspect all the connections and hoses for leaks. Retighten any loose connections if necessary.
Remember, this guide is general, and specific details may vary depending on the exact model and trim of your 1996 Camaro Z28. If you are not confident in your mechanical skills, it is recommended to consult with a professional mechanic for the replacement.
