- New Heater Core
- Heater Core Seal Kit (if needed)
- Coolant
- Hoses
- Clamps
- Tools (wrenches, screwdrivers, pliers, etc.)
Instructions:
1. Disconnect the battery. Be sure to remove all jewelry, rings, and bracelets prior to servicing your vehicle. This is to prevent any possible short circuit that may occur while working on the vehicle's electrical system. Turn the ignition key to the "Off" position, open the hood, and use a wrench to loosen and disconnect the negative (black) battery cable. Make sure the cable does not come into contact with any other metal parts to avoid sparking. This will ensure that the battery is completely disconnected from the vehicle's electrical system.
2. Drain the coolant from the radiator. You must open the radiator cap first to release pressure. The radiator drain plug is usually located at the bottom of the radiator. Place a catch basin underneath the drain plug and use a wrench to open it. Allow all of the coolant to drain out. Some vehicles have a drain cock. If yours has one, use a screwdriver or wrench to loosen and open the drain cock. When all of the coolant has drained out, close the drain plug or cock.
3. Remove the heater hoses. The heater hoses are the two hoses that connect the engine to the heater core. Use a pair of pliers to squeeze the hose clamp on each hose and slide it back. Then, use a screwdriver to pry the hose off of the heater core fitting. Be careful not to spill any coolant.
4. Remove the heater core bracket. The heater core bracket is the metal bracket that holds the heater core in place. Use a wrench to remove the nuts or bolts that hold the bracket in place. Then, remove the bracket from the vehicle.
5. Remove the heater core. The heater core is the small metal box that contains the heater core matrix. Be careful not to damage the heater core matrix. Use a screwdriver to pry the heater core out of the heater box.
6. Install the new heater core. Make sure the heater core is installed in the same direction as the old heater core. Use a screwdriver to insert the heater core into the heater box.
7. Reinstall the heater core bracket with the nuts/bolts you removed earlier.
8. Reattach the heater hoses to the heater core fittings.
9. Reinstall the radiator drain plug or drain cock.
10. Refill the cooling system with coolant. Use a mixture of 50% coolant and 50% water.
11. Start the engine and let it run for a few minutes. Check for leaks.
12. Test the heater. Turn on the heater and make sure it is blowing hot air.
