Here's a general overview of the process. This is NOT a substitute for a repair manual:
1. Preparation:
* Safety First: Disconnect the negative battery terminal. This prevents electrical shorts.
* Gather Supplies: You'll need new heater hoses (get the correct size!), pliers (possibly channel-locks), screwdrivers (likely Phillips and flathead), possibly a socket set, rags, coolant (the correct type for your Durango), a funnel, and a drain pan.
* Locate the Heater Core: It's typically located behind the dashboard, requiring partial disassembly. Your repair manual will show you exactly where it is.
2. Accessing the Heater Core Hoses:
* This is the most labor-intensive part. Expect to remove parts of the dashboard, possibly the glove box, and potentially other components to access the heater core hoses. Your repair manual will guide you through this process. Expect to encounter screws, clips, and possibly even some electrical connectors. Take pictures as you disassemble to help with reassembly.
3. Disconnecting the Old Hoses:
* Drain the Coolant: Open the coolant drain valve (location varies by vehicle; see your repair manual) to drain the coolant into your drain pan.
* Remove Clamps: Carefully remove the clamps securing the hoses to the heater core. Use pliers to loosen and remove the clamps.
* Disconnect Hoses: Once the clamps are removed, gently pull the hoses off the heater core nipples. They might be stiff; use caution not to damage them.
4. Installing the New Hoses:
* Prepare the New Hoses: Trim the ends of the new hoses if necessary to ensure a snug fit.
* Attach the New Hoses: Carefully push the new hoses onto the heater core nipples. Make sure they are seated properly.
* Secure with Clamps: Replace the clamps and tighten them securely using pliers, ensuring a leak-proof connection.
5. Reassembly:
* Reassemble everything in reverse order of how you disassembled it. Refer to your pictures and the repair manual.
* Fill the Coolant System: Refill the coolant reservoir with the correct type and amount of coolant, as specified in your owner's manual.
* Bleed the System: Start the engine and allow it to run for a few minutes. Check for leaks. You may need to bleed the cooling system to remove air pockets (again, your repair manual will detail this process).
Important Considerations:
* Coolant is toxic. Wear gloves and eye protection when handling it.
* If you're not comfortable with this repair, take your Durango to a qualified mechanic. Improperly repairing a heater core can lead to more serious problems, including overheating.
* The location and access to the heater core vary significantly depending on the specific model and trim level of your 2000 Dodge Durango. This makes it crucial to use a repair manual.
This is a general guideline. A specific repair manual will provide detailed instructions tailored to your vehicle, ensuring a safe and successful repair. Failing to follow these instructions precisely can lead to damage to your vehicle and/or injury.
