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How do you replace the heater core in a 1996 Chevrolet Blazer?

Replacing the heater core in a 1996 Chevrolet Blazer involves several steps. It is recommended to have prior automotive experience before attempting this repair. Here are the general steps:

1. Park your vehicle in a safe location and allow the engine to cool down completely.

- Make sure to engage the parking brake.

2. Disconnect the Negative Battery Terminal.

- Locate the negative terminal on your battery, which is usually marked with a "-" sign.

- Use a wrench to loosen and remove the nut or bolt that secures the negative battery cable to the terminal and carefully remove the cable from the terminal.

3. Locate and Drain the Radiator:

- Ensure that the engine has completely cooled.

- Open the radiator cap or overflow tank to release any pressure in the cooling system.

- Locate the drain plug at the bottom of the radiator.

- Place a drain pan under the drain plug and open it to allow the coolant to drain into the pan.

- Wait for all the coolant to drain out of the radiator.

4. Locate the Heater Core:

- The heater core is usually located behind the dashboard on the passenger side of the vehicle.

- You may need to remove the dashboard or certain panels to access the heater core.

5. Remove the Heater Core:

- Disconnect the heater hoses from the heater core.

- Remove the bolts or screws that secure the heater core to the vehicle's body.

- Lift out the old heater core from the vehicle.

6. Install the New Heater Core:

- Place the new heater core into the vehicle, being sure to align it properly.

- Secure the heater core with the bolts or screws you removed earlier.

- Connect the heater hoses back to the heater core.

7. Refill the Cooling System:

- Replace and tighten the radiator drain plug.

- Close the radiator cap or overflow tank.

- Fill the cooling system with the recommended coolant.

- Bleed the cooling system to remove any trapped air.

8. Reconnect the Negative Battery Terminal:

- Reattach the negative battery cable to the negative terminal and secure it with the nut or bolt you removed earlier. This will restore electrical power to your vehicle.

9. Test the Heater:

- Start the vehicle and allow it to run for a few minutes

- Turn on the heater and adjust the temperature to verify that it is functioning correctly.

NOTE: These steps are general guidelines, and the exact process may vary depending on the specific model and trim of your vehicle. It is recommended to refer to a vehicle-specific repair manual for detailed instructions and diagrams for your 1996 Chevrolet Blazer.