Auto Repair Encyclopedia
Heater Core Replacement
Sometimes referred to as Heater Core, Replace Heater Core, Heater Core Replace
Hot coolant from the engine is circulated through the heater core to provide heat in the passenger compartment of a vehicle. The heater core is located behind the dashboard. The driver operates a lever that controls how much hot coolant passes through the heater core.
To replace the heater core, the cooling system is drained and major disassembly of the dashboard and interior of the vehicle is necessary. If the vehicle has air conditioning, it is likely that the AC system will have to be evacuated and recharged during this repair.
About this Repair: Heater Core Replacement
Recommendations
We recommend using a high-quality replacement heater core. Cheap heater cores tend to leak and not last very long.
The heater hoses should be inspected when replacing a heater core. Problems with the heater hoses can cause similar problems to a failing heater core and are less expensive to correct.
Why this happens
A failed heater core can result in the car windows fogging up, coolant leaking under the dashboard, a sweet smell inside the vehicle and mystery coolant loss.
Worn engine mounts allow the engine to move more than normal, which can damage heater core connections. Worn mounts should be replaced to avoid damage to the new heater hoses.
Some vehicles will require the evacuation and recharging of the air conditioning system, which can increase the cost of repair.
