Heater Core: Service and Repair
Heater Unit/Core ReplacementSRS components are located in this area. Review the SRS component locations and the precautions and procedures before performing repairs of service.
1. Make sure you have the anti-theft codes for the radio and the navigation system, then write down the frequencies for the customer's audio preset buttons.
2. Disconnect the negative cable from the battery.
3. Disconnect the suction and receiver lines from the evaporator core.
4. From under the hood, open the cable clamp (A), then disconnect the heater valve cable (B) from the heater valve arm (C). Turn the heater valve arm to the fully opened position as shown.
5. When the engine is cool, drain the engine coolant from the radiator.
6. Remove the connector clip (A). Slide the hose clamps (B) back. Remove the bolt and heater valve bracket, then disconnect the inlet heater hose (C) and the outlet heater hose (D) from the heater unit. Engine coolant will run out when the hoses are disconnected; drain it into a clean drip pan. Be sure not to let coolant spill on the electrical parts or the painted surfaces. If any coolant spills, rinse it off immediately.
7. Remove the mounting nut from the heater unit. Take care not to damage or bend the fuel lines and the brake lines, etc..
8. Remove the dashboard.
9. Disconnect the connectors (A) from the driver's air mix control motor, the passenger's air mix control motor, the evaporator temperature sensor, the heater core sensor, the power transistor, and the recirculation control motor, then remove the wire harness clips (B), the connector clips (C) and the wire harness (D). Remove the heater ducts (E), then remove the mounting nuts and the blower-heater unit (F).
10. Remove the self-tapping screws, then remove the passenger's heater outlet (C), and the heater core cover (D), and the heater core sensor (E). Remove the self-tapping screws, the evaporator temperature sensor (F) and the joint duct A, then remove the self-tapping screws and the joint duct B. Remove the self-tapping screws, the heater pipe bracket (G), the grommets (H), and carefully pull out the heater core (I) so you don't bend the inlet and outlet pipes.
11. Install the heater core, and the evaporator core in the reverse order of removal.
12. Install the heater unit in the reverse order of removal, and note these items.
- Do not interchange the inlet and outlet heater hoses, and install the hose clamps securely.
- Refill the cooling system with engine coolant.
- Adjust the heater valve cable.
- Make sure that there is no coolant leakage.
- Make sure that there is no air leakage.
- Refer to the evaporator core replacement.
- Reset the power window control unit.
- Enter the anti-theft codes for the radio and the navigation system, then enter the customer's audio presets.
- If the IMA battery level gauge (BAT) displays no segments, start the engine, and hold it between 3,500 rpm and 4,000 rpm without load (in Park or neutral) until the BAT displays at least three segments.