If your heater core shows improper functioning, you do not need to run to a mechanic right away. You can remove an impaired heater core and install a new one in its place, all by yourself.

Gently pull up on cluster bezel and remove from vehicle. Remove two screws. Then gently pull rearward on left lower instrument panel cover and remove from vehicle….

1. Remove the right side retaining screw.
2. Remove remaining nut located on dash panel stud.
3. Disconnect the wiring connectors.
4. Remove assembly from the vehicle.

Loosen the radiator cap, and place a drain pan under the radiator drain plug or petcock. Remove the plug or open the petcock to drain the coolant. Remove the glove box door or any related parts that are in front of the heater core. Carefully remove any wiring connected to your heater core.

There are several telltale signs that you’re experiencing a heater core problem:

• You have little or no heat inside your car.
• You smell coolant inside your vehicle.
• Your windows fog up.
• You see signs of a coolant leak under the dashboard.
• Your coolant level is dropping, or your engine is running hot.

You can still drive on with the condition; however, you should not, for a long time. The heater core uses the engine’s coolant, and a faulty heater core affects the cooling effect which then raises the temperature. Not curing the issue and continue to drive the vehicle this way can lead to further engine damage.

When working properly, the heater core sends heat to the cabin. When it leaks, it must be replaced. Getting the job done ranges from easy to difficult, depending on the core’s location inside your car.

Replacing the heater core can be an expensive job, and usually costs between $564 – $927 for parts and labor. The parts aren’t particularly expensive, normally costing $80 – $234, but the location of the heater core means that labor costs tend to be quite high.

Driving with a faulty heater core can be risky, as it can lead to overheating and extensive engine damage. Bypassing the heater core is highly discouraged. Hot coolant won’t flow through it when the heater knob is off, but coolant will still sit in the heater core, and can still leak regardless.

You basically take the two hoses off the heater core, you stick them together and you’re done. That way, the coolant will continue to circulate, even though it no longer goes through the heater core. And bypassing the heater core should have no effect at all on the performance of the engine, Charles.

It easily seals leaks in plastic, aluminum, and metal radiators, heater cores, gaskets, and freeze plugs. One other benefit is this stop leak can be added to the cooling system without having to flush out the antifreeze.

If you have a bad heater core, you should bring your car in for repairs right away. Driving with a faulty heater core can be risky, as it can lead to overheating and extensive engine damage. Even a clogged heater core can prevent proper coolant circulation, causing your engine to run hot.

Cabin heat comes from hot coolant, so drive long enough to warm up the engine. If coolant temperature is acceptable, feel both heater hoses, which should be hot.

temperature blend door

If the heater control valve is the culprit, the air coming into your vehicle won’t feel warm. The heater core may also leak coolant. The heater core is clogged from debris in the cooling system. If debris has caused a clog in the heater core, it will need to be replaced.

Check the temperature of the heater inlet and outlet hoses by feel. (The air temperature around the hoses must be at least 85°F (24 °C).

A clogged heater core will prevent the coolant from passing through it, limiting the amount of heat that can be transferred. Flushing the heater core can remove these clogs, but if it fails to work, you may need to have your heater core replaced.

A heater core flush as the name suggests is when you flush the heater core system out to remove any debris or clogs that are causing it to work improperly. This can either be done with compressed air and water or just water alone, but compressed air may help loosen up some of the bigger clogs if it’s a serious problem.