Heater Unit/Core Replacement

2006 Honda Ridgeline RTLSECTION Heater Unit/Core Replacement
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2008 Honda Pilot, 2007 Honda Pilot, and 2006 Honda Pilot. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

SRS components are located in this area. Review the SRS component locations (see COMPONENT LOCATION INDEX ), and the precautions and procedures (see PRECAUTIONS AND PROCEDURES ) before performing repairs or service.

  1. Make sure you have the anti-theft codes for the radio and the navigation system, then write down the audio presets.
  2. Disconnect the negative cable from the battery.
  3. 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 in Fig 1.
    Fig 1: Disconnecting Heater Valve Cable From Heater Valve Arm
    G04246880Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
  4. When the engine is cool, drain the engine coolant from the radiator (see COOLANT CHECK ).
  5. Slide the hose clamps (A) back, then disconnect the inlet heater hose (B) and the outlet heater hose (C) 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.
    Fig 2: Disconnecting Inlet Heater Hose & Outlet Heater Hose
    G04246881Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
  6. Remove the mounting nut from the heater unit. Take care not to damage or bend the fuel lines, the brake lines, and related parts.
    Fig 3: Removing Mounting Nut From Heater Unit With Torque Specifications
    G04246882Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
  7. Remove the dashboard (see DASHBOARD REMOVAL/INSTALLATION ).
  8. Remove the evaporator (see EVAPORATOR REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION  ).
  9. Remove the mounting bolts and the heater unit.
    Fig 4: Removing Heater Unit And Mounting Bolts With Torque Specifications
    G04246883Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
  10. Remove the self-tapping screws and the clamp (A), then carefully pull out the heater core (B) so you don't bend the inlet and outlet pipes.
    Fig 5: Removing Heater Core
    G04246884Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
  11. Install the heater 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 (see COOLANT CHECK ).
    • Adjust the heater valve cable (see HEATER VALVE CABLE ADJUSTMENT  ).
    • Make sure that there is no coolant leakage.
    • Make sure that there is no air leakage.
    • For evaporator and A/C-related information, refer to evaporator removal and installation (see EVAPORATOR REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION  ).
    • Do the power window control unit resetting procedure (see RESETTING THE POWER WINDOW CONTROL UNIT ).
    • Enter the anti-theft codes for the radio and the navigation system, then enter the audio presets.
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When to See a Mechanic

Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:

  • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
  • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
  • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
  • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
  • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.