Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Heater Unit/Core Replacement
SRS components are located in this area. Review the SRS component locations: '00-09 models (see SRS (SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM) and the precautions and procedures (see PRECAUTIONS AND PROCEDURES ) before doing repairs or service.
- Make sure you have the anti-theft code for the audio system, then write down the audio preset.
- Disconnect the negative cable from the battery.
- Remove the heat shield of the exhaust manifold.
- 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.
- When the engine is cool, drain the engine coolant from the radiator (seeCOOLANT REPLACEMENT ).
- Remove the mounting bolt from the heater valve. Slide the clamps (A) back, then disconnect the inlet and outlet heater hoses (B) from the heater unit. Engine coolant will run out when the hoses are disconnected; drain it into a clan 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.
- Remove the mounting nut from the heater unit. Take care not to damage or bend the fuel and brake lines, etc..
- Remove the dashboard (see DASHBOARD REMOVAL/INSTALLATION ).
- Remove the blower unit (see Blower Unit Removal/Installation ).
- Remove the mounting bolts, the center brackets (A) and the audio brackets (B).
- Remove the SRS unit (see SRS UNIT REPLACEMENT ).
- Remove the self-tapping screws and the defroster outlet (A), then remove the wire harness clips (B).
- Disconnect the connectors (A) from the mode control motor and the air mix control motor, then remove the wire harness clip (B). Remove the mounting nuts, the mounting bolt and the heater unit (C).
- Remove the self-tapping screw and the passenger's heater outlet (A), then remove the self-tapping screw and the clamp (B). Be careful not to bend the inlet and outlet pipes during the heater core (C) removal, and pull out the heater core.
- Install the heater core in the reverse order of removal.
- 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 (seeCOOLANT REPLACEMENT ).
- 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.
- Enter the anti-theft code for the audio system, then enter the audio presets.
NO RELATED
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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.