CORE-HEATER
DESCRIPTION
The heater core is mounted in the HVAC housing, located behind the instrument panel. The heater core is a heat exchanger made of rows of tubes and fins (1). The heater core inlet and outlet tubes (2) are integral to the heater core and cannot be serviced separately.
The heater core is serviced by removing the HVAC housing from the vehicle.
OPERATION
Engine coolant is circulated through the heater hoses to the heater core at all times. As the coolant flows through the heater core, heat is removed from the engine and is transferred to the heater core tubes and fins. Air directed through the heater core picks up the heat from the heater core fins. The blend-air door allows control of the heater output air temperature by regulating the amount of air flowing through the heater core. The blower motor speed controls the volume of air flowing through the HVAC housing.
The heater core cannot be repaired and it must be replaced if found inoperative, leaking or damaged.
REMOVAL
NOTE: LHD model shown. RHD model similar.
1. Remove the HVAC housing and place it on a workbench (refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/DISTRIBUTION/HOUSING-HVAC - REMOVAL).
NOTE: If the rubber flange around the heater core tubes is deformed or damaged, the flange must be replaced.
2. If equipped, remove the two screws (2 and 5) that secure the heater core (1) into the top of the HVAC housing (4).
NOTE: If the foam insulator around the heater core is deformed or damaged, the insulator must be replaced.
3. Disengage the four retaining tabs (3 and 6) that secure the heater core to the HVAC housing and carefully remove the heater core from the housing.
INSTALLATION
NOTE: Make sure that the foam insulator is properly positioned in the HVAC housing.
1. Carefully install the heater core (1) into the top of the HVAC housing (4).
2. Engage the four retaining tabs (3 and 6) that secure the heater core to the HVAC housing.
3. If equipped, install the two screws (2 and 5) that secure the heater core to the HVAC housing. Tighten the screws to 2 N·m (17 in. lbs.).
NOTE: If the heater core is being replaced, flush the cooling system (refer to 7 - COOLING - STANDARD PROCEDURE - COOLING SYSTEM CLEANING/REVERSE FLUSHING).
4. Install the HVAC housing (refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/DISTRIBUTION/HOUSING-HVAC - INSTALLATION).