CORE-HEATER
DESCRIPTION
NOTE: LHD model shown. RHD model similar.
The heater core (1) is mounted into the passenger side of HVAC air distribution housing, located behind the instrument panel. The heater core is a heat exchanger made of rows of tubes and fins and is secured into the air distribution housing by plastic retaining tabs.
The heater core tubes (2) are secured to the heater core by use of crimped fittings (3) and to the HVAC housing by a metal bracket and screw. The heater core tubes are not serviced separately from the heater core.
The HVAC housing assembly must be removed from the vehicle to service the heater core and tubes.
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
WARNING: Disable the airbag system before attempting any steering wheel, steering column, or instrument panel component diagnosis or service. Disconnect and isolate the negative battery (ground) cable, then wait two minutes for the airbag system capacitor to discharge before performing further diagnosis or service. This is the only sure way to disable the airbag system. Failure to take the proper precautions could result in accidental airbag deployment and possible personal injury or death.
WARNING: Refer to the applicable warnings and cautions for this system before performing the following operation (refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - WARNING) and (refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING - CAUTION). Failure to follow the warnings and cautions could result in possible personal injury or death.
NOTE: LHD model with A/C shown in illustrations. RHD and heater-only models similar.
1. Remove the HVAC housing assembly and place it on a workbench (refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/DISTRIBUTION /HOUSING-HVAC - HOUSING-HVAC ASSEMBLY - REMOVAL).
2. Remove the floor distribution duct from the passenger side of the air distribution housing (refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/DISTRIBUTION/DUCTS-FLOOR DISTRIBUTION - REMOVAL).
NOTE: If the foam seal for the flange is deformed or damaged, it must be replaced.
3. Remove the foam seal (1) from the flange (4) located on the front of the HVAC housing (2).
4. Remove the screw (3) that secures the flange to the HVAC housing and remove the flange.
5. Remove the screw (1) that secures the bracket (2) retaining the heater core tubes (3) to the passenger side of the air distribution housing (5) and remove the bracket.
6. Carefully pull the heater core (4) out of the side of the air distribution housing.
INSTALLATION
NOTE: LHD model with A/C shown in illustrations. RHD and heater-only models similar.
NOTE: If the foam seals for the heater core are deformed or damaged, they must be replaced.
1. Carefully install the heater core (4) into the passenger side of the air distribution housing (5).
2. Install the retaining bracket (2) and the screw (1) that secures the heater core tubes (3) to the air distribution housing. Tighten the screw to 1.2 N·m (10 in. lbs.)
3. Position the flange (4) to the front of the HVAC housing (2).
4. Install the screw (3) that secures the flange to the HVAC housing. Tighten the screw to 1.2 N·m (10 in. lbs.).
NOTE: If the foam seal for the flange is deformed or damaged, it must be replaced.
5. Install the foam seal (1) onto the flange.
6. Install the floor distribution duct onto the passenger side of the air distribution housing (refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/DISTRIBUTION/DUCTS-FLOOR DISTRIBUTION - INSTALLATION).
NOTE: If the heater core is being replaced, flush the cooling system (refer to 7 - COOLING - STANDARD PROCEDURE - COOLING SYSTEM CLEANING/REVERSE FLUSHING).
7. Install the HVAC housing assembly (refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/DISTRIBUTION/HOUSING-HVAC - HOUSING-HVAC ASSEMBLY - INSTALLATION).