Heater Core
Coolant leaking visibly into the passenger compartment is a sign of a faulty core or core seal. A sweet, anti-freeze odor in the car's interior, or a constantly fogged windshield may also indicate a faulty core. Inspect the carpet and the area near the floor vents for any signs of moisture or coolant. A leaking heater core may be caused by overpressurization of the cooling system. See COOLING SYSTEM for more information.
To replace heater core:
NOTE-
 | On 1985-1987 models, it is not necessary to remove the instrument panel. Instead, remove only the center console, the vent and defroster ducts, and the heater control head. |
| On 1988 and later models, remove the steering column support fasteners and lower the column out of the way. |
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| 3. | Remove the two hose clamps and hoses from the heater core. See Fig. 4-17. They are accessible from inside the engine compartment. Plug the core openings to prevent coolant from spilling. |
| 4. | Remove the air distributor by removing the two nuts that hold it to the heater box. Separate the distributor from the left and right air ducts. |
| Fig. 4-17. | Heater hose clamps and hoses to be removed from heater core. Remove clips by squeezing tangs. |
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| 5. | Remove the heater box and control cable assembly by removing the nuts in the engine compartment that hold the box to the car, and by disconnecting the defroster duct and the fresh air blower housing. Discard the old soft seal. |
NOTE -
| On cars with Air Conditioning remove the front cover from heater box to access heater core. |
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| 6. | Remove the heater core from the heater box by removing the two retaining bolts at the top of the heater box. Make sure that the bottom gasket is in place when the new core is installed into the heater box. |
Installation is the reverse of removal. Use a new soft seal where the heater core hose connections pass through the body. Fill the cooling system as described in COOLING SYSTEM.
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