(12) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
(13) Evacuate the refrigerant system (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT SYS-
TEM EVACUATE).
(14) Charge the refrigerant system (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT SYS-
TEM CHARGE).
HEATER CORE
DESCRIPTION
The heater core is located in the HVAC housing,
behind the instrument panel. It is a heat exchanger
made of rows of tubes and fins.
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 fins
and tubes. Air directed through the heater core picks
up the heat from the heater core fins. The blend door
allows control of the heater output air temperature
by regulating the amount of air flowing through the
heater core within the HVAC housing. The blower
motor speed controls the volume of air flowing
through the HVAC housing.
The heater core cannot be repaired and, if faulty or
damaged, it must be replaced.
REMOVAL
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEFORE
ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING
COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT
DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISO-
LATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE,
THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE AIRBAG SYS-
TEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PER-
FORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS
IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE AIRBAG
SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRE-
CAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIR-
BAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL
INJURY.
NOTE: Disassembly of the HVAC housing is not
required to remove heater core.
(1) Remove the HVAC housing (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/DISTRIBUTION/
HVAC HOUSING - REMOVAL).(2) Remove the foam seal from the heater core
tubes.
(3) If equipped with the Dual Zone system, remove
the linkage rod from the actuator levers to gain
access to the heater core (Fig. 23).
(4) Remove the two screws that secure the heater
core tube bracket to the HVAC housing.
(5) Remove the heater core tube bracket.
(6) Pull the heater core out of the HVAC housing.
(7) Inspect all foam seals and repair or replace
them as required.
INSTALLATION
(1) Install the heater core into the HVAC housing.
(2) Position the heater core tube bracket onto the
HVAC housing.
(3) Install the two screws that secure the heater
core bracket to the HVAC housing. Tighten the
screws to 2.2 N´m (20 in. lbs.).
(4) If equipped with the Dual Zone system, install
the linkage rod onto the actuator levers.
(5) Install the foam seal onto the heater core
tubes.
(6) Install the HVAC housing (Refer to 24 - HEAT-
ING & AIR CONDITIONING/DISTRIBUTION/HVAC
HOUSING - INSTALLATION).
Fig. 23 Heater Core ± Dual Zone Shown, Single
Zone Typical
1 - SCREWS
2 - TUBE BRACKET
3 - HEATER CORE
4 - LINKAGE ROD (IF EQUIPPED)
DRPLUMBING 24 - 63
ACCUMULATOR (Continued)
