Heater core replacement?

Tiny
SPORTGURL160
  • MEMBER
  • 2003 CHEVROLET S-10
I have a 2003 chevy s10 and recently the heater core just went. I need to know if there is a way to repair the heater core without completely replacing it? And if there is a way to bypass the heater core itself or can I replace the core?
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Monday, July 20th, 2009 AT 9:28 PM

30 Replies

Tiny
BLUELIGHTNIN6
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,542 POSTS
No way to repair it, you can bypass it but this will leave your heater system inoperative.. to bypass heater core just disconnect both heater hoses at firewall and then add a third piece of heater hosing between the two disconnected from firewall. Here are the instructions on how to get the core out in the diagrams below. This guide can help as well

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/replace-heater-core

Check out the diagrams (Below). Please let us know if you need anything else to get the problem fixed.
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Monday, July 20th, 2009 AT 9:37 PM
Tiny
RICKEY HONEYCUTT
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2003 CHEVROLET S-10
  • 4 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 58,906 MILES
Step by step how to change heater core some say yoy have to remove dash if so doyou have to take it all the way out what about air bag do you have to disarmed it or just unhook battery or ok just to go ahead with repair pretty knowledgeable just unsure about dash and air bag
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Saturday, October 3rd, 2020 AT 11:51 AM (Merged)
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
Anytime there is an airbag involved it's best to disconnect the battery. You'll have to see about puling the dash, I think you do but most of the time if you loosen it an dpull it back a little way you may have engouh room for the heater core. You can go on the site here and buy a 3 day manual for $10 and look it up and print it soyou would have it step by step availability.
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Saturday, October 3rd, 2020 AT 11:51 AM (Merged)
Tiny
FLEAGLE02
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2003 CHEVROLET S-10
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 98,000 MILES
When I turn on the A/C or heat I smell that sweet antifreeze smell that I hate to smell "means a lot of work"

Well I smell it every day I drive and I wonder if I'm 100%sure it's bad before I tare it apart.

I don't get a foggy windshield when I turn on the defrosters. I can't find any leaks on the floor.

It looks to me they have the core sealed so it would hold a lot of liquid before it leaks.

What should I do?

How long of a job is it?

Do I have to take the whole dash out with the steering colum?

Thanks
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Saturday, October 3rd, 2020 AT 11:51 AM (Merged)
Tiny
CRZYDRVR
  • MEMBER
  • 432 POSTS
The first thing I would do is top off the anti-freeze and pressure test the cooling system.
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Saturday, October 3rd, 2020 AT 11:51 AM (Merged)
Tiny
SDAMON01
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
I am having the same Issue so far was quoted $600.00 it takes 8 hrs to change FYI good luck with your problem and let me know how it goes I will do the same!
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Saturday, October 3rd, 2020 AT 11:51 AM (Merged)
Tiny
SDAMON01
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
WOW what a job! Entire dash an heat/ac duct assy. Has to come out Get a manual if attempting on your own! In hind sight would have paid someone rather than diy!
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Saturday, October 3rd, 2020 AT 11:51 AM (Merged)
Tiny
OSGOODWALTER
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2002 CHEVROLET S-10
Heater problem
2002 Chevy S-10 V6 Four Wheel Drive Automatic 62500 miles

how do I get the heater core out
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Saturday, October 3rd, 2020 AT 11:51 AM (Merged)
Tiny
2CARPRO JACK
  • MECHANIC
  • 11,533 POSTS
My labor guide calls for 8 hrs with a/c. That means the entire dash has to come out of the truck far enough to get the entire HVAC plenum out from under the dsh. Not a DIY project fo the weak of heart. Need to have the a/c evacuated and then vacuumed down and recharged when done
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Saturday, October 3rd, 2020 AT 11:51 AM (Merged)
Tiny
BOBBEERS
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2001 CHEVROLET S-10
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 150,000 MILES
I need detailed step-by-step instructions on how to replace the heater core.
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Saturday, October 3rd, 2020 AT 11:51 AM (Merged)
Tiny
TOOOMANYTOYS
  • MECHANIC
  • 513 POSTS
Remove the HVAC module. See: Heating and Air Conditioning Housing Assembly HVAC Service and Repair
Remove the heater core access cover screws.
Remove the heater core access cover.

Remove the heater core from the HVAC module.
INSTALLATION PROCEDURE

Install the heater core to the HVAC module. NOTE: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.

Install the heater core access cover. Tighten Tighten the heater core access cover screws to 1.9 N.M (17 lb in).
Install the HVAC module. Refer to Heater/Vent Module Replacement.
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Saturday, October 3rd, 2020 AT 11:51 AM (Merged)
Tiny
DILL-11
  • MEMBER
  • 119 POSTS
  • 2001 CHEVROLET S-10
  • 4.3L
  • V6
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 170,000 MILES
What size bolt that goes in the heater box outside under the hood and where when you replace the heater?
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Saturday, October 3rd, 2020 AT 11:51 AM (Merged)
Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
Unfortunately, we don't have that level of detail on any of the procedures or guides. However, from memory they are normally 5/16 socket.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/replace-heater-core

If you can, get a picture of what you are dealing with and we may be able to identify the size just by looking at it. However, if the ones you are talking about are those "hidden" bolts, unfortunately you may have to do it by feel because hopefully if this was ever done before the correct size bolts were put back in. Thanks
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Saturday, October 3rd, 2020 AT 11:51 AM (Merged)
Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
Just following up on this. Is this the bolt that you are talking about? See the attached.

If it is, then I believe these are 8 or 10mm. However, most people drill a hole in the plastic housing in front of the bolt and then they can get an extension in a more direct line. I circled the location people do this and then they will need to use a sealant of some sort to seal the hole.
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Saturday, October 3rd, 2020 AT 11:51 AM (Merged)
Tiny
HARRY P
  • MECHANIC
  • 2,293 POSTS
Adding to what Kenny said about that particular bolt, ice done that job a couple of times. It's a 10mm bolt. I never bothered putting it back in when reassembling because there are plenty of other bolts to hold it all together. But if you really do want to put it back in there, then do as he says with drilling and using a ratchet with a long extension.
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Saturday, October 3rd, 2020 AT 11:51 AM (Merged)
Tiny
DILL-11
  • MEMBER
  • 119 POSTS
I no that it's more bolts holding it, but I have a rattling sound come from the dash now.
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Saturday, October 3rd, 2020 AT 11:51 AM (Merged)
Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
Sorry to hear that. That is the worst when you get something like this done and it is rattling. Unfortunately it is hard to recommend what this could be other then how to try to identify it. The best way I have done these is have someone else drive and I would put pressure around the dash to try and narrow the area it is coming from.

Let us know if there is a way you need us to help. Thanks
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Saturday, October 3rd, 2020 AT 11:51 AM (Merged)
Tiny
HARRY P
  • MECHANIC
  • 2,293 POSTS
Could be a piece of the defrost vent went down into the HVAC box. Try running it on high fan speed while switching the modes back and forth. If it stops then you e probably solved the problem and it'll come out of the floor vent when you go around a corner.

It could also be just the nuts on the metal cover that sits below the steering column. I didn't get that completely tightened the first time once and it made quite a racket.
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Saturday, October 3rd, 2020 AT 11:51 AM (Merged)
Tiny
DILL-11
  • MEMBER
  • 119 POSTS
Thanks I found it. It was the flap that goes over the header core that has two screws in it. It was rocking back and forward at the bottom of the box. Needed to just put the screws in it. Thanks everyone for your help.
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Saturday, October 3rd, 2020 AT 11:51 AM (Merged)
Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
You are welcome. Thanks for the info on that. I am sure that will help others. Please come back to 2CarPros in the future if you need help on other issues. Thanks
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Saturday, October 3rd, 2020 AT 11:51 AM (Merged)

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