1993 5.0 Mustang heater core replace + others

RAT4RENT

MEMBER
1993 FORD MUSTANG

Hello,

I just want some more information before I fix these problems. I have a 1993 5.0 Mustang LX with 203k miles. The heater core started leaking, and I bypassed it about a year ago. I have gotten estimates of $500+ to fix it. Wow. I have gotten the jist that the AC system is wrapped around it somehow, so it will have to be drained and partly dismantled to reach the heater core. Also, the dash will need to be completely removed. Is this really true --- is there a simpler way? I read that other year mustangs have a panel in the glovebox that facilitates reaching the heater core. I wanted to suggest cutting any light panels instead of removing my dashboard to my mechanic. Opinions?

Also, two lesser problems I would like leads on:

1) My cruise control stopped working. Pressing the buttons does nothing now. I didn't find a fuse for this. Where should I look first? Is this only repairable by a mechanic?

2) The car does not cold idle anymore very well. This happened recently. I start the car in the morning, and it will stall unless I keep the RPM's up with my foot. It used to cold idle at 1100 rpm and then drop to 800 after a minute or if I shifted. During the day it does the same, just not as bad, as the weather is warmer. What could have caused this? What should I check?

Thanks for you help.

Victor

2 Replies

COBYUTTER

MEMBER
1 POST

When I had to replace the heater core, we did indeed have to remove most of the dash, and it was an extreme hassle (a nice chance to swap gauges though). The part itself is cheap but it was a two day job to replace it. As far I know, we didn't have to do anything involving the AC either.

Your cruise control is controlled by the same fuse as your cigarette lighter. It often blows this fuse when a coin or something is accidentally dropped into your cigarette lighter. I can't remember the fuse number, but that should help you.

No help with your idle question, although my 91 GT with 200k miles idles rough in the cold much like yours and has for several thousand miles. Probably just age catching up to a great car.

Hope it helps.