2000 Jaguar XJ8 Possible heater core leak

CHRSRICHARD

MEMBER
2000 JAGUAR XJ8
V8
2WD
AUTOMATIC
88,000 MILES

I think I may have a small leak in my heater core. There is a slight drip underneath my car that smells like coolant and it is dripping beneath where the transmission connects to the engine, directly under where the dash would be. There really isn't a coolant smell inside the car though. My "low coolant" warning comes on about once every 3-4 weeks. There is no other leaks under the hood. How do I get to the heater core to visually inspect it for leaks?

1 Reply

KHLOW2008

MECHANIC
41,815 POSTS

Hi chrsrichard,

Thank you for the donation.

To get to the heater core, it is not an easy job and the complete removal/installation procedures comes up to more than 100 pages as it involves the removal of the instrument panel.

If the heater core is leaking, the coolant would most likely to be inside the cabin as the heater core is located within the cabin.

Since the leakage is external, I would suggest checking the hoses to the heater core or other coolant hoses in engine compartment.

Here are the short description of removal of the heater core. Some of the diagrams might help you to identify where to look for leakages. If you require more information on instrument panel removal, I would try to get them for you.

HEATER CORE
Removal
1. Drain radiator coolant only; refer to COOLING SYSTEM .

2. Remove instrument panel for access; refer to
INSTRUMENT PANEL .

3. Remove driver footwell duct.

"� Remove screw.
"� Remove duct.

4. Disconnect cool air bypass servo motor connector and heater matrix pipes.

"� Disconnect connector (1).
"� Remove screws and retaining brackets (2).
"� Remove screws and matrix clamps (3).
"� Detach pipes from matrix.

5. Remove heater matrix from heater/cooler assembly.

"� Remove screw (1).
"� Remove retaining plate (2).
"� Reposition instrument panel support bracket to permit removal of heater matrix (RHD only) (3).
"� Remove heater matrix.