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Question: 2002 Ford Escort Wagon 2.0
liter mileage: 55,000. Need to fix car for family ASAP.
Once car is driven for a short while, we recognize a
strong anti-freeze smell in the car, then the
temperature gauge begins to rise to hot, and smoke comes
in through the windshield vents and heater vents to the
inside of the car, steaming up the windows and causing
the engine to become extremely hot. When explaining this
problem over the phone to the Ford dealership, they,
without seeing the car, identified the situation as
appearing to be a heater core problem. I looked on our
contract for extra insurance coverage for major problems
with our car, and, of course, the heater core is not
covered. Asking the cost to fix, they explained
approximately $500.00+. Because of medical issues, we do
not have the cash to pay a dealership or otherwise at
this time. Could you share with me if in fact it is a
heater core issue; could it be anything else; and, could
I fix this myself, as I have replaced a heater core on
one of my vehicles several years ago. I understand that
it is more difficult to work on the newer cars these
days, which almost forces us to take it in. But, in this
case, if you do not think it possible to fix on our own,
are there hoses, or something we could detach to avoid
the overheating, until we have additional funds to pay
for this job (even if, in fact, we do not have heat -
since it is summertime - that would not be a problem).
Also, is there somewhere on the web that would give us
step-by-step instructions on how to fix such things (and
maybe even pictures, as to where to find these items on
the car) on our own for, in this case, a Ford Escort
Wagon (1997). Thank you for your advice at your earliest
convenience. (Currently, we can drive off our hill, but
even to get back home from the local grocery store,
going up hill, the car begins to heat, etc.)
Answer: It definitely sounds like the
heater core is leaking. There is a temporary
fix that is relatively easy to perform. There are two
heater hoses, one in and one out to the heater core. We
would recommend, "looping" the two heater hoses taking
the heater core out of the system. Do not plug the
hoses.
Question:
1999 Range Rover 620i mileage: 72,000.
A strong smell of anti-freeze in front & rear
seating area, which clears after heating has been on for
five minutes but after engine has stopped/parked smell,
comes back. I
have checked interior for leaks and underneath car but
no sign, also checked radiator/cooling system/expansion
tank/windscreen tank all of which appear fine.
Answer: Your
heater core has probably failed and is leaking coolant. Replacing
the heater core should fix your problem.
Question:
2003 Ford Focus mileage: 113,000.
When I first start my Tempo in the morning it
sounds like water running somewhere and I can smell
anti-freeze.
I checked my anti-freeze level it is ok.
Answer:
The water running sound that you hear is probably caused
by air in the cooling system.
As the air and coolant go through the heater core,
it will make the sound you described.
The anti-freeze that you smell is probably from a
leaky heater core.
You mentioned that you checked the anti-freeze level and
it was okay.
Was this done in the radiator or in the over flow
reservoir?
The radiator should be checked, ice cold and clear
full of coolant.
Question:
2001 Chevy S-10 Blazer, miles: 78,990.
I am trying to replace the heater core but I am
having no luck, do I have to take out the whole
dashboard?
I know where it is at but just cannot get to it; I
must be missing something.
Your assistance would be greatly accepted, thanks.
Answer:
Each year is lightly different but you may have to
loosen the right side of the dash to remove the heater
duct.
Question: 2001 Ford Ranger mileage:
60,000.
My 72 year-old dad has tried for 2 weeks to remove
the heater core from this car.
He has taken everything loose that he thought would
do it, but is now stumped.
He says about all that is left is the rivets!
He's pretty sharp and this is the first time I have
seen something really stump him!
He seems to think maybe there is something he's not
seeing that needs to come loose.
Answer: The rivets should not
have to be removed to get access to the heater core.
It is difficult to guide your dad with out seeing
the car.
However, if all the bolts are out, the heater-duct is
stuck on the rubber seal; that sometimes happens.
Question:
2002 Lincoln Towncar
mileage: 49,500.
We recently replaced heater core and t-stat. Had
intermittent heat, now none and hear thrust of water
movement upon ignition. AC works, but only cool air when
calling for heat.
Any advice you have to offer will be appreciated.
Answer:
Recheck vacuum hoses.
From what you describe, one or two got mixed up or
left off when the heater core was replaced.
Question: 2002 Honda Accord
mileage: 74,000. Changing the heater core; where is it
located, exactly and what do we need to pull off to
change it?
Answer: The heater core is located under the
dash on the right side.
Question: 2002 Ford Explorer mileage:
60,000. Have to replace the Heater Core and need
step-by-step instructions as my hubby is an insulator
not a mechanic. Any help would be very much appreciated,
as I do not want to hear him moan all day about how hard
it is. If the instructions are good, I will do it and
make him cook and clean for a week. Answer: First drain coolant from
the cooling system, next, remove the heater coolant
hoses, and then remove all the heater box mounting bolts
(some are inside and some are in the engine
compartment.) Remove the heater box (housing). You may
have to loosen the dash to remove the heater box. Then
disassemble the box to install the new heater core.
Reverse the steps to install.
Question: 2001
Chevy 1500, mileage: 155,000. I have a leak in the
heater core. It leaks into the passenger compartment.
What needs to be removed to get to it and repair or
replace it? It has front and rear Air Conditioning.
Answer: Replacing
the heater core on your truck is an easy job. The heater
core cover under dash must be removed. Next, remove the
heater housing to replace heater core. |