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.