Heater core plenum removal and replacement instructions please?

Hello,

The heater plenum is under the dash. Here is a guide to help you see what you are in for when doing the job. You will need to vacuum down and recharge the A/C system.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/re-charge-an-air-conditioner-system

Start by disconnecting the battery and draining the coolant from the engine.

https://youtu.be/Eqf-H3COtSo
and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/replace-blend-door-motor

Check out the diagrams below on how the job is done on your truck and the locations of the blend door actuators drivers side is on the bottom passengers dye is on the top. Please let us know if you need anything else to get the problem fixed.

Cheers, Ken

Good evening,

Below are the step by step instructions with the pictures.

Removal Procedure

1. Drain the engine coolant. Refer to Cooling System Draining and Filling (Vac-N-Fill) Cooling System Draining and Filling (Static Fill).

2. Using the J 43181 disconnect the inlet heater hose from the heater core.

1. Install the J 43181 to the heater core pipe.
2. Close the tool around the heater core pipe.
3. Firmly pull the tool into the quick connect end of the heater hose.
4. Firmly grasp the heater hose. Pull the heater hose forward in order to disengage the inlet hose from the heater core.

3. Using the J 43181 disconnect the surge tank outlet hose from the heater core.

1. Install the J 43181 to the heater core pipe.
2. Close the tool around the heater core pipe.
3. Firmly pull the tool into the quick connect end of the heater hose.
4. Firmly grasp the heater hose. Pull the heater hose forward in order to disengage the surge tank outlet hose from the heater core.

4. Remove the upper intake manifold sight shield.
5. Remove the battery.
6. Remove the accumulator.
7. Remove the instrument panel to the service position.

8. Remove the nuts (2) from the HVAC module (3).
9. Remove the bolts (1) from the HVAC module (3).
10. Remove the HVAC module (3).

Hello,

Here are the rest of the diagrams to help you get the job done plus you will need to vacuum down the air conditioner:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/re-charge-an-air-conditioner-system

Check out the diagrams (below). Please let us know if you need anything else to get the problem fixed.

Cheers, Ken

You will need to discharge and recharge the air conditioner as well, here is a link for that

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/re-charge-an-air-conditioner-system

Here are the core replacement instructions.

Heater core replacement replacement general guide.

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

Tools Required

J 43181 Quick Connect Connector Removal Tool

Removal Procedure

Drain the engine coolant. Refer to Draining and Filling Cooling System (w/RPO HP2) or Draining and Filling Cooling System (w/o RPO HP2) in Engine Cooling.
If equipped remove the auxiliary battery. Refer to Battery Replacement - Auxiliary in Engine Electrical.
Using the J 43181 disconnect the inlet heater hose from the heater core.
Install the J 43181 to the heater core pipe.
Close the tool around the heater core pipe.
Firmly pull the tool into the quick connect end of the heater hose.
Firmly grasp the heater hose. Pull the heater hose forward in order to disengage the inlet hose from the heater core.
Fig 1: Identifying Heater Hose To Heater Core Fittings
GM362171
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
View Full-Screen
Using the J 43181 disconnect the surge tank outlet hose from the heater core.
Install the J 43181 to the heater core pipe.
Close the tool around the heater core pipe.
Firmly pull the tool into the quick connect end of the heater hose.
Firmly grasp the heater hose. Pull the heater hose forward in order to disengage the surge tank outlet hose from the heater core.
Remove the accumulator. Refer to Accumulator Replacement .
Remove the instrument panel carrier. Refer to Instrument Panel (I/P) Carrier Replacement in Instrument Panel, Gages and Console.
Remove the HVAC module drain hose.
Disconnect the electrical harnesses and the ground connections from the HVAC module.
Remove the nuts (4) from the HVAC module (2).
Fig 2: HVAC Module
GM810832
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
View Full-Screen
Remove the bolts (3) from the HVAC module (2).
Remove the HVAC module (2) from the vehicle (1).
Installation Procedure

If replacing the HVAC module, transfer the components from the old HVAC module as necessary.
Fig 3: HVAC Module
GM810832
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
View Full-Screen
Install the HVAC module (2) to the vehicle (1).
NOTE: Refer to Fastener Notice in Cautions and Notices.
Install the nuts (4) to the HVAC module (2).
Tighten: Tighten The Nuts To 9 N.M (80 Lb In).

Install the bolts (4) to the HVAC module (2).
Tighten: Tighten The Bolts To 4 N.M (35 Lb In).

Connect the electrical harnesses and the ground connections.
Install the HVAC module drain hose.
Install the instrument panel carrier. Refer to Instrument Panel (I/P) Carrier Replacement in Instrument Panel, Gages and Console.
Install the accumulator. Refer to Accumulator Replacement .
Install the surge tank outlet hose to the heater core.
Firmly Push The Quick Connect Onto The Heater Core Pipe Until You Hear An Audible Click.

Fig 4: Removing/Installing Heater Hose To Engine
GM363237
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
View Full-Screen
Install the inlet heater hose to the heater core.
Firmly Push The Quick Connect Onto The Heater Core Pipe Until You Hear An Audible Click.

Fill the cooling system. Refer to Draining and Filling Cooling System (w/RPO HP2) or Draining and Filling Cooling System (w/o RPO HP2) in Engine Cooling.

Check out the diagrams (Below). Please let us know if you need anything else to get the problem fixed.

Cheers, Ken

Hello,

If the bleed door pivot is broken you will need to remove the heater plenum to replace it. Here are the instruction on how to do so in the diagrams below. You will need to disconnect the battery first and drain the engine coolant and AC system. here is a guide to help with that:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/re-charge-an-air-conditioner-system

Can you please shoot a quick video with your phone so we can see what's going on? that would be great. You can upload it here with your response. Check out the diagrams (below). Please let us know what happens.

Oh man, yep that is broken. The heater plenum will need to be removed. At least you have an idea of what you will be paying for when getting it repaired. Please let us know what happens.

The job will go for about $900.00 for a shop and about $1100.00 from a dealer parts and labor. This is a big job and requires the AC to be evacuated and recharged.

Here are some guides to give you an idea on what is involved.

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

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/re-charge-an-air-conditioner-system

Here are some diagrams for your car.

Disconnect the battery before you begin.

Please let us know if you need anything else to get the problem fixed.

Cheers, Ken

Good afternoon,

It sounds like the heater core is leaking. The coolant is coming from the AC drain hole in the evaporator. Common issue.

I would replace the heater core.

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

Roy

I attached a you tube video for you of the replacement.

Roy

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4OWbSgPCTkE

No, that is a good temporary fix until you get it repaired.

Roy

Yes, the direction of flow through the thermostat matters. However, if you have the upper radiator hose going to the t-stat housing, if will flow correctly. As far as the heater core, I wouldn't think that would affect anything. However, I've never been asked this question in 30 years on the job.

Now for the "heater control valve, " it doesn't exist on this vehicle. You have what is called a blend air door that determines if you get heat in the vehicle. It is located near the heater core. In one position, it allows heat to enter the vehicle, and in the other, AC can enter the vehicle. If it is stuck in the wrong position, you won't get heat. Do this. Start the engine, turn the heat on high, and let the engine warm up. Feel both heater core hoses. Both should be hot. If they are, you have good flow through the heater core and the blend door is most likely the problem. If one is hot and the other is slightly warm, chances are the heater core is plugged. When the engine cools off, remove the heater core hoses and spray water through it in both directions to see if there is flow and to clean it out. That usually does the trick. Also, make sure there are no air pockets in the system after you do this. Allow the return line (to the intake) slightly loose for air to escape before fully tightening it. You will lose a little coolant, but that is what I recommend trying.