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This is an easier heater core job than on most cars, that ususally involve removal of the dash.
Steps
- Put the front of the car on ramps or jackstands and block the rear wheels. Set the parking brake.
- Drain the cooling system by removing the radiator cap. Later model Corsicas have a pressure cap built into the reservoir, remove this cap if this is the case. Put a drain pan under the radiator drain. If the coolant is in good condition, reuse it.
- Working under the car, remove the hoses to the heater core. This might be a good time to replace the heater hoses if they are old. As ones that are too deteriorated won't seal to the new core.
- Plug the now-open ends to the core.
- Working inside the car, remove the console if it hinders removal of the access panel to the heater core. This is not always necessary though.
- Cover the work area with newspapers or rage to prevent spillage of antifreeze on the carpet.
- Remove the access panel that is directly under the instrument panel center. It's a black plastic panel that is about six by twelve inches and held with about six screws.
- Remove the strap holding the core to the heater box and remove the core.
- Installation is reverse of the removal.
- Refill the cooling system and lower the vehicle. make sure that the level is in the full cold mark. Check the level after a day to make sure the level is correct; sometimes air will get in the lines and you will need to add more.
Tips
- Close the drain valve after you finish draining the cooling system. This will prevent wasting coolant.
- Run the engine when topping off coolant and run the heater. The presence of heat will make sure that you have enough coolant and ensure there is coolant in the core.
- Discard the old spring clamps and use screw clamps. The old ones are one-shot deal.
Warnings
- Working in the vicinity of the airbag can deploy the airbag, possibly resulting in personal injury. The battery negative cable must be disconnected prior ot doing any work on or under the dash.
- The engine must be completely cool before beginning any work on the cooling system and this includes the heater core.
- Never work on a car that's supported only by a jack, use safety stands as a jack can fail.
- Do not use any other antifreeze except the type that came with the vehicle. Mixing or using the wrong type will cause leaks and corrosion.
Things You'll Need
- Antifreeze and distilled water or the quick fill; as required in your owners manual, rags and newspapers, a drain pan. New clamps and probably new heater hoses.
Related wikiHows
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