How to Remove a Core Heater in a Dodge Pickup

The heater core acts like a miniature radiator in your Dodge pickup truck. If the heater is leaking coolant into the floorboard, you will likely need to replace the core. Removing the core in a Dodge truck can be even more difficult than with most other vehicles, as you need to remove the entire heater/air conditioner unit after removing the instrument panel. This is a very difficult process that is not recommended for most amateurs.

Instructions

1

Have the air conditioning system discharged at a dealer service department or auto AC repair facility. Drain the cooling system by removing the plugs under the radiator and then the engine block, draining the coolant into a clean container. Disconnect the negative battery cable.

2

Disconnect the heater hoses at the engine compartment's right side at the firewall by sliding the clamps away, then plug or tape shut all the openings. Disconnect the accumulator and refrigerant lines to the AC accumulator and mounting bracket, then detach the accumulator and its mounting bracket from the firewall.

3

Remove the instrument panel from inside the truck. With the front wheels turned forward and the steering column locked, remove all trim and kick panels along the door frames. Then lower the steering column and remove its covers and the instrument cluster, glove box, cup holders, all electrical connectors and panel fasteners. Lift the panel out through the front door.

4

Remove the Powertrain Control Module from the engine. Carefully disconnect the three to four electrical connectors on the module, then remove the module's mounting bolts.

5

Disconnect the two nuts on the studs mounting the heater unit in the engine compartment. Disconnect the electrical connector to the blower motor resistor from the interior of the truck along with the connector and vacuum hoses from the heater unit. Remove the mounting nuts and bolt to the unit from the interior and remove the heater unit.

6

Remove the two retaining screws on the heater core, located at the top of the two lines on the core that form a triangle. Pinch the release tabs on the upper corners of the heater core and lift the core from its housing.