How to Install Heater Core in 2001 Taurus

The heater core in your 2001 Ford Taurus is the cooling system component that uses the hot coolant to warm the air for your car's heater and defroster. If the heater core begins to leak, coolant will be able to escape from the cooling system, which can cause the engine to overheat if not repaired quickly. Replacing the heater core in your Taurus is a job you can perform in your front yard in about 2 to 3 hours.

Instructions

1

Place the drain pan under the radiator drain plug. Remove the radiator cap by pressing down and turning counterclockwise and then lifting. Open the radiator drain valve and allow the cooling system to completely drain.

2

Locate the two heater hoses going through the bulkhead between the engine and passenger compartments. Loosen the heater hose clamps by turning them counterclockwise with the flat screwdriver. Slide them down the hose away from the connection. Grasp the hoses individually and twist back and forth while pulling on the hose to remove the hose. Set the hoses somewhere that they won't leak or drip.

3

Slide the passenger seat as far back as it will go. Remove the pins or clips that secure the control cables on the heater/air conditioner housing box. Remove the control cables.

4

Locate the bolts that secure the heater/AC box to the bulkhead and remove them by turning them counterclockwise with the ratchet and socket. You may need the extension to access some of the nuts/bolts. Pull the box out and down to remove it.

5

Remove the heater core from the heater box and set it aside. Insert the new heater core in the box.

6

Lift the heater/AC box back into place, sliding all of the securing holes over the studs on the bulkhead. Thread the nuts/bolts in place by hand. You may need to insert some of the nuts into the socket to thread them in place.

7

Tighten the heater/AC nuts/bolts to approximately 20 foot-pounds.

8

Reattach and secure the heater/AC control cables.

9

Slide the heater hose ends over the heater core ends. Slide the clamps to about an inch from the ends of the hoses and tighten them by turning the worm screw clockwise with the flat screwdriver. Tighten the clamps to approximately 10 foot-pounds. Close the radiator drain valve.

10

Refill the cooling system until the coolant reaches to just below the inner neck of the filler opening. Start the car and allow the engine to come up to operating temperature as you check for leaks. Top off the coolant level as necessary. Replace the radiator cap, press down and turn clockwise to secure it.