mini van heater core replacement

[Johnny]

Any one replaced the heater core in their 89-90 minivan? I read you have to take the dash out, but I thought I read somewhere you really can do it with out removing the dash.

anyone?

Johnny

[mboyek]

I have recently removed the entire air box system from my '89. I do not know how you would remove the heater core without removing the dash.

By the dash, I mean the lower dash. Basically everything below that trim strip.

The biggest issue is the heater core is in that plastic "hvac" box. (as well as the evaporator, blend door, blower motor etc etc.)

I will take a look at it tomorrow to see if anything clever can be done as its all sitting on the shelve. I would start by soaking the seat bolts in penetrating oil as removing the passenger seat will make your life easier.

[Turbulence]

I did one a few years back in a 1990. Here is the info from the 89 fsm



Martin
89 Horizon
90 Sundance

[Johnny]

sounds fun

[Tony Hanna]

What ever happened to cars with easy heater cores? My '78 Malibu had a panel under the hood that you could remove and lift the heater core straight out. It was a 10-15 minute job in that car.

[turbovanman²]

What ever happened to cars with easy heater cores? My '78 Malibu had a panel under the hood that you could remove and lift the heater core straight out. It was a 10-15 minute job in that car.

Long gone with manufacterers cramming every toy and gadget known to man inside the car,

[A.J.]

I just did mine last year. Actually the evaporator. You have to remove the lower part of the dash. The upper part of the dash can be pulled up a little to get the air box out after you take out a couple of screws on each side of the dash out. The air box has to come out to get the heater core out. The top of the air box comes off then you have access to the heater core/evaporator. If you have a/c on this van you have to discharge the system and remove the a/c lines and the expansion valve. There are about 5 or six nuts that hold the air box to the firewall. Those you get from the engine compartment. Any other questions just p.m. me.

A.J.

[Johnny]

I was going to help my daughter do this but she just did it herself.
She said it's nice to have heat in the van again!

Thanks for everyones help!!

Johnny

[mboyek]

I did look at the HVAC module in my garage for you but forgot to post, I could not think of any way to get the heater core out without taking the lower dash off. Glad its done.

[Johnny]

My daughter did take the lower dash off. She said it was a pretty easy job.

Johnny

[Turbulence]

Good to hear!


Martin
89 Horizon
90 Sundance