2013 Explorer heater core leak

[arcaios26]

I had a failed passenger mix door actuator, no big deal. Got the part and went to replace it today. I had noticed a bubbling sound or like running water sound from behind the glove box the last few days also. Anyway, pulled the glove box and trim to replace the actuator and found that my heater core is spitting coolant from the line closest to the front (not sure if its the line coming in or going out). I was going to just see about taking it to the dealer to replace it but they want me to leave the car with them for 2 days just to "diagnose" the problem I can clearly see. I was wondering if anyone has replaced the heater core in the 5th gen explorers and how easy or difficult it might be. It looks to be in a really difficult place to get to. I really can't afford to be without a vehicle if its going to take 2 days just to tell me what I already can see, in 2 days I would want it repaired.

 

[peterk9]

Welcome to the Forum.
I did a quick search and didn't find any posts where a member replaced their own heater core. Perhaps someone will be able to assist.

Peter

 

[arcaios26]

Welcome to the Forum.
I did a quick search and didn't find any posts where a member replaced their own heater core. Perhaps someone will be able to assist.

Peter

Thank you, I searched as well but only found posts on older generations. Been looking at it and it looks like it involves removing the entire dash assembly to get to it. Waiting on my copy of the factory service manual right now. Was hoping someone had done it before who could give me an idea of how complicated it is.
It's definitely not as simple as my gen 1 explorer was.

 

[94Eddie]

This video might give you some idea of what is involved. It is the only video I found on YouTube that comes close to a heater core replacement on a 5th gen.