heater core removal, '96 Ranger, 2.3L

[gunther]

ALLDATA and several other sites all state that the instrument panel needs to come out to remove the heater core. However, one site said that if the core can be removed in an upward direction after removing the airbag door and airbag (the one for the passenger side, obviously!), it's worth a try. Has anyone ever done this? I would think that removing the glove box and the airbag, there might be room to pull the plenum back far enough to remove the core. If the airbag removal trick is no good, what does one really have to do to change this heater core? ALso, what is a good replacement core? The one installed now seems to have the inlet nipple cracked as when moving the hose very slightly, anti-freeze sprays out.

 

[Cobraguy]

This may or may not help you with your answer. I just had the dash and entire plenum out of my 99 Explorer. I had a bare firewall. I don't know now similar the vehicles are. I can definitively say there is no way in God's green earth I could see of getting the heater core out any other way. I put a brand new one in mine. I didn't have a leak...everything was dandy. But I wasn't going through that again for a heater core where I had it accessible now.

I can also say that it isn't as bad a job as it appears. But get the manual. It will save you a lot of wondering just what has to be unbolted and removed and what doesn't.

 

[Turdle]

Do not follow the steps for steering wheel removal-just drop the whole column.

I feel for ya, but it is the only way. I removed my seats also for more room to work. The dash doesn't need to come all the way out-but you do need to release it all the way around to get the passenger side back far enough to clear-

 

[Cobraguy]

Ahh...that's right JT! I did leave the steering wheel attached. The reason they want you to pull it is to make sure you don't destroy the clock spring. Just make sure you lock the ignition so the wheel can't turn and you'll be fine.

Removing the seats is an OUTSTANDING suggestion for us old farts who can't bend like pretzels anymore...

 

[Turdle]

Here is my thread-maybe it will help, maybe not. But you will know I feel for ya-

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=173650&highlight=heater+core