Heater problem

[dean1997sport]

Hello all this is my second post. I just bought a 97 explorer sport and I just noticed that when I have the heater on for about 5 min there is a leak coming from a plastic connector located on the top of the engine compartment. The connector has 3 hoses going into it and it seems to be coming from there. does anyone know what this piece is called and can I pick one up at the local autozone?

Thanks

Dean

 

[dean1997sport]

Did a search its the Heater Control Valve!

 

[marragtop]

It could also be a split or loose hose at the connector.

 

[Lloyd10977]

The heater control valve does sometimes fail internally, exhibiting a minor drip from the control arm when the engine is warm and the coolant is under pressure. There is no way to fix this except to replace it. I have done so twice already and the part is not terribly expensive. Around $30 at your dealer or AutoZone.