I think my heater core is bad.. do you agree?

[srvblues00]

The carpet on the passenger side front floor board is damp after driving the X. There are no external leaks at all.. Does this sound like the heater core, or something else?

EDIT: if it is the heater core, does anyone have any tips for replacing it? The X maintenance page didn't have anything about the job on there.

 

[Jason_25]

Smell the carpet. Does it smell like coolant? If not, it may be something to do with the a/c.

 

[srvblues00]

Originally posted by Jason_25
Smell the carpet. Does it smell like coolant? If not, it may be something to do with the a/c.

I haven't smelled it, but I hardly ever use the A/C. Can the A/C still leak stuff when it's not being used (for like over 4 or 5 months)?

I'll try to smell the carpet the next time I'm out at the X.

 

[Jason_25]

Don't worry about it then. It's your heater core. It's a relatively easy job.

 

[JDraper]

If no one spilled anything, and no water got in from rain, it's probably the heater core. Pretty easy to swap out.

1. Drain cooling system
2. Disconnect the two hoses from the heater core. The hoses can be disconnected inside the engine compartment against the firewall. Remove the hose clamps and twist the hoses off.
3. Put plastic down on the passenger's side floor boards to keep coolant from soaking carpet.
4. Remove the 4 screws holding the cover over the heater core under the dash on the passenger's side.
5. Pull heater core away from firewall and down out of the heater plenum.

Install is reverse. Piece of cake.

 

[srvblues00]

Sounds good.. thanks for the info!