Need to remove dash to replace heater core in '97 X ?

[Bughracing]

I have to replace the heater core in my 1997 Explorer and was wondering if you have to remove the dash to do this? I have a Haynes manual but I can't find any of the screws they are talking about in order to get to the heater core... has anyone done this? Any help or insight would be GREATLY APPRECIATED!!!!

Jon

 

[Bughracing]

Anyone??? I really need some help here!!!

Thanks!
Jon

 

[section525]

I did mine in my old Ranger. It seemed like you just had to take the glove box out. Can you see it behind the glove box?

 

[section525]

Nevermind. I just looked behind mine and can't see it. Unless its in that big black box lookin thing. Where are these screws supposed to be the manual is talking about?

 

[yob_yeknom]

Bad news. Yes you do. And it involves A LOT of work.

 

[Bughracing]

Thanks guys, yeah, I know the 91-94 heater cores only take about 30 minutes, but I have been working on this one since noon and still don't have the dash off. I can't figure out what it still attached, the dash pulls all the way forward and I can't see any more bolts, but it won't come out. Any ideas??

Thanks!
Jon

 

[section525]

Crowbar.

 

[Bughracing]

I'm just about to that point. This is the biggest p.i.t.a.!!!

 

[Bughracing]

Has anyone actually done this on 95-99 Explorers and can give me some pointers? I'm pretty sure I have all of the bolts off of the black box, but I can't get the stupid thing to pull out. I have the dash just far enough out that I can kind-of-sort-of work back there. Any ideas?

 

[taxx]

From the ford service manual:

Heater Core


Removal

1.Allow the engine (6007) to cool. Following all safety precautions in «Section 303-03», use a thick cloth to release the pressure from the cooling system.
2.Remove the heater water hoses.
1Squeeze the clamps and pull the hoses off.
2Disconnect the vacuum hose from the water control valve.
3.Remove the instrument panel; refer to «Section 501-12».
4.Remove the A/C evaporator core housing; refer to «Section 412-03».
5.Remove the powertrain control module (PCM); refer to «Section 303-14».
6.Remove the PCM heat sink.
1Remove the ground strap screw.
2Remove the heat sink.
7.Remove the four heater air plenum nuts from the engine side of the dash panel.
8.Remove the heater core.
1Remove the heater core cover to air plenum screws.
2Lift off the cover.
9.Remove the heater core assembly.

 

[taxx]

The evaporatior core housing is a pain in the arse to get out to. This is a whole day project.

 

[Bughracing]

Well, I finally got it done, and it worked for a few minutes, but now the truck is overheating and no heat is coming out. One hose going into the heater core is hot and the other is cold. Any more ideas???

 

[taxx]

It isn't circulating right. Both should be hot. maybe something is plugged up.

 

[Bughracing]

It was the heater control valve, I just replaced it and it works great! Thanks!

Jon

 

[taxx]

glad to hear

 

[Bughracing]

That was the worst thing I have ever had to replace on a car! I have replaced motors that were easier than that! I would most definitly say to anyone who hasn't done this on the newer Explorers and is thinking about it to just pay someone the $300 bucks or so to do it. Two days work for one stupid heater core