How do you replace the heater core in a 1996 Crown Victoria?

Answer 1

1. Disconnect the battery.

2. Drain the cooling system.

3. It is advised that you remove both front seats; by doing this, you get more working room when you're ready to pull the dash back.

4. Remove screws in the upper part of the dash by the windshield, removing the glove box door, all the duct work under the dash, radio, heater controls, then dropping down the steering wheel. You might need to disconnect the gear selector.

5. There are two nuts on each side of the dash in the lower corners. Remove these and the dash is ready to slide back. Another person is recommended to help you with this step.

6. After you remove it, remove the climate control box, which houses the heater core. There are usually three nuts that hold it in place. One of these is on the outside at the fire wall and the other two are at top of the box and on the bottom of the box. A magnetic socket is best for the one on top.

7. If you have not already disconnected the hoses for the core at the fire wall, you might want to do that now and for the reinstall process.

8. Once you remove the box, it might be necessary to remove any antifreeze from the leaking core.

9. After you have removed the core, if the new one did not come with any padding, just reuse the old piece.

11. Reinstall the core and follow the the instructions for the reinstall procedure.

12. Once finished, add antifreeze and check for heating.

Important: keep track of all the screws you remove and where you removed them from. Some are longer than the other.