How to replace the ac evaporator core on a 2001 Chrysler town and country lx?

Answer 1

I just did this job on my 2001 T&C. The whole dashboard has be taken out to allow access to the ac/heater box, which is mounted on the inside of the firewall behind the dash. The box is then unbolted from the firewall, disassembled, and the evaporator inside the box is removed and replaced. The box is then reassembled and the whole process is reversed.

The job is not technically difficult and does not require special tools, but it does require a lot of time and specific instructions, most of which can be found online (Google it). It's doable for a slightly above average DIY mechanic or better with inside space to work and a good selection of the standard tools, but it's a good bit more complicated than the average oil change or brake job DIY level.

The dealer quoted $1800 and an independent $1400 for this job, most of which is 10 - 12 hours of labor, which is what prompted me to research and tackle it myself. It went ok for me with some unexpected hurdles that had to be dealt with. It took longer than it would someone who has done the same job before since the first time is definitely a learning experience, and even the shop manual leaves maddening gaps in the instructions.