Heater Core Replacement

callaway · **Posted:** Mon Nov 01, 2010 11:08 am

Anyone ever replaced the kj's heater core ? I think mine's on the way out and was wondering how much a pita it will be to do a replacement...

JeepinJarhead03 · **Posted:** Mon Nov 01, 2010 12:04 pm

off the top of my head i dont even remember anyone mentioning that they've had problems with theirs

I can't fathom that it would be any worse than the grand cherokee cores

Jeepjeepster · **Posted:** Mon Nov 01, 2010 12:57 pm

JeepinJarhead03 wrote:

off the top of my head i dont even remember anyone mentioning that they've had problems with theirs

I can't fathom that it would be any worse than the grand cherokee cores

Which means you'll be removing the entire dash. :shock:

JeepinJarhead03 · **Posted:** Mon Nov 01, 2010 1:00 pm

Like i said... can't see it would be any worse!

at the same time, haven't looked at the FSM for it either

callaway · **Posted:** Mon Nov 01, 2010 2:11 pm

Jeepjeepster wrote:

JeepinJarhead03 wrote:

off the top of my head i dont even remember anyone mentioning that they've had problems with theirs

I can't fathom that it would be any worse than the grand cherokee cores

Which means you'll be removing the entire dash. :shock:

remove entire dash eh ? that doesn't sound like fun... Did a quick look in the fsm and it shows the core as part of an assembly already outside of the dash =/

LibertyCRD · **Posted:** Mon Nov 01, 2010 2:23 pm

Did a '96 ZJ evap/heater core swap last year and it was almost as fun as oral surgery. I will never do another one ever again. Took an entire weekend to get the whole dash removed, change it, put the whole dash back together, and reconnect lines/charge system. Total PITA.

God let's hope the KJ is much easier.. MUCH easier.. We're all going to face it eventually.

callaway · **Posted:** Mon Nov 01, 2010 2:47 pm

LibertyCRD wrote:

Did a '96 ZJ evap/heater core swap last year and it was almost as fun as oral surgery. I will never do another one ever again. Took an entire weekend to get the whole dash removed, change it, put the whole dash back together, and reconnect lines/charge system. Total PITA.

God let's hope the KJ is much easier.. MUCH easier.. We're all going to face it eventually.

JeepinJarhead03 · **Posted:** Mon Nov 01, 2010 3:05 pm

the grands assembly was outside of the dash too, the nuts/bolts holding that assembly to the firewall however...

was behind the dash

on the driverrrrss side.... :evil:

Jeepjeepster · **Posted:** Mon Nov 01, 2010 3:30 pm

Not sure why we are all going to face that sooner or later?? Our 94 grand is doing just fine.. Just b/c some heater cores go bad doesnt mean everyones is going to.

EAGLE01_2002Libby · **Posted:** Mon Nov 01, 2010 8:00 pm

I had my Heater Core replaced.
The reason that i didnt do it myself was because i was reading my Haynes book and it said only attempt if you are a professional.
And i know a guy that owns a shop that gets me great deals.

The cost well. not exactly sure
I had that done, my radiator replaced and all the tubes replaced, along with an oil change.
Costed under $1200.
obviously the radiator is more expensive but this was all done at a VERY good price.

tjkj2002 · **Posted:** Mon Nov 01, 2010 8:58 pm

Yes the whole dash needs to come out to change the heater core.You also have to have the AC evac'ed and then recharged also since the HVAC box contains both the evap and heater core and must also be removed after the dash is.

Not a fun job by anymeans,shop time is between 5-8 hours for most heater cores.

kskj · **Posted:** Mon Nov 01, 2010 9:02 pm

I hope mine doesn't go out anytime soon. I replaced the one in my son's ranger yesterday. Three plastic pins,four screws and 22.50 and it took 30 min.

EAGLE01_2002Libby · **Posted:** Tue Nov 02, 2010 10:55 am

tjkj2002 wrote:

Yes the whole dash needs to come out to change the heater core.You also have to have the AC evac'ed and then recharged also since the HVAC box contains both the evap and heater core and must also be removed after the dash is.

Not a fun job by anymeans,shop time is between 5-8 hours for most heater cores.

Correct. Long process, lots of labor. Whole dash comes out.

Good Luck

Heater Core Replacement

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