Install a Heater Core in a Chevy Cavalier
Installing a heater core in a Chevy Cavalier refers to replacing the part of the car's heating system which controls the temperature. Although it is a fairly involved process, it is not too complicated, so anyone with a little automotive know-how can accomplish this repair on their own. Follow these steps for how to install a heater core in a Chevy Cavalier.
Steps
- Detach the negative battery line.
- Lift the front end of your car and prop it up on jack stands.
- Empty the radiator and loosen the seal to release the valve located under the front passenger's side.
- Disconnect and remove the A/C heater drain tube from the firewall, if the car is equipped with air conditioning.
- Detach the hoses from the heater core by releasing the clamps. After the cooling system has had a chance to completely empty, lower the jack.
- Determine the access area for your vehicle.
- In the case of a Cavalier, you'll have to remove the entire instrument panel from the dashboard.
- Examine the placement of the pipes surrounding the heater core once it is exposed.
- Disconnect the heater core outlet.
- Detach hoses that may still be installed at the heater core, loosen the bolt from the heater core cover and remove the cover.
- Release the heater core mounting clamps and dislodge the heater core.
- Wipe up any fluid which may have leaked.
- Remove any seals, O-rings or other components that you can utilize on the new heater core.
- Install these parts on the replacement heater core.
- Position the replacement heater core and attach the mounting clamps.
- Replace the heater core cover and reconnect the heater core outlet.
- Reconnect any hoses that you can reach from the interior of the car.
- Wait to reconnect the instrument panel until you've confirmed that everything is properly installed with no leaks.
- Jack the front end up again and replace the jack stands.
- Reconnect the remaining heater core hoses.
- Replace the A/C heater drain tubes at the firewall.
- Follow the owner's manual concerning the proper coolant combination and seal the valve and refill the radiator.
- Remove the jack stands and let down the car. Reattach the negative battery cable.
- Confirm that the hoses are properly reattached and that the radiator is both filled and capped.
- Start the car and examine the area surrounding the heater core, checking for leaks.
- Allow the car to run until the engine has reached full temperature, and then continue to look for leaks.
- Start the heater and confirm proper function.
- Replace the instrument panel after you've made any necessary hose reinstallation.
- Confirm that the radiator is full according to the instructions in the owner's manual.
- Verify that each of the removed components is correctly reinstalled.
- Dispose of all of the fluids you have drained.
Tips
- Antifreeze leaks on the interior passenger side indicate a dysfunctional heater core.
- Fog on the windshield after running the heat is an indicator of a faulty heater core.
- If you're not getting heat when the fluids are filled to the recommended levels, and the thermostat is functioning, you may need a new heater core.
- An additional symptom of a heater core malfunction is the smell of antifreeze while the heater is running.
- It is never recommended to improvise when tools are concerned. Proper tool use reduces the risks of injury as well as damage to the vehicle.
- If you see smoke issuing from the vents while the heater is running, you most likely need a new heater core.
- Avoid jostling the heater core itself when you uninstall the instrument panel. This could cause leaks and other problems.
- Be sure to inspect the hoses as you're removing them. Replace them if necessary.
