Replacing Heater Core on 2002 Ram 1500 3.7, Looking for Advice and Tips
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Registered User
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Houston
Replacing Heater Core on 2002 Ram 1500 3.7, Looking for Advice and Tips
Hey guys. New to the forum and looking for some help replacing my heater core on my 2002 Ram 1500 Reg cab 2WD 3.7. Here's the scoop...
Haven't had heat for about 2 years since I had a buncha work done to my cooling system (about $1500 worth at the dealership). At that time they informed me that the heater core was bad. Unable to pay for the repair of the heater core, I chose to go without heat, which has been fine until now.
About two weeks ago noticed a very small amount of moisture, somewhat sticky, on my passenger floorboard. This week, as it has been colder in TX, I've been experiencing heavy fog on my windshield. Thinking the fog was caused by lack of window cleaning, I gave my windows a good shine. Next morning found my windows completely caked again, not something you can just wipe off, but required scrubbing to get off the residue. Finally put 2 and 2 together and realized the sticky mositure on the floor board was causing the condensation on my windshield. The problem has become so bad I've been nervous to drive because the residue does not come off easily and the whole windshield is fogged up at times.
So.....
Decided to tackle my heater core this weekend and I'm looking for tips. I have read through many of the threads on DF and elsewhere and have found conflicting approaches to this task. I know its not going to be simple but I feel confident I can handle it with the right preparation, ample time, and a little patience.
Main questions right out of the gate:
- What tools will be needed at a minimum to complete this task? Any specialized or proprietary tools needed?
- Must the coolant be drained to complete this task?
- I've read many work arounds of evacing the AC. Do y'all agree or disagree?
- How much of the dash must be disassembled? Can the dash be partially disassembled and slighty pulled back to access the core?
Any other tips or suggestions would be much appreciated. Have used DF before to replace condenser fan and was able to DIY with y'alls help. Thanks in advance.
Haven't had heat for about 2 years since I had a buncha work done to my cooling system (about $1500 worth at the dealership). At that time they informed me that the heater core was bad. Unable to pay for the repair of the heater core, I chose to go without heat, which has been fine until now.
About two weeks ago noticed a very small amount of moisture, somewhat sticky, on my passenger floorboard. This week, as it has been colder in TX, I've been experiencing heavy fog on my windshield. Thinking the fog was caused by lack of window cleaning, I gave my windows a good shine. Next morning found my windows completely caked again, not something you can just wipe off, but required scrubbing to get off the residue. Finally put 2 and 2 together and realized the sticky mositure on the floor board was causing the condensation on my windshield. The problem has become so bad I've been nervous to drive because the residue does not come off easily and the whole windshield is fogged up at times.
So.....
Decided to tackle my heater core this weekend and I'm looking for tips. I have read through many of the threads on DF and elsewhere and have found conflicting approaches to this task. I know its not going to be simple but I feel confident I can handle it with the right preparation, ample time, and a little patience.
Main questions right out of the gate:
- What tools will be needed at a minimum to complete this task? Any specialized or proprietary tools needed?
- Must the coolant be drained to complete this task?
- I've read many work arounds of evacing the AC. Do y'all agree or disagree?
- How much of the dash must be disassembled? Can the dash be partially disassembled and slighty pulled back to access the core?
Any other tips or suggestions would be much appreciated. Have used DF before to replace condenser fan and was able to DIY with y'alls help. Thanks in advance.
Thread Starter
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Registered User
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Houston
Update...
Just finished this job yesterday. Ended up being way more difficult than expected but I have heat again!!! And no leaks so far!!! Currently experiencing a strong coolant smell when I run the heat, but I'm hoping that's just from the fresh coolant and new heater core. Hope it goes away once its broken in.
Now gonna wait about a week to see if any leaks pop up before I evac/charge AC.
Just finished this job yesterday. Ended up being way more difficult than expected but I have heat again!!! And no leaks so far!!! Currently experiencing a strong coolant smell when I run the heat, but I'm hoping that's just from the fresh coolant and new heater core. Hope it goes away once its broken in.
Now gonna wait about a week to see if any leaks pop up before I evac/charge AC.