1998 Ram Van 1500 heater core replacement
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1998 Ram Van 1500 heater core replacement
I am in the process of replacing the radiator and all hoses on my van. I wish to replace the heater core also. Can anyone help with instructions? I have already remove the glove box, radiator and hoses, but not sure if core is removed from the engine side or the passenger side.
Steve
Steve
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RE: 1998 Ram Van 1500 heater core replacement
You've got to remove the top half of that big black box on the passenger side under the hood. The heater core is inside of it.
If you have A/C the lines have to be disconnected from the black box and the system recharged after reassembly. It's also necessary to remove the black metal trim piece that runs across the front above the radiator, the grill,the passenger side headlight and turn signal assemblies. It will make the job easier if you leave the radiator out until you're done changing the heater core.
Tip: There is a linkage rod that runs from this black box, through the firewall, and connects tothe air blendmotor under the dash. Disconnect it from the motor under the dash and tie a string to it. During reassembly this string will help significantly to get the linkage back through the firewall when you're installing the black box.
If you have A/C the lines have to be disconnected from the black box and the system recharged after reassembly. It's also necessary to remove the black metal trim piece that runs across the front above the radiator, the grill,the passenger side headlight and turn signal assemblies. It will make the job easier if you leave the radiator out until you're done changing the heater core.
Tip: There is a linkage rod that runs from this black box, through the firewall, and connects tothe air blendmotor under the dash. Disconnect it from the motor under the dash and tie a string to it. During reassembly this string will help significantly to get the linkage back through the firewall when you're installing the black box.
Amateur
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 41
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From: chicago suburbs
You've got to remove the top half of that big black box on the passenger side under the hood. The heater core is inside of it.
If you have A/C the lines have to be disconnected from the black box and the system recharged after reassembly. It's also necessary to remove the black metal trim piece that runs across the front above the radiator, the grill,the passenger side headlight and turn signal assemblies. It will make the job easier if you leave the radiator out until you're done changing the heater core.
Tip: There is a linkage rod that runs from this black box, through the firewall, and connects tothe air blendmotor under the dash. Disconnect it from the motor under the dash and tie a string to it. During reassembly this string will help significantly to get the linkage back through the firewall when you're installing the black box.
If you have A/C the lines have to be disconnected from the black box and the system recharged after reassembly. It's also necessary to remove the black metal trim piece that runs across the front above the radiator, the grill,the passenger side headlight and turn signal assemblies. It will make the job easier if you leave the radiator out until you're done changing the heater core.
Tip: There is a linkage rod that runs from this black box, through the firewall, and connects tothe air blendmotor under the dash. Disconnect it from the motor under the dash and tie a string to it. During reassembly this string will help significantly to get the linkage back through the firewall when you're installing the black box.
Amateur
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 41
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From: chicago suburbs
Iam not 100% sure I need to replace my heater core. I am having issues with the vac system and have replaced dry rotted pieces of vac. hose. One more hose to check and that is the long one that goes down to the vac. canister behind the passeger headlight. Other than checkin this (I also replaced the check valve coming off of the intake), what else should I look for?
Amateur
Joined: Sep 2008
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From: chicago suburbs
You don't actually have to pull the radiator or the upper core support. You can remove the bolts holding the radiator and condensor on the right side only, then just loosen the remaining top bolts on the core support. Now you can grap it and hop the upper core support over to get the clearance you will need. You do have to drain the radiator so the extra weight won't damage it while it hangs from one side. I posted a pic that should explain this a little better in this evap core thread.
https://dodgeforum.com/forum/dodge-r...98-3500-a.html
Removing the box wasn't even half as hard as re-installing it due to that annoying air blend door linkage.
https://dodgeforum.com/forum/dodge-r...98-3500-a.html
Removing the box wasn't even half as hard as re-installing it due to that annoying air blend door linkage.
I am no expert but I am no novice either when it comes to working on cars/trucks. do you know where I can find the steps to replace the core. I know the AC needs to be disconected but where? Do I need to tear the dash apart to take the black box out? I am more than willing to do this I just don't want to go into this blind.
The vac system is good. I needed to replace the check valve and some pieces of cracked line. All the actuators work so I am very confident my issue is the core.
Any help is greatly appreciated.
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Amateur
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 41
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From: chicago suburbs
What is the issue, just no heat? I'd want be sure it was the heater core before I tore everything apart!
If the issue is no heat and you suspect the heater core, first check the heater hoses. Run the engine long enough for the hoses to get warm. If one hose is hot but the other is not, then either the heater control valve is not open or the heater core is clogged. The heater control valve is inline on your heater hose just before the heater core.
If neither hose is warm then it is likely your thermostat is just stuck open and will need to be replaced.
If both hoses are hot but you have no heat, its a blend door or fresh air door issue.
If the issue is no heat and you suspect the heater core, first check the heater hoses. Run the engine long enough for the hoses to get warm. If one hose is hot but the other is not, then either the heater control valve is not open or the heater core is clogged. The heater control valve is inline on your heater hose just before the heater core.
If neither hose is warm then it is likely your thermostat is just stuck open and will need to be replaced.
If both hoses are hot but you have no heat, its a blend door or fresh air door issue.
thanks