Nastly leaky heater core - help! 02- Accent
 

Ok, so I'm driving to the first destination my my vacation with my wife, for the first time away from our kids, and all of a sudden, hot coolant starts oozing on the floor on both sides, and the worst smell comes gushing through the vents (warm steamy antifreeze-yum!).

So, I am endeavoring to (attempt) to replace the heater core myself (we're too broke for a mechanic!). However, the Chilton manual is usesless for a dash/console removal diagram.

Questions I am stuck on:

1. Do I need to remove the entire dash to access the heater core?
2. Or can I get away with removing the glove box/trim facia/console?
3. Is this sucker really hard to pull once you gain access?
4. What holds the in/out tubes into the firewall?
5. Does anyone have a recommendation for a better manual with better step by step diagram? Or a diagram you could post?
6. Anything else I need to know in preparation for battle here? :) :eek:

I've talked to several freinds who wished me luck (then snickered at me when I walked away) when I mentioned heater core. But no one I know has ever replaced one in an Accent. :confused:

It's gonna be a long weekend. :rolleyes:

Always loads of fun. Hope this helps:

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ACCENT(LC) >2002 > Heating,Ventilation, Air Condioning > Heater > Heater Unit > Repair procedures

REMOVAL
1.Disconnect the (-)negative battery terminal.

2.Drain the coolant of the radiator.

3.Remove the A/C suction hose, liquid tube and grommet.
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4. Remove the 2 heater side control cables and one blower side control cable.
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5.Remove the center facia panel from the lower portion.
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6.Disconnect the switch connectors and remove the center facia panel.

7.After removing the mounting bolts, remove the main crash pad. (See post below)

8.Disconnect the evaporator core temp sensor (thermister), blower resistor connector, and blower motor connector.
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9.Remove the evaporator unit.
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10.Remove the heater assembly.
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INSTALLATION
Installation is the reverse of removal. (Prior to installation of temp. control and mode control cables, first install the locating pin.)
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ACCENT(LC) >2002 > Body (Interior and Exterior) > Interior > crash pad > Repair procedures

MAIN CRASH PAD

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- When using a screwdriver or equivalent, wrap it with protective tape to prevent damage.
- Wear gloves to protect hands from injury.

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Be careful not to scratch the crash pad.

1.Remove the steering wheel and airbag module.

2.Remove the glove box.

- 2.1.Remove the glove box stopper.
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- 2.2.After loosening the glove box mounting screws(3EA), remove the glove box.
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3.Remove the crash pad lower panel.

- 3.1.Raise the steering column.

- 3.2.Loosen the 4 mounting. Disconnect the self-diagnosis connector and hood release cable and remove the crash pad lower panel.
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4.Remove the center facia panel.

- 4.1.Remove the glove box.

- 4.2.Remove the crash pad lower panel.

- 4.3.Disconnect the intake control mode, mode control, and air mix control cable. Remove the center facia panel from the lower portion with a trim remover.
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- 4.4.Loosen the 4 mounting screws and remove the audio assembly.
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5.Remove the audio assembly.

6.Remove the crash pad side trim.

7.Disconnect the antenna connecting connector.

8.After loosening the main crash pad mounting bolts, remove the main crash.

9.Installation is the reverse of removal.
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Nova:

Thank you so much. You truly saved the day! I got most of it done in about 13 hours. I love how overly simplified #10 was (Remove the Heater Assembly)... that was the absolute hardest step!!! It should have read: "defy gravity, blindfolded with your hands bound!"

Removing the dash was easier than I thought... I just hope everything works. I got just about everything back together and gonna finish tonight.

Question.... what resource are you using for the diagrams? I'd like to purchase the full thing for future questions on repairs. My next endeavor: replace the clutch... I hear it requires lifting the engine out!!! (I'll be able to call myself a shade tree mechanic pretty soon).

Ah...that's the best part. It's all online right here: http://www.hmaservice.com
You can join for free.

Hi,

I am currently facing the same issue. Did you have to remove the steering wheel and the airbag module? Or was removing the lower crash pad enough?

Also, you mentioned that step #10 was over simplified, so can you please give me some more details on what you needed to do to get the job done.

I just discovered that the heater core is what is causing the leak, so wanted to open it up this weekend. Also, was your heater core leaking or the hoses?

Also, if anybody else has any info on this, please feel free to jump in.


Thanks,
John M.

yes you can do this job without removing the steering wheel easily. however, i would disconnect the battery to be on the safe side. might be being too cautious, but for what it takes why not.