Auto Mechanics | Services | Heater Core Replacement
Heater Core Replacement
Our heater core repair process involves taking out your interior heater core box, removing the old heater core and installing the new one. We know that this can be a tough job because it requires taking apart most of the front end of your car to get to the inside of the heater box. But our process is quick and efficient so you don't have to worry about being without your heat during the cold season. There are several symptoms that may indicate the need for a heater core replacement, including:
No heat or poor heat
Sweet smeel of antifreeze
Foggy windows (interior cabin)
Heater core coolant leak (interior cabin)
Related Heater Core Replacement Services: Car AC refill | Car heater motor repair | Coolant leak repair
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HEATER CORE REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT?
Can a Heater Core Be Repaired or Needs Replacing?
Typically, deep underneath your dashboard and firewall, lives your car's heater core. If a heater core has gone bad, it may be possible to repair but highly likely needs a replacement. In either case, a heater core repair requires removing the inner dashboard of your vehicle to access and is a complex and intense job. As such, when we replace a heater core it's also a good idea to replace the heater hoses attached to it.
A future problem with heater hoses will create similar problems to that of a heater core replacement and we want to ensure the job is only done once. As part of the replacement job, certain vehicles will need to have the air conditioning system recharged. Once we've inspected and diagnosed a heater core repair problem, we will advise whether this is required as a part of the heater core job for your vehicle.
If you are experiencing any heater core replacement symptoms, it is important to have your vehicle inspected. Ignoring a faulty heater core can lead to more serious problems down the line. The heating system is a closed loop; fresh water from the radiator cools off an electric pump and it gets sent through your heater core to be heated up before being sent out through your vents. This means if you have bad flow in this system, there is no way for the water to get hot enough to heat your car or in some cases, they can't get heated at all.
WARNING SIGNS FOR HEATER CORE REPLACEMENT
A heater core problem can affect both your vehicle’s heating system and its overall performance. Here’s a quick rundown of symptoms and our repair steps:
Symptoms of a Heater Core Problem:
Weak or No Heat: The heater may blow cool or lukewarm air, even when the engine is running and the heater is on.
Foggy Windows: A failing heater core can cause the windows to fog up because of the moisture it releases.
Coolant Leaks: You might notice puddles of coolant inside the car, often under the dashboard.
Sweet Smell: A sweet, syrupy odor inside the cabin can indicate coolant leaking onto the heater core.
Overheating Engine: If the heater core is blocked or leaking, it can impact engine cooling, causing overheating.
Our Heater Core Repair Process:
Diagnose the Issue: We verify that the symptoms are indeed related to the heater core. Check for leaks, and inspect coolant levels and temperature.
Drain Coolant: We drain the engine coolant from the system to prevent spills.
Remove Dashboard Components: The heater core is typically located behind the dashboard, so remove various panels and parts is necessary to access it.
Replace the Heater Core: We disconnect the old heater core from the heater hoses and remove it. Then, we install the new heater core.
Reassemble and Refill: We reinstall the dashboard components, refill the cooling system with new coolant, and check for leaks.
Test the System: We run the engine and turn on the heater to ensure that it’s functioning properly and that there are no leaks.
A Clear Sign Your Heater Core Needs Replacement
An undeniable sign of heater core replacement is fogged windows and the sweet smell of antifreeze inside the vehicle. Heater core problems happen rarely, but they do happen. Usually with older model vehicles and is will leak antifreeze inside the vehicle when it needs repair. A heater core problem is tough to miss and can be a very sticky situation as you drive.
Usually a heater core will need replacement because of the age of the heater core itself. Flushing and replacing your coolant at regular intervals can help prevent or prolong a heater core repair. As with most engine parts, rust, particles, dirt and depleted anti-corrosion ingredients in the antifreeze will eventually cause damage to the heater core.
So if you're having problems with your car, truck or SUV heating, how can you tell if the heater core needs replacing or if the problem is the heater motor? And how much does a heater core replacement cost? Let's address those questions and narrow down a fix for your heater core. Schedule a heater core replacement or read on to determine if that's the problem.
COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT HEATER CORE PROBLEMS
Heater Core Faq's
What is a heater core?
The heater core is a small radiator located inside the dashboard of your vehicle. It heats the cabin by transferring heat from the engine’s coolant to the air blowing through the vents.
What causes heater core problems?
Can I drive with a bad heater core?
How much does it cost to replace a heater core?
Can I temporarily fix a heater core leak?
Can a heater core be cleaned instead of replaced?
How do I prevent heater core issues?
