How To Change a Ford Taurus Heater Core

The heater core of a Ford Taurus is responsible for providing heat in the passenger cabin of the vehicle when the heater is turned on. Over time, it can wear out or become damaged, causing insufficient heating and foggy windows. You may even notice the heater core begin to leak on the floorboard when it goes bad. Ford Taurus heater cores are easy to replace; you can do the job yourself in about an hour or two, and save the cost of taking your car to a repair shop.

Things You'll Need

• Open-end wrench
• Crescent wrench
• Drain pan
• Pliers
• Screwdriver
• Socket wrench set
• Coolant

Instructions

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable from the battery of your Ford Taurus with an open-end wrench and crescent wrench. Move the cable out of the way so that it does not come into contact with any metal parts.

2. Remove the radiator cap from the top of the radiator and locate the coolant overflow reservoir on the passenger side of the engine. Take the cap off the coolant overflow tank as well.

3. Locate the drain valve at the bottom of the radiator and place a drain pan on the ground below the drain valve. Open the drain valve with an open-end wrench and allow it to drain completely, closing the drain valve when it is done.

4. Locate the linkage on the inside of the vehicle under the passenger side of the dashboard that is in front of the heater core cover. Remove the linkage using a pair of pliers and a screwdriver.

5. Detach the heater core access cover with a screwdriver. Open the doors of the Ford Taurus and remove the side trim panels from the dashboard using a screwdriver to unfasten the panels.

6. Take the trim cover off the top of the dashboard by undoing the screws with a screwdriver and lifting the cover off the dashboard. Loosen the two bolts on top of the dashboard with a socket wrench, then remove the two bolts on the side of the dashboard with a socket wrench.

7. Remove the two bolts from of the top of the dashboard. At this point, the dashboard will be loose, allowing you to gain access to the heater core.

8. Pull the heater core out and remove the inlet and outlet hoses from the core. Use a screwdriver to loosen the hose clamps and pull the hoses away. Discard the old core and replace it with a new heater core.

9. Attach the two hoses to the new heater core and secure them with hose clamps. Reposition the heater core and put the dashboard back in place, securing the top and side bolts with a socket wrench.

10. Reattach the trim cover to the top of the dashboard with screws, then attach the side trim panels to the dashboard. Secure the heater core access panel and attach the linkage underneath the dashboard.

11. Fill the coolant overflow reservoir halfway with coolant and place the cap back on the top of the reservoir. Fill the radiator with coolant until it is completely full and place the radiator cap back on.

12. Secure the negative battery cable to the Ford Taurus battery with an open-end wrench. Dispose of the drained coolant at your local recycling center or automotive-supply store.

Tips & Warnings

• To avoid getting burned, allow the engine of the Ford Taurus to cool before you attempt to replace the heater core.

References

• TaurusClub.com: Heater Core Replacement

Resources

• Car Stuff: Ford Taurus Heater Core