How to Install a Heater Core on a 2001 Ford Ranger
A bad heater core will prevent your 2001 Ford Ranger's heater from working in cold weather, and it will also prevent the defroster from working properly. Replacing a heater core can be fairly expensive. It can be even more expensive if you pay a mechanic for their labor to replace it. Replacing a heater core is not an easy job, but it can be done with few tools.
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Instructions
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1
Turn the ignition switch to off, detach the negative cable from the battery, and detach the positive cable. Wait a few minutes to ensure no backup power is arming the airbag system.
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2
If the truck was recently run, let the cooling system cool down.
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3
Remove the radiator cap by hand. Unscrew the plastic cap on the bottom of the radiator with a pair of pliers and drain the coolant into a bucket.
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4
Use a pair of pliers to remove the heater hoses from the fittings in the engine side firewall. Plug the heater core tubes to prevent spillage of coolant.
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5
Remove the instrument cluster trim panel.
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6
Use the radio removal tool to pull the radio partially out. Unplug the cable harness from the back of the radio, and pull the radio out of the panel.
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7
Use a socket wrench to remove the steering wheel,and cluster bezel. Unscrew the screws holding the instrument cluster. Carefully pull the cluster back and reach into the cluster to disconnect any wiring hold the cluster in place.
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8
Use a socket wrench to unscrew the heater plenum chamber.
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9
Push the heater core to the back of the plenum chamber and pull down to remove it.
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10
Replace the heater core with a new one. Reverse the previous instructions for install.
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Tips & Warnings
Once the coolant has been refilled, run the engine and check for leaks.
Clean up any coolant spills, and keep coolant away from pets and children. The smell is sweet and appealing, but coolant is toxic if ingested.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Comstock/Getty Images
