Non-toxic coolant is available at local auto parts stores. Although the coolant is non-toxic when fresh, proper disposal of used coolant is still required. Removal of the heater core is a difficult procedure for the home mechanic. There are numerous fasteners involved, some of which can be difficult to access. We recommend that you have considerable mechanical experience before performing a heater core replacement. The procedure below applies to 2006 and later models. Earlier models are similar. Take the vehicle to a dealer service department or automotive air conditioning shop and have the air conditioning system discharged and the refrigerant recovered. Disconnect the cable from the negative terminal of the battery. Drain the cooling system. The procedure for removal of the heater core involves removal of the heater/evaporator housing, which requires complete removal of the instrument panel and its support beam. Separate the electrical harnesses clipped to the instrument panel support beam. Remove the instrument panel support beam mounting bolts and pull the bar away from the firewall. Note: Take your time and don't use excessive force - there may be fasteners you haven't found yet. Remove the plastic cover and disconnect the air conditioner lines at the firewall. Seal the openings to prevent contamination. Disconnect the heater hoses at the firewall. Disconnect any remaining wiring harnesses from the heater unit. Remove the mounting fasteners from the unit. Carefully pull it rearward until the tubes are free of the firewall openings. Remove the heater core cover, then carefully slide the heater core out of the heater unit. Be careful of damaging the tubes as you slide them out. Installation is the reverse order of removal. Use new O-rings to seal the evaporator refrigerant connections. Make sure all of the instrument panel support beam mounting fasteners are tightened securely before installing the instrument panel. Refill the cooling system. Have the air conditioning system serviced at the station that discharged it.
