The removal and repair of the heater and related components involve an extensive procedure that should be carefully read and understood before starting. Allocate sufficient time for the operation and take notes during disassembly for accurate reassembly. If the vehicle is equipped with air conditioning, have the refrigerant discharged and recovered by a professional service. Begin by disconnecting the battery's negative terminal and draining the cooling system. On the engine compartment side of the firewall, mark and disconnect the heater hoses from the heater core tubes after loosening hose clamps, and disconnect the vacuum line. For air-conditioned vehicles, disconnect refrigerant lines from the
Evaporator connection tubes. Remove the air conditioning and heater control assembly, radio, and instrument panel assembly. On 2006 and earlier models, disconnect the vacuum line from the door motor and remove the evaporator assembly if applicable. Unplug electronic module connectors if present and remove related brackets. Remove screws attaching the air conditioning and heater control assembly bracket, the right vertical member, and horizontal support brackets as a single assembly. Peel back carpeting on the right side and remove crossbar support bar bolts, then peel back carpeting on the left side and detach and remove rear floor vent ducts. Remove mounting nut and bolt from the right side of the heater unit and mounting nut from the upper left side, then remove the heater assembly. Disconnect the plastic vacuum hose and remove the heater core cover. For 2007 and later models, remove the crossbar structural support member after removing the instrument panel, disconnect wiring from the heater assembly, remove mounting bolts, and remove the heater assembly. Detach the blower unit and remove the heater core cover. Slide out the heater core carefully. During reassembly, ensure air control doors function correctly, route wiring, cables, and vacuum lines as noted during disassembly, and securely reconnect air ducting. After reassembly, fill the cooling system with proper coolant type and amount. For models with air conditioning, have the system evacuated and recharged.