The manufacturer recommends removing the entire instrument panel to remove the heater core on front-mounted systems. This involves disconnecting numerous electrical connectors and there is the potential for breakage of delicate plastic tabs on various components. This is a difficult job for the average home mechanic. Late models are equipped with rear heating and air conditioning. The rear heating/ventilation unit is mounted behind the right rear quarter trim panel. To begin, have the air conditioning system discharged and the refrigerant recovered by a qualified shop. Disconnect the cable from the negative terminal of the battery. Wait until the engine is completely cool, then drain the cooling system. For front-mounted heating systems, disconnect both air conditioner lines at the firewall and seal the openings to prevent contamination. Raise the vehicle and support it securely on jackstands. Disconnect the heater hoses at the firewall and plug the heater core tubes to prevent leakage. Remove the instrument panel and the cross cowl support tube. Disconnect the wiring from the heater unit and any air ducts that are attached directly to the unit. Remove all the fasteners from the heating/ventilation unit and carefully pull it rearward until the tubes are free of the firewall openings. Remove the screws and pull the heater core out of the heating/ventilation unit, making sure to catch any coolant that may drip. For rear-mounted heating systems, remove the right-rear quarter trim panel and the rear wheel guard. Remove the refrigerant line mounting bolts and separate the A/C lines from the rear heating/ventilation unit. Remove the heater hoses from the coolant pipes and separate the air ducts from the vehicle. Remove the mounting bolts and remove the heating/ventilation unit from the rear of the vehicle. Remove the
Blower Motor and separate the rear heating/ventilation unit case halves to remove the heater core from the unit case. Finally, refill the cooling system, reconnect the battery, and run the engine to check for leaks and proper system operation.