Auto Parts: 2002 Diamante, heater control valve, manual dexterity

Question
hi! My car is leaking anti-freeze. It's coming through the air vents on the inside of my windshield. I was told I need to replace my heater rod or something? Can you tell me how to do that? Thank! Tiffany

Answer
    Mitsubishi cars seem to have a problem with heater systems.  everyone I know that has owned one has had to fix something in the heater.  But, they are great cars, so it may be worthwhile.  What you need to replace is your heater core, probably.  But, I've heard of a lot of Mitsubishis needing to have the heater control valve replaced, and I would do both if I was you.  It's quite a job getting at them, they're inside the heater box under the passenger's side dash.  I honestly don't know if you have to go in from the inside or from under the hood, but either way it's going to be quite a job and will call for good manual dexterity and smallish hands.  When you go to the dealer to get the parts (I sincerely doubt if anyone else will have them and the dealer will probably have to order them) get them to give you a printout of the exploded-view drawing in their parts book, it will help immensely with the job to know where everything goes.  Wouldn't hurt to take a few digital photos for reference as you take it apart, either.  If you are not at least basically familiar with auto repair and mechanics in general, you really ought to get this done by a pro.