GMC Jimmy Heater Core Installation

General Motors produced the Jimmy S-15 sport utility vehicle between 1983 and 2005. This popular SUV went through two generations before being phased out. The first generation of Jimmy had a range of eight different engines, while the second generation settled on GM's popular 4.3-liter, fuel-injected engine. The heating system in the passenger compartment of the Jimmy includes the heater core, blower motor, heater control valve, electric fan and engine coolant.

Things You'll Need

  • Wrench set
  • Screwdriver set
  • Prying tool
  • Plastic container
  • Pliers

Remove the Heater Core

  • Loosen and remove the negative battery cable from the battery with a box wrench or socket wrench. Place a plastic container under the radiator drain plug, open the drain cock with pliers or your fingers and drain the coolant from the radiator.

  • Disconnect the heater core inlet and outlet hoses from the engine side of the firewall using a wrench.

  • Loosen and remove the screws from the heater core case cover under the dash on the passenger side using a screwdriver. Remove the cover. A cabin light in some early models interferes with the removal of the cover. Use a wrench to remove the light's retaining bolt and move the light out of the way.

  • Loosen and remove the screws on the straps holding each end of the heater cover in place using a screwdriver. Remove the heater core carefully from under the dash.

Install the Heater Core

  • Insert the tubes on the heater core through the back of the heater case and through the firewall, taking care to avoid damaging the tubes.

  • Install the straps on either end of the heater core and tighten the screws with a screwdriver.

  • Position the rear heater core case cover in place and tighten the screws with a screwdriver. If your Jimmy has a cabin light, put it back in place and tighten its retaining bolt with a wrench.

  • Reconnect the heater hoses to the tubes on the firewall and tighten the connections with a wrench.

  • Close the drain cock on the radiator and pour the coolant to fill the system. Attach the negative battery cable to the battery and tighten the connection with a wrench. Run the engine with the radiator cap off and add more coolant if needed. Make sure the overflow bottle is filled to the proper level.