In addition to a lack of heat inside your vehicle, there are several signs that can help you determine that your heater core needs to be replaced. A sweet odor, an oily film on the windshield or a puddle of antifreeze on the passenger's side floor are all tell-tale signs. Since the heater core is accessed through the dashboard, replacing it can take several hours. But you should be able to change the heater core on your 2001 Ford Escape yourself, saving on labor costs.
Open the drain on the radiator and remove the radiator cap or D-gas bottle cap. Drain the engine coolant into a suitable 2-gallon container. Set the container aside.
Disconnect the heater hoses from the heater core, the heater outlet hose from the water hose connection and the heater hose from the engine using the pliers. Remove the engine hose from the engine compartment. Use the pliers to disconnect the heater hoses from the heater hose junction.
Remove the lower section of the instrument panel to access the heater control box. Remove the screw for the heater blending door with the screwdriver. Remove the three screws on the heater core cover with the screwdriver and pull the heater core out of the housing.
Position the new heater core in the housing and reinstall all three screws. Reinstall the screw for the heater blending door. Replace the lower section of the instrument panel.
Reconnect the heater hoses to the heater hose junction using the pliers. Reinstall the engine hose and reconnect the heater hose with the pliers. Reconnect the heater house outlet to the water hose connection and the heater hoses to the heater core using the pliers.
Refill the system with antifreeze. Start the vehicle and check for leaks. Discard the old coolant properly.
