Jeep is a time-tested vehicle brand that provides consumers with quality products built to last. It is common for Jeeps to run for well over 150,000 miles and often with little or no maintenance requirements. However, every now and then, maintenance is required, and one area in particular that is of concern is the heater core. The heater core is actually an extension of the radiator that sits inside the passenger compartment and is used as a heat exchanger. Cold air is blown through the fins of this small radiator to heat the air and warm the occupants. If a heater core goes bad, you will know because the floor may be all wet, there will be a smell of antifreeze in the car and/or your heat is turned on but is still blowing cold air.
Remove the lower dash by unscrewing the mounting screws along the edges and then pulling firmly down and away from the dashboard. The heater core is located behind the shifter console, next to the firewall. Turn the vent to cool or A/C as well.
Remove the shifter console mounting screws and pull the console out of the way. The heater core should be visible now. It will have two hoses running to it.
Use the flathead screwdriver to loosen and remove the hose clamps. Pull the hoses off the fittings and then use the socket set to remove the mounting bolts on the unit itself.
Insert the new unit and slide the hoses back onto the fittings. Tighten the hose clamps with the screwdriver.
Replace the shifter console and insert the mounting screws. Reattach and secure the dash. Start the vehicle and turn on the heater. Add more coolant if necessary to "top off" the radiator.
