The heater core on your 2001 Jeep Cherokee is responsible for providing heat in the cab of your vehicle. Overtime or due to driving conditions, the heater core can become plugged with dust or corrosion and stop working. If it is not working properly, the heater in your Jeep will not warm the interior and could cause the windows to fog over. To avoid this, if you start seeing signs that the core is not working properly, you can remove it yourself in about 2 or 3 hours and save yourself the expense of having someone else do it.
Detach the negative and positive battery cables from the battery of your 2001 Jeep Cherokee with an open end wrench and crescent wrench.
Remove the cap from off the radiator and also from the top of the coolant overflow tank on the passenger side of the Jeep. Locate the drain valve at the base of the radiator and place a drain pan on the ground, below the drain valve.
Open the drain valve on the radiator with an open end wrench and allow the coolant to drain into the pan completely. When it is finished, close the drain valve and remove the drain pan.
Unfasten the dash pad on the top of the dashboard by using a screwdriver to undo the screws holding it in place. Check the defroster vent and remove any screws holding the vent screen in place.
Remove the trim panel underneath the passenger side of the dashboard with a screwdriver and set it aside. Locate the plastic box that is sitting underneath the dashboard on the passenger side.
Undo all the screws that are holding the plastic box in place with a screwdriver and set the box off to the side. Locate the heater core that was sitting inside the plastic box.
Unscrew all the screws that are holding the heater core to the firewall with clamps underneath the dashboard. Remove the clamps from the heater core.
Lay a piece of plastic sheeting on the passenger side floorboard to cover the carpet from any coolant remaining in the heater core. Pull the heater core away from the firewall until you see the hoses attached to the inlet and outlet pipes on the unit.
Remove the water hoses from the pipes on the heater core by unscrewing the hose clamps with a screwdriver and sliding the hoses off the pipes.
Take the old heater core out of the Jeep Cherokee and dispose of the unit. Recycle the drained coolant by taking the drain pan with the fluid to your local recycling center or automotive supply.
