Is it hard to replace a heater core?

When working properly, the heater core sends heat to the cabin. When it leaks, it must be replaced. Getting the job done ranges from easy to difficult, depending on the core’s location inside your car.

Where is the heater core located?

dashboard
A heater core is a small radiator located under the dashboard of the vehicle, and it consists of conductive aluminium or brass tubing with cooling fins to increase surface area. Hot coolant passing through the heater core gives off heat before returning to the engine cooling circuit.

How much is the labor to replace a heater core?

Replacing the heater core can be an expensive job, and usually costs between $564 – $927 for parts and labor. The parts aren’t particularly expensive, normally costing $80 – $234, but the location of the heater core means that labor costs tend to be quite high.

Can I drive with bad heater core?

Driving with a faulty heater core can be risky, as it can lead to overheating and extensive engine damage. Even a clogged heater core can prevent proper coolant circulation, causing your engine to run hot. But if you must continue driving for a short distance, keep an eye on the temperature gauge.

Can I drive with a bad heater core?

If you have a bad heater core, you should bring your car in for repairs right away. Driving with a faulty heater core can be risky, as it can lead to overheating and extensive engine damage. Even a clogged heater core can prevent proper coolant circulation, causing your engine to run hot.

Will Stop leak fix a heater core?

It easily seals leaks in plastic, aluminum, and metal radiators, heater cores, gaskets, and freeze plugs. One other benefit is this stop leak can be added to the cooling system without having to flush out the antifreeze.

How to replace the heater core in a Geo Tracker?

How to Replace the Heater Core in a Geo Tracker. Replacing a Geo/Chevy Tracker’s heater core is a very difficult task. It requires completely removing the instrument panel from the inside of the vehicle to reach the core.

Can you replace the heater core on a Chevy tracker?

Replacing a Geo/Chevy Tracker’s heater core is a very difficult task. It requires completely removing the instrument panel from the inside of the vehicle to reach the core. If you can’t get an expert to replace the core, at least consult with one to make certain you know the exact procedure before starting. Disable the Tracker’s air bag system.

How to remove a radio heater control panel?

Remove the radio heater control panel and heater control cables from the instrument panel. Disconnect and label all wiring harness connectors on the panel. Loosen the panel’s mounting screws and bolts. Remove the cover plates and mounting fasteners, starting with the side cover plates.

How do you drain the radiator in a tracker?

Drain the cooling system. Jack up the Tracker if necessary and place the SUV on jack stands. Crawl underneath and remove the drain plug on the bottom of the radiator, allow the coolant to flow into a container and then replace the drain plug. Remove the instrument panel from the vehicle.