Is this hard to do?

Question

Can anyone tell me if it is hard to replace a heater core in a 98 Grand Am? It has a 2.4 twin cam. Thanks!

Answer 1

Heater cores are generally no fun to replace. You can go to this website and get a manual for the job: autozone.com/servlet/uibroker
Just look up the part you want and get instructions on how to replace it for your car make and model. There is no charge.

Answer 2

It's not an easy job. Heres the instructions from Autozone on line.
There are photos on their site.
Disconnect the negative battery cable.

Drain and recycle the engine coolant.

Raise and safely support the front of the vehicle.

If necessary, remove the rear lateral transaxle strut mount.

Detach the drain tube, then disconnect the heater hoses from the core tubes.

Carefully lower the vehicle.

Remove the console if equipped.

Unfasten and remove the sound insulators, console extensions and/or steering column filler, as required.


Fig. 1: Unfasten the sound insulator retaining bolts ...




Fig. 2: ... then remove the sound insulator



On some models it may be necessary to remove the steering column opening filler.

Remove the floor or console outlet ductwork and hoses.

Remove the heater core access cover.


Fig. 3: Remove the heater core access cover



Unfasten the heater core mounting clamps/bolts, then extract the heater core from the vehicle.


Fig. 4: Unfasten the heater core retaining bolts; most later models are secured with clamps




Fig. 5: Remove the heater core from the vehicle



To install:

Install the heater core, then secure using the clamps/bolts.

Fasten the heater core cover.

Connect the outlet hoses and ducts.

Install the sound insulators, console extensions and/or steering column filler.

Raise and safely support the vehicle.

Install the drain tube and connect the heater hoses to the core tubes.

If removed, install the rear lateral transaxle strut mount, if removed.

Carefully lower the vehicle.

Connect the negative battery cable.

Fill cooling system and check for leaks. Start the engine and allow to come to normal operating temperature. Recheck for leaks and check coolant level. Add if necessary.






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Answer 3

heater cores in general tend not to be difficult as such, but very fiddly and you might need to take the dash apart...

Answer 4

not too hard to do but its under the pass. dash so some times it helps to remove the seat so you don't have to be such a contortionist

Answer 5

I just had one replaced It cost me 400 bucks. and that was a good deal...