Have you ever had a "heater core" go bad on you?

Question

If yes, how did you know it was the heater core? Was the fix expensive? My Ford (1996) Ranger is leaking coolant and my AC reeks of sweet coolant smell.

Answer 1

the smell of coolant is a definite sign of heater core leak
I Dont remember how much it cost me to get my 1980 Grand Prix fixed around 10 years ago

Answer 2

If it is your heater core, you are lucky you have a Ranger. It is one of the easier ones to change... You have to remove the glove box liner to get to the screws ( about 8 or 10 of them) that hold the heater core cover on. Once the cover is off the only thing holding the core in is the heater hoses.. I siphon some coolant out of the radiator so the coolant level is lower than the hoses. (Its easier than trying to catch the coolant in a bucket when you open the drain) The core should be less than $20 at an auto parts store and some come with a lifetime warranty...Good Luck...

Answer 3

The heater core is a small radiator that circulates engine coolant and provides warm air via a fan. On some cars it is fairly easy to replace. Check the hoses going to and from the core first, then start a teardown. The last one I replaced took about 45 minutes.

Answer 4

Yeah, most likely the heater core. Put your heater on and if cold air comes thru, along with coolant/coolant smell,that's probalbly what it is . Expensive to fix.
Many heater cores go becasue people sit it their cars in the summertime with the a/c on, but not driving- justparked...very hard onthe engine.

Answer 5

Signs of a bad heater core: 1) Yes, that sweet coolant smell. 2) Carpet wet on the passenger side. 3) Windows steam up.
It cost me $800.00+ to have the core replaced in my mercury cougar....They had to remove the dash to access it.
Call a shop, & ask them...They will tell you how much.

Answer 6

Mine exploded all over the interior of my car, it got all over the windshield and made a huge mess. I can't be to sure for your problem, but it could be your heater core. If plausible, bypass it and see if the smell goes away, or check for leaks under your car. Check your hoses first, then move on up.

Answer 7

my heater core went bad ,,I had coolant dripping out of my heater box and onto the carpet.
as far as price goes everythings different and depending on how long it takes to remove it is $$$$ to.

Answer 8

Check the carpet under the dash on the passenger side of the truck . If wet you will need a new one . Not to sure of the repair price , around $200 maybe.