Heater Core Replacement
1995 - 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier
Heater Core Replacement Procedures
1995 - 2000 Chevrolet Cavalier
____________
CREDITS
| Procedure Source |
http://www.fixya.com |
Before you start removing your vehicle components, be sure you have your new heater core, heater hoses, clamps, coolant, and all other parts you will need for the job. Once you begin, you will not be able to drive the vehicle until the job is completed.
Heater Cores
We checked several auto parts stores to determine which offers the best deal on your new heater core and accessories. At the time of this posting, AutoZone generally offers the lowest price on heater cores and most of their products come with a lifetime warranty. Remember that you can buy your heater core online and have it shipped directly to your door, or you can simply pay for it online and pick it up at your local AutoZone. It saves a lot of time at the store, as your entire order should be waiting for you when you arrive at the store. We have discovered a couple of nice AutoZone promotions that will make it an even better deal if you decide to order your heater core and other parts online...
Heater Core Removal
1. Disable the SIR (airbag) system as follows:
- Point the wheels straight ahead.
- Turn the ignition switch to the LOCK position.
- Remove the AIR BAG fuse from the fuse block.
- At the base of the steering column, remove the left sound insulator.
- At the base of the steering column, disconnect the Connector Position Assurance (CPA), the yellow 2-way electrical connectors and the passenger’s side module electrical connector.
2. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
3. Raise and safely support the vehicle.
4. Drain the cooling system.
5. Detach the heater hoses from the heater core.
6. Carefully lower the vehicle
7. Remove the instrument panel by removing or disconnecting the following:
- Defroster grille
- Instrument panel end caps from both sides
- Instrument panel trim pad
- Instrument panel trim plate
- Heater/air conditioning control assembly
- Radio
- Air ventilation ducts from the heater housing
- Instrument panel light electrical connector
- Tie bar screws
- Instrument panel from the tie bar
8. If equipped, remove the Diagnostic Energy Reserve Module (DERM) with attaching brackets.
9. Remove the steering wheel by removing or disconnecting the following:
- SIR module-to-steering wheel screws
- SIR module and disconnect the electrical connector
CAUTION: Place the SIR module in a safe place with the front facing upward
10. Remove the heater core outlet screws and the outlet
11. Remove the heater core cover-to-heater case screws
NOTE The heater core mounting screw is located in the recess in the center of the heater core cover.
12. Detach the heater core cover.
13. Unfasten the heater core mounting clamps, then remove the heater core.
To install:
1. Install or connect the following:
- Heater core to the heater assembly
- Heater core clamp to the heater assembly and torque the clamp screws to 9 inch lbs. (1 Nm)
- Heater core cover and the cover-to-heater case screw and torque the screws to 9 inch lbs. (1 Nm)
- Heater core outlet and torque the screws to 9 inch lbs. (1 Nm)
- Diagnostic Energy Reserve Module (DERM) with attaching bracket, if equipped
2. Install the instrument panel by installing or connecting the following:
- Instrument panel to the tie bar
- Tie bar screws
- Instrument panel light electrical connector
- Air ventilation ducts to the heater housing
- Radio
- Heater/air conditioning control assembly
- Instrument panel trim plate
- Instrument panel trim pad
- Instrument panel end caps on both sides
- Defroster grill
- Heater hoses to the heater core
3. Install the steering wheel by installing or connecting the following:
- Steering wheel to the steering column
- Steering wheel-to-steering column nut and torque the nut to 30 ft. lbs. (41 Nm)
- Electrical connector and install the SIR module
- SIR module-to-steering wheel screws and torque the screws to 89 inch lbs. (10 Nm)
4. Refill the cooling system.
5. Connect the negative battery cable.
6. Enable the SIR system by performing the following procedure:
- Turn the ignition switch to the LOCK position.
- At the base of the steering column, connect the Connector Position Assurance (CPA), the yellow 2-way electricalconnectors and the passenger’s side module electrical connector.
- At the base of the steering column, install the left sound insulator.
- Install the AIR BAG fuse to the fuse block.
- Turn the ignition switch to the RUN position; the INFL REST warning light should flash 7–9 times then turn OFF.
7. Operate the engine to normal operating temperatures; then, check the climate control operation and check for leaks.
