Cost of Heater Core Replacement

Once you've determined that the heater core has failed, you basically have three options (replacing the vehicle is a fourth option, but we will assume that is not your preferred option and focus on the other three.)

Option 1. You can have the heater core replaced by an automotive repair shop.

At repair shops, the cost to replace the heater core will range from aound $600 to well over $1,000.  In many models, there's also a high probability that the temperature blend door and other components will also have to be replaced, and this will add to the total repair cost. If you get nervous at the thought of dismantling and reassembling a significant portion of your vehicle, and if spending as much as $1,000 or more is within your budget, then paying a reputable repair shop to replace your heater core may be your preferred option. 

Option 2. You can entice a mechanic friend to replace it in his/her free time.

Good luck on that one!    If you happen to have a good friend who is mechanically gifted and who is willing to replace your heater core for free (or even for a six-pack or two of his/her favorite beverage), then by all means go for it. (Our guess is that Option 2 will be the least chosen option.)  

Option 3. You can roll up your sleeves and replace the leaking heater core yourself. 

If your budget is a little tight in these turbulent economic times, replacing the heater core yourself might be an option worth some serious consideration. A new heater core can be purchased at most auto parts stores for well under $50 for most vehicles. This could be your only cost if you decide to replace the core yourself. On the other hand, the cost of the heater core is but a small part of the overall cost if you have it replaced at a dealer or auto repair shop. 

The greatest portion of the cost for heater core replacement is the labor involved.  Most heater cores are behind the dash and there is a lot of lot of labor in removing and installing the vehicle parts that have to be removed in order to reach the heater core itself. Replacing the heater core is fairly simple once you move everything out of the way so that you can actually get your hands on the core to remove and reinstall it.  Yes, you really can replace your own heater core with the help of the repair procedures on this site and/or the procedures on other sites that we will make available to you. (We recommend AllData DIY and Mitchel 1. 

 We won't mislead you by telling you that changing your heater core it is going to be quick and easy because it will probably take a couple of days if this is the first time you have replaced a heater core. Subsequent replacements will go much more quickly.  Many experienced mechanics can replace a heater core in under 4 hours! This probably won't be the case on your first core replacement.