How the heck do you get the heater core out? I know I'm supposed to do it from the inside, but after removing the glove box, I just don't see how I'm gonna get it out. I picked up a Haynes today. Hopefully it will help.

 

It's an all day job, you have to remove the dash.

 

I am reminded once again why I will drive my 94 into the ground. Well, the Camaro can give the Ranger a rest on occasion now. Either way, sneak behind the glove box on a 94-earlier or yank the dash off on the 95-laters? No contest.

 

well boys, it looks like i'll just go without heat. it's so frustrating already, lol. i'll keep going until 2pm, i have work at 3. i guess i'll just have to continue tomorrow.

 

I've got my dash out, with the exception of the main wire loom... Is there a way I can disconnect the loom at the firewall? (on the inside of the cab) Any help would be awesome. It's frustrating, lol.

 

The following thread involves replacing the plenum, which itself involves pulling the dash and disconnecting the heater core (among other things). It might offer you some insight:

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...hreadid=152937

 

Instrument Panel
Removal

CAUTION: Electronic modules are sensitive to static electrical charges. If exposed to these charges, damage may result.

Remove the steering column (3C529). For additional information, refer to Section 211-04 .
Remove the screws and position the parking brake release handle aside.

Disconnect the brake pedal position (BPP) switch electrical connector.

If equipped, disconnect the clutch pedal position (CPP) switch electrical connector.

Remove the RH and LH scuff plates.
Remove the eight screws.
Remove the RH and LH scuff plates.

Remove the LH and RH A-pillar lower trim panels.
Remove the pin-type retainer on the LH cowl trim panel.

Remove the LH and RH windshield side garnish mouldings.

Remove the instrument panel side finish panel.

Disconnect the battery junction box from the bracket and position it aside.

Remove the bulkhead wiring harness from inside the engine compartment.
Loosen the bolts.
Disconnect the electrical connectors.

Remove the bulkhead connector insulator.

Unclip the bulkhead electrical connectors from the dash panel.

Remove the instrument panel valance panel.
Disconnect the restraint control module (RCM) electrical connector.
Release the locking tab.
Disconnect the RCM electrical connector.

Remove the passenger side air bag module (044A74). Refer to Section 501-20B .
Disconnect the blend door actuator electrical connector.

Disconnect the climate control vacuum harness connector.

Disconnect the radio antenna cable in-line connector.

Raise and secure the glove compartment (06010).
Press the release tabs inward while raising the glove compartment.

Disconnect the electrical connectors and the ground wires on the RH cowl panel.

Remove the instrument panel defroster opening grille.

Remove the instrument panel cowl top bolts.

Remove the instrument panel brace bolt under the steering column.

Remove the RH instrument panel cowl side bolt.

Remove the LH instrument panel cowl side bolts.

Position the instrument panel away from the dash panel.
Disconnect the instrument panel to body harness.
Loosen the bolt.
Disconnect the harness.

NOTE: Two technicians are required to perform this step.

Remove the instrument panel.
If necessary, transfer the components to the new instrument panel.

 

After being armed with a little more knowledge, my resolve is renewed! Thanks, we'll have to see how it works.

 

I used to own a 87 Camaro and replaced the heater core in it and it took me 9 hours from start to finish because i had to drop the column and removed the whole dash.
My 1978 Silverado only took 3 hours to do cause i didn't have to remove the dash. It was a fight to get the heater box out though.

 

well, my new heater core's tubing was bent weird, so as i was bending them to the way they were supposed to be, and i ended up busting the seam. after a little bit of soldering, it was easy. btw, i busted the strip of wire that is in my steering wheel, now my horn doesnt work and my air bag light is on. I think I can fix the wiring. I may end up at a junk yard pilfering around for a new wire loom. everything else is great though. thanks for the info.

 

Holy smoke! Remove the whole dash? What a nightmare! What engineering idiocy! I had to replace the heater core in my old '91 Ranger twice, but it was only a half hour job.

I'm praying that I don't have to do that with my newer "04 model...

You have my sympathy,
Pat

 

Glad to hear you got it done!!!

 

hey nate --- what year is your truck and does it have cruise control???

I reciently installed cruise in my truck and i had to remove the stock clockspring which has all the wiring for the air bag and horn. If you dont have cruise the part i have is probably what you need. I'll sell it cheap, like $30 including shipping. It came out of my 2002 XLT, and it had 55,000 miles on it when removed. Let me know.
Drop me an email/PM.

 

In the thread that Rockledge had posted I had an issue with the airbag light. Basically, I forgot to reconnect the plug to the passenger airbag switch module at the bottom of the dash. Reconnected it and it worked fine.

Sounds like it is too late for you, but for others, the dash does not need to come completely out of the vehicle to get the plenum (and thus the heater core) out. You do need to almost entirely disconnect it, but you can just pull it back a foot or two and rest it on the seat or jackstands (resting on the floormats) like I detailed in the thread.

Here's the link to that thread again:
<a href="https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/archive/index.php/t-152937-Heater%20Plenum%20Replacement">Heater Plenum Replacement</a>

Good job! Hope it works out for you.