If your vehicle's heater isn't working as well as it used to, or has stopped working entirely, it may be the result of a problem with the core of it.The vehicle's coolant system includes a part called the heater core.Air is forced past the heater core and into the cabin of the vehicle to heat the engine.The amount of heat that can be transferred will be limited because of a blocked heater core.If the heater core fails to work, you may need to replace it.
Step 1: The vehicle has a heater core on it.
The engine is separated from the cabin of the vehicle by the heater core inlet and outlet pipes.Refer to the service manual for your specific vehicle if you can't locate the inlet and outlet hoses.There will be two nozzles, one for the flow of coolant in and the other for its outflow.You can find the nozzles by following the hoses.
Step 2: The hoses are connected to the Heaters.
The hoses need to be loosened with either a screw driver or wrench.If you place the container under the hoses below the car, the water and coolant will not pour from them.If you damage the hose clamps as you loosen them, you can buy a replacement at your local auto parts store.It is bad for the environment to spill coolant on the ground.
Step 3: The inlet hose should be pointed towards the container.
You will need to force air or water through the system in order to clean the heater core.The water will be expelled through the inlet hose as you do so.Anything that comes out of the hose should be placed in the container.
Step 4: An airline or water hose can be inserted into the outlet hose.
If you have an air compressor, you can use an airline to push out the remaining gunk.You can use a garden hose if you want.The airline or hose should be put in the outlet hose.You will need a water hose to flush the system, but compressed air may be harder to break.
Step 5: The line should be sealed.
If you can, try to seal the line where the hose is connected to the outlet.If you want to create a seal, you can either use duct tape or silicone.Pressure may leak back out the hose if there is a serious problem with the line.A good seal around the hose will force air or water into the system.
Step 6: Turn on the compressor.
You can turn on the air or water with the sealed airline or hose.Allow the pressure to build in the system.The container beneath the vehicle will hold the fluids from the heater inlet.The hose should be left running for a few minutes to pressurize the entire system.
Step 7: Allow the gunk to go away.
Allow the fluids to drain into the container you placed beneath the vehicle by turning off the water hose.If you are using a hose, make sure the container doesn't overflow.After you turn off the flow of air or water, the system will drain for a few minutes.
Step 8: The process should be repeated with a water hose.
If you used an airline, switch to a hose and repeat the process.The system can be filled with water and allowed to drain.If you want the container to not overflow, you may want to put it in a separate container.Before moving on, flush the system one or two times.
Step 9: Attach the inlet and outlet hoses again.
The inlet and outlet hoses should be put back on the nozzles.This will allow you to refill the system.The hoses will come off if the water pressure is not fastened.The hoses should be replaced if they are damaged or rusty.It is easy to determine which nozzle goes where because the hoses can only reach one.
Step 10: The system needs to be refill.
If you want to refill the system, open the cap and use a mix of water and coolant.It's important to use the correct type of coolant for your vehicle.After you have filled the system to capacity, screw the cap back in.You can either buy pre-mixed water or mix it yourself.The clerk at your local auto parts store can help you figure out what kind of coolant is right for your vehicle.
Step 11: Place the vehicle on the ground.
If the jack topples over, you should never jack up a vehicle on a slanted surface.Once the front of the vehicle is centralized beneath the jack, find a level surface that can support it.The best places to jack up a vehicle are black top and concrete.It's never a good idea to jack up a vehicle on grass, dirt or gravel.
Step 12: The engine should be allowed to cool down.
While the engine is warm, loosened or disconnected the heater core hoses could cause it to spray hot coolant and hurt you.Before starting this project, you should wait a few hours after the last time the engine was running.The hood of the car has your hands on it.The engine inside is very hot if it is warm.An engine can take a number of hours to cool down.
Step 13: The car is jacked up.
At one of the designated jack points, slide a trolley or scissor jack beneath the vehicle.Lift and lower the handle to jack the car up.Refer to your owner's manual for help locating the designated jack points for your vehicle.The slide jack supports the weight of the vehicle after it is jacked up.
Step 14: Place a container under the vehicle.
You will need a container on the ground to hold all of the coolant and gunk from the heater core.The container should be able to hold at least the capacity of your vehicle's coolant system.Refer to the service manual for more information.You should choose a container that can be sealed to transport the coolant to a recycling center.