'04 GT Heater core

[sybardave]

Newbie question for a job not fit for newbies.
I have an '04 GP, 3.8L 110k - heater core leak. I've read a number of forums and instructions on how to get at the heater core. I'm working my way into the heater core, and it looks like there is no way to heater box except by pulling the entire dash, contrary to all i have seen. Am I right on this? The glove box does not open to boot, making removing some of the trim impossible. Any suggestions much appreciated. I've pulled the lower and center consoles and left (US) trim.

Cheers,
dave

[olopezm]

Hello Dave,

welcome to the forum!

HEATER CORE REPLACEMENT

Tools Required J 38185 Hose Clamp Pliers Removal Procedure

1. Drain the coolant. Refer to Draining and Filling Cooling System in Engine Cooling.
2. UseJ 38185 in order to position aside the heater hose inlet and outlet clamps at the heater core.
3. Disconnect the inlet and outlet heater hose from the heater core.
4. Remove the RH Instrument Panel Closeout/Insulator panel.
5. Remove the LH Instrument Panel Closeout/Insulator panel.
6. Remove the floor carpet. Refer to Carpet Replacement - Front in Interior Trim.
7. Remove the rear floor air outlet duct from the holes in the floor reinforcement.
8. Disconnect the rear floor air outlet duct from the heater core outlet cover.
9. Remove the rear floor air outlet duct.
10. Remove the heater core outlet cover screws (2).
11. Remove the heater core outlet cover heat stakes (1) with a small chisel.
12. Remove the heater core outlet cover from the HVAC module assembly.
13. Remove the heater core cover screws (2).
14. Remove the heater core cover heat stakes (1) with a small chisel.
15. Remove the heater core cover from the HVAC module assembly.
16. Remove the heater core from the HVAC module assembly.
17. or Remove the heater core foam seal (1) from the HVAC module assembly.

Best regards,

Oscar.

[sybardave]

Hi Oscar,

thanks! I have read this as well. Unfortunately after pulling the consoles, and the trim i get to a point where i can see the heater box behind some bracing. It looks like the bracing is in the way of the heater box, and the bracing is part of the dash. Unless you get at it from underneath? I spoke to someone who was a GM mechanic a while ago and he suspects the dash has to be pulled and the AC drained to do it right. I was hoping for a work around, outside of bypassing the core:-)

I'm going to try to get at the glove box tonight and get it open so i can pull the rest of the RH trim. This is likely to wind up at my local mechanics tomorrow or Friday. I will post what I find out.

Thanks again.

Dave