Thank you for this video. Just finished my 05 TJ, this video saved me a ton of aggravation I’m sure. Best instruction video for heater core replacement. Thanks again!!
I can't thank you enough for such a fantastic video. After watching you go through this step-by-step, I had no doubt that I'd be able to handle this. I went slow and took my time. Some of those connectors are little buggers to get undone, and getting the box back together took some doing. I wasn't trying to beat the clock on this and gave myself two days to do it. Five hours the first day and four the second. Started right up, puts out great heat, and me and my pocketbook couldn't be happier!! Thank you, thank you, thank you!! SO glad I found your video!!
Hello Kevin! I was quoted 1650.00 at my repair shop and that led me to your TH-cam site. Nervous as can be, I ordered the part and followed you step by step. The actual work was fairly straight forward with the electrical connectors around the steering column giving me the most difficulty when re-assembling. It took me a day plus a couple hours the next day, and if I had to do it again, I could now do the same replacement in about 5 hours lol. Knowledge is power! I ended up needing to replace both door light switches as it was only me doing the work, and the console broke both door switches as I pulled it out and down. The little plastic frame that holds the shifter boot around the shifter needed replacing as I broke that pulling it out too! Over all, 68.00 for the heater core, 12.00 in door light switches and I think the plastic frame for the boot cover was 6.00. So, for less than 100 dollars and a day sweating in the garage, I got it done. For anyone out there in the same situation, I'm no mechanic and all you need for this job are basic sockets (a deep socket for the steering column if I remember correctly) and a Torx set. Be patient, take your time, and you'll learn a whole bunch about how the jeep is put together and at the same time, get an immense amount of satisfaction of doing the job yourself. I can't say thank you enough for your post Kevin. So incredibly helpful! Have a good day sir. -Dan
My quote was a guesstimate only at $1100 and the service writer drooling. My state, Nevada, has terrible consumer protection laws so written estimates do not count as a real, exact quote. Also with the china virus lock down and mandatory masks I am certain the cost would be much more as the guesstimate was late last year (before i decided to do it myself). The dealer set off my bs detectors when he said that they normally just toss the old parts rather than give them back to the customer....
Kevin, what a wonderfully helpful video. You went to a lot of trouble to self-film this, and it is most appreciated. I’m watching this seven years after you posted it, because my heater core just started leaking. I have a 2002 Wrangler just like yours, so your instruction was spot-on! My Wrangler has 200K on it, so I will go ahead and replace it too.
Awesome video! I searched TH-cam for video's on how to replace the heater core on my 2001 TJ and this video was by far the best one out there. Followed your directions and guidelines and was able to complete the heater core, AC evaporator, and AC accumulator repair in 7 hours with help from a friend. The instructions were spot on with the only difference being that the heater core box on my 2001 TJ was slightly different than the heater core box on your 2002 in the video. Easy to figure out. Bought the heater core, AC evaporator & accumulator, and heater core hoses at NAPA for $250 total after my AAA discount. If I had to do this job again on a TJ, I'm sure I could get it done within 5 hours. Thanks for help!
Great work. Thanks a million. I was able to tackle this job with no problems thanks to this vid. Wish I could buy you a beer. The one thing I will add for anyone else digging into this job, I was able to get the HVAC box out of the Jeep with the steering column in place. Cover the plastic on top of the column with painters tape if you don't want to scratch it up, and remove the bezels around the instruments and stereo to keep them out of harms way. Move your shifter back (1st gear in the autos, 4th gear in the manual) Follow all of Kev's other steps to release the dash, but then just pull it back toward the back the of the Jeep on the passenger side. I secured mine out of the way with a ratchet strap from the Oh Sh*t bar on the passenger side to the top of the roll bar. Then was able to juuuust wrestle the HVAC out. Watch the tubes from the heater and a/c cores so that you don't scratch the door frames. (I took the doors off for the job) Thanks again, buddy.
Thank you for the ideas that i used when I did mine recently. I had a lot leaves which entered via the grill by the windshield wipers. There is a portion of the grill which will allow leaves to enter. What a mess that was.
Great video ... just did the job following the video, took 4.5 hrs in total ... heat works GREAT now .... one hint, make sure the steering is locked before u pull the column to avoid possible clock spring damage ...
As everyone else on here has said, Best heater core video on TH-cam, Period! You caught every detail including the one last screw on the inside still holding the heater in. None of the others could compare to your video. Thank You so much!
Very good video and easy to follow and watch. Perhaps an additional thought as long as you have torn half the vehicle apart is that for about $40.00 and shipping, replace the A/C evaporator while your in there. For sure as the sun comes up the darn thing will spring a leak or the metering valve will take a dump next month, during August, during a heat wave... with humidity...
Thank you for this video! To be honest out of all the videos I've looked at this is the best one that shows it step by step and your video shows it clearly. Thanks!
This is one of the most well done how to videos of any kind and I have seen a lot of them. I can only imagine that the three dislikes were from professional mechanics worried about losing business. Going to tackle mine in the morning with everything on hand. I am going to go ahead and replace the accumulator/ dryer since the ac refrigerant system has to be opened. Only another $30.00 or so to do this extra step and the new one is nitrogen filled to keep it moisture free until it is time to reconnect. I was also able to figure every single special tool and part that i needed to buy due to this video at very reasonable prices.
Nice thing about new dryer and evaporator core is new 'o' rings. I heard his vacuum pump running in the background so it looks like he also recharged his system himself. Fortunately I have the factory manual (print and pdf) for the pressures and other details to recharge the system.
Hello Kevin, I am getting ready to help my neighbor replace his core on a 1999 T J and am very thankful to have found your very thorough tutorial here! Your calm manner while unplugging everything and running the camera was very refreshing. Thanks again. Keep up the good work!
Kevin - this was so helpful. I saved myself over $1,000 by doing this myself. Never would have attempted it without this video. Took me 9 hours to complete, but never once felt frustrated or wondering what to do next. Best Wrangler video out there!
Wow, now this is information that I can use. Thank you for taking the time to go into depth and detail of how to turn a daunting task into a doable situation. Great video.
Just finished my 05. I followed you step-by-step and it was easy! It took me about 7 hours. Thanks for making this video. It's the best one on youtube for this. And you helped save me a ton of money. THANKS!
Thank you for your attention to detail. I have replaced a heater core in a Silverado before so I appreciate the undertaking. This is the best video of it's kind I have ever watched. What a great help. THANK YOU! A trick to add is to use Ziploc bags for your screw/nut hardware for each area, it just helps amateurs like me on projects of this size.
Thanks Kevin for making in sharing this video. Taking my son's dash apart to repaint an old 98 Wranglerfigured while I was in there I would put in the evaporator core and just go ahead and replace the heater core in replacing clean it while I've already got the dash apart.I know it's going to be a lot of work but I'm feeling a lot better about it since I've watched your video.
This is one of the best how-to videos I've seen...and I've watched a lot! Thank you for taking the trouble to go point to point on the dis-assembly. Very helpful. Cheers!
ok, you made it look easy, 3 hours? that will translate to 9 for me with running back n fourth to pause and play the video. being I just got the jeep, may do the bypass till fall. please dont remove this vid, without a doubt its probably the best one and I'll need it in a few months,lol. I'm sure a lot of us appreciate you doing this vid.
Thank you so much! Not sure what a garage would have charged me to do this but I’m sure it wouldn’t have been cheap. So great that you shared this for the DIY folks who aren’t afraid to give it a whirl. Replaced almost everything in the box while I had it out because I surely don’t want to do it again. My advise to anyone attempting this is to take a lot of pictures of the electrical connections and how they are run This helped tremendously when going back together. Thanks again!!
Thank you. I replaced my heater core in my 2006 TJ yesterday and your video was a tremendous help. It takes a long time to make a video like this and it is greatly appreciated. My 2006 had a couple differences that I thought someone might find helpful to know about. Mine doesn't use the black 8 or 10 pin connector on the ignition side of the steering column (at 4:18). In the place you had 3 separate plugs into a single box on the left side of the steering column, I had a single much bigger plug (at 9:10). This plug had a handle that rotated to push the plug apart / secure it tightly together. There is a safety to keep the handle from rotating that you squeeze to release the handle. But even with it rotated to the position to pull it apart, it was still tough to separate and there may have been another safety that I didn't see. I took out the console (mine is just 4 screws and a pop-in trim around the shifter so why not) and I took out the driver side seat (4 bolts.) This was the first time pulling out my steering column and dash and having the seat and console out of the way was well worth the time. Mine does not have an ash tray and there weren't any screws along the bottom of the dash. It was a challenge getting the top and bottom of heater box all lined up with the 2 vertical plenum doors all hitting their holes in the top cover. It was binding up until I removed everything so that the top cover was completely free. It was also a challenge getting the 5 bolts (2 right behind the engine, 2 that the AC dryer /condenser bracket mount to and the 1 behind the battery under the PCM) lined up to go through the firewall. It was as if they all 5 had to go through the firewall at the same time because when I got 1 through and put a nut on the very end just to keep it from popping back out, the others were at too much of an angle to go through and would bind up. I had the steering column all reattached and realized I hadn't routed the wiring harness correctly and had to pop it back out. It took me a lot more than 3 hours.
One of the best "how to" videos on the Tube. Thanks for being thorough but not wasting our time with the redundant yak that is so often the case with other contributors. You probably saved me $300 in mistakes. Thank you!!!
GREAT video. Just completed installing the heater core this weekend thanks to your video and the help of my son (who will eventually get this 04 jeep to start driving in). Only thing that I would add to this video would be to let people know that when disconnecting the wiring in the steering wheel, the long cable that fits into the ignition switch (has a yellow tab that sticks out through the metal housing) make sure to have the keys handy so that you can turn the ignition to the "ON" position so that you can depress the gear shifter (on automatic transmissions) which will allow the cable to easily disconnect to remove. This video gave me the confidence to tackle this time intensive (first time to ever do anything like this - 2 days - 15 hours total to do this), saved me $1200.
Great video. I was really dreading changing my heater core, but this video was spot on. Every bolt, wire connector etc. Thanks for taking the time to explain everything in such detail.
Hey bill I'm thinking I might have to do mine, just wondering if you ever noticed that the radiator was full but the reservoir was empty? I get like warm air coming out and when I add antifreeze to the reservoir it mysteriously disappears after a while..
Great video, I’m going to do mine this weekend but I’m going to replace the a/c evaporator core and heater hoses also, I’d hate to have to go back in to replace the a/c evaporator 6 months down the road or so. Yesterday I flushed the radiator with distilled water and replaced the radiator hoses, radiator cap, and thermostat when I get done I’ll then fill it with antifreeze and then get the a/c charged back up.
Good job on the video. I did manage to get the AC evaporator/heater core box out without removing the center console. I just unbolted the center defrost vent on the passenger’s side and tilted it up and pulled the box up and over the console.
Update: The Brassworks heater core does not put out nearly as much heat as the OEM type. It is now November 2022. Excellent video, thank you. I am currently disassembling my '03 Rubicon to replace the heater core. I will replace the A/C evaporator coil and metering rod. Also fan, fan resistor, vacuum actuator and other parts as there is 97k miles on the vehicle. Might as well replace parts that may be difficult to get to later. Unfortunately most of the parts are chinese made. Old age and osteoarthritis will make taking the electrical plugs apart a challenge so lots of aspirin. The biggest challenge for me will be the two nuts behind the engine. Again, yours is the best video I have watched so far.
'03 Rubicon is finished. Did not need to completely remove dash. Pulled it up and out using straps after i covered the steering column flasher switch with foam and tape. Did not remove steering column. Was careful of switch stalks on steering column. Removed and cleaned under intake vent screen and then blocked off where leaves were getting in. Removed rubber drain 'valve' behind engine as it was filled with dirt and hard so that water and dirt could not drain. Replaced accumulator and filled with 4 oz of oil per factory manual. Replaced hater core and evaporator. Cleaned out all dirt and leaves from blower fan and evaporator. Replaced blower fan motor and resistor block. Replaced vacuum switch. Recharge A/C per specs in jeep pdf manual. Also removed gauge cluster to protect it. Life is good.
2 years and the APDI heater core is now leaking. 1 year warranty. Now installing a Brassworks heater core and also installing an OEM Mopar evaporator so hopefully I never have to do this again. Also there will be a coolant shutoff valve in the engine compartment.
Thank you so much for the video. I got everything I needed and replaced the core no problem. 6 hours later but it went flawlessly thanks to this. Just need to get my AC recharged and I’m back on the road.
Procrastinated all week. I am not even driving the jeep at this point because of dangers of radiator fluid all over the cab and topping it off only makes things worse. People are correct your video is very informative. Today is the day (Saturday).. a friend and I are going to tackle this project .. he is Handy and I'd like to think that I am a little handy also.. and I've done extreme homework. You have given me the confidence and the step by step on how to do it!.. sadly my only worry is now that certain things he may not want to do certain things that you've done in the video that are I need to do. I am looking forward to this challenge wish us luck!
Hey man!! I love in Franklin NC, bout 45 min from Asheville. I'm about to replace the heater core in my 03 Tj. I think ur video is probably the best tool for the job. I have watched it once and I feel that I'm ready to get this done. Thanks again and I look forward to future videos.
I know this is an older video, but thank you so much. It was still a pain but the video helped a lot. I have a 2005 so wiring was different but the mechanical was all the same. Thanks a lot!
Good video, I would recommend replacing the Air Conditioner evaporator coil as well. Even if it’s not leaking, they get pitted and eventually corrosion will cause leaks. You did all the hardwork already and a new coil is only about $75, it’s worth changing it out.
wow...great video. I don't have to replace the heater core on my jeep yet, but rest assured, after watching your vid I will take it to a qualified garage. Someone who knows what he is doing, not some back yard mechanic like me.
My local Jeep dealer service writer was drooling and guesstimating $1100+ for mine. Parts was about $200 and at age 72 I have a lot of time to earn $900 for my labor plus I do not take shortcuts to beat the flat rate book prices. All rusty parts will be primed and painted just because...I have had this Jeep since new and ordered it from the factory.
Man you really did great work with one hand and you video all that with other one 👍 that's awesome control God bless you... Very helpful video thank you so much.
I appreciate this a lot! Best one I could find. Mine is a '99. I had to rotate my steering wheel until it locked otherwise the bolt to take the steering column out was on top. I also had other disconnects behind the glove box.
Great video! Thanks, helped me a lot. I was able to replace heater core, just finished it yesterday, total about 8 hours in two days, but at the end - $1K mechanic asked, feels more and more reasonable, not sure if I want to do it again :-)
This has to be one of the most detailed videos I have seen of this process. I will definitely be referring back to this quite often. Quick question. Did you have to do anything with the AC system before you took the lines apart at the firewall?
This video was very helpful. I viewed your video several times before tackling this task, and several times during the job itself. Thank you very much. You saved me a ton of $$$ and it gave me the satisfaction of doing it myself and doing it right. My 1999 TJ does not have AC, so it was a bit easier. Again, thank you very much for taking the time to make this video. It was great. BTW, my brother in law helped me a lot, it is just a lot easier with two people, plus an extra set of eyes is always good to have.
Great video, very informative, working on my 2000 wrangler right now but had a 2 inch by 3 inch piece fall out, no idea if it belongs inside or outside the box doesn't look movable can't move forward until I know where it goes looks like some kind of cover
Kevin thank you so much for taking the time out to post this on youtube. It will definitely come in handy the next week or so. Were all the bolts metric or were there some American in there as well just want to make sure I have all the tools before I get started
+Dale Brown all the bolts are metric. You will need 8mm - 15mm. You will also need a T30 torx. Good Luck. Let me know if you have any questions when you start working on it..
Had the same problem - core is full of scale and will have to replace. I used his video and replaced mine. I'm not a mechanic and never done it before - it was straightforward - much easier and fast than I thought it would be. Great to have heat again.
What do you mean when you said not to rotate the steering wheel while the steering column is out? Should i pull out the steering column and set the steering wheel down keeping the top of the wheel in the same position?
Got everything back together EXCEPT reconnecting the steering column to the shaft. I can’t get it to slide all the way in (giggity). Am I missing something??
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This 7 year old video is just what I needed for my 99 TJ I just bought. Thanks.
Thank you for this video. Just finished my 05 TJ, this video saved me a ton of aggravation I’m sure. Best instruction video for heater core replacement. Thanks again!!
Best video I've watched on replacing the heater core. Thanks for being so detailed.
I can't thank you enough for such a fantastic video. After watching you go through this step-by-step, I had no doubt that I'd be able to handle this. I went slow and took my time. Some of those connectors are little buggers to get undone, and getting the box back together took some doing. I wasn't trying to beat the clock on this and gave myself two days to do it. Five hours the first day and four the second. Started right up, puts out great heat, and me and my pocketbook couldn't be happier!! Thank you, thank you, thank you!! SO glad I found your video!!
Hello Kevin! I was quoted 1650.00 at my repair shop and that led me to your TH-cam site. Nervous as can be, I ordered the part and followed you step by step. The actual work was fairly straight forward with the electrical connectors around the steering column giving me the most difficulty when re-assembling. It took me a day plus a couple hours the next day, and if I had to do it again, I could now do the same replacement in about 5 hours lol. Knowledge is power!
I ended up needing to replace both door light switches as it was only me doing the work, and the console broke both door switches as I pulled it out and down. The little plastic frame that holds the shifter boot around the shifter needed replacing as I broke that pulling it out too!
Over all, 68.00 for the heater core, 12.00 in door light switches and I think the plastic frame for the boot cover was 6.00. So, for less than 100 dollars and a day sweating in the garage, I got it done.
For anyone out there in the same situation, I'm no mechanic and all you need for this job are basic sockets (a deep socket for the steering column if I remember correctly) and a Torx set. Be patient, take your time, and you'll learn a whole bunch about how the jeep is put together and at the same time, get an immense amount of satisfaction of doing the job yourself.
I can't say thank you enough for your post Kevin. So incredibly helpful! Have a good day sir.
-Dan
My quote was a guesstimate only at $1100 and the service writer drooling. My state, Nevada, has terrible consumer protection laws so written estimates do not count as a real, exact quote. Also with the china virus lock down and mandatory masks I am certain the cost would be much more as the guesstimate was late last year (before i decided to do it myself). The dealer set off my bs detectors when he said that they normally just toss the old parts rather than give them back to the customer....
JeepTJ2000 did you notice if your radiator was always full but the reservoir was always empty?
Kevin, what a wonderfully helpful video. You went to a lot of trouble to self-film this, and it is most appreciated. I’m watching this seven years after you posted it, because my heater core just started leaking. I have a 2002 Wrangler just like yours, so your instruction was spot-on! My Wrangler has 200K on it, so I will go ahead and replace it too.
Awesome video! I searched TH-cam for video's on how to replace the heater core on my 2001 TJ and this video was by far the best one out there. Followed your directions and guidelines and was able to complete the heater core, AC evaporator, and AC accumulator repair in 7 hours with help from a friend. The instructions were spot on with the only difference being that the heater core box on my 2001 TJ was slightly different than the heater core box on your 2002 in the video. Easy to figure out. Bought the heater core, AC evaporator & accumulator, and heater core hoses at NAPA for $250 total after my AAA discount. If I had to do this job again on a TJ, I'm sure I could get it done within 5 hours. Thanks for help!
Great work. Thanks a million. I was able to tackle this job with no problems thanks to this vid. Wish I could buy you a beer. The one thing I will add for anyone else digging into this job, I was able to get the HVAC box out of the Jeep with the steering column in place. Cover the plastic on top of the column with painters tape if you don't want to scratch it up, and remove the bezels around the instruments and stereo to keep them out of harms way. Move your shifter back (1st gear in the autos, 4th gear in the manual) Follow all of Kev's other steps to release the dash, but then just pull it back toward the back the of the Jeep on the passenger side. I secured mine out of the way with a ratchet strap from the Oh Sh*t bar on the passenger side to the top of the roll bar. Then was able to juuuust wrestle the HVAC out. Watch the tubes from the heater and a/c cores so that you don't scratch the door frames. (I took the doors off for the job) Thanks again, buddy.
You may have saved me some work. I will certainly look into following what you did. Thank you for helping out a fellow mechanic.
Thank you for the ideas that i used when I did mine recently. I had a lot leaves which entered via the grill by the windshield wipers. There is a portion of the grill which will allow leaves to enter. What a mess that was.
Great video ... just did the job following the video, took 4.5 hrs in total ... heat works GREAT now .... one hint, make sure the steering is locked before u pull the column to avoid possible clock spring damage ...
I've watched a dozen videos on this and this is the best . Thanks
Well Kevin here I am again 4 years later finally replacing evap and HC, your video leads the way in all I have seen, Thanks,
As everyone else on here has said, Best heater core video on TH-cam, Period! You caught every detail including the one last screw on the inside still holding the heater in. None of the others could compare to your video. Thank You so much!
Very good video and easy to follow and watch. Perhaps an additional thought as long as you have torn half the vehicle apart is that for about $40.00 and shipping, replace the A/C evaporator while your in there. For sure as the sun comes up the darn thing will spring a leak or the metering valve will take a dump next month, during August, during a heat wave... with humidity...
Thank you for this video! To be honest out of all the videos I've looked at this is the best one that shows it step by step and your video shows it clearly. Thanks!
Your Welcome
Thanks for your generosity.
This is one of the most well done how to videos of any kind and I have seen a lot of them. I can only imagine that the three dislikes were from professional mechanics worried about losing business. Going to tackle mine in the morning with everything on hand. I am going to go ahead and replace the accumulator/ dryer since the ac refrigerant system has to be opened. Only another $30.00 or so to do this extra step and the new one is nitrogen filled to keep it moisture free until it is time to reconnect. I was also able to figure every single special tool and part that i needed to buy due to this video at very reasonable prices.
Nice thing about new dryer and evaporator core is new 'o' rings. I heard his vacuum pump running in the background so it looks like he also recharged his system himself. Fortunately I have the factory manual (print and pdf) for the pressures and other details to recharge the system.
"Took me about 3 hours" and that's just using one hand! This is going to take me 5x that, I'm sure.
Great video, Kevin!
Wish me luck.
Awesome video. It was a breeze to change out the heater core on 03 Rubicon following your instructions. Thanks!
This is the best and most detailed video on youtube regarding this repair. Thanks for your effort in posting this.
Hello Kevin, I am getting ready to help my neighbor replace his core on a 1999 T J and am very thankful to have found your very thorough tutorial here! Your calm manner while unplugging everything and running the camera was very refreshing. Thanks again. Keep up the good work!
Thanks
thanks for Educational job of replacing the heater core.. I did just get mine out of a 2005 without pulling steering column.
Kevin - this was so helpful. I saved myself over $1,000 by doing this myself. Never would have attempted it without this video. Took me 9 hours to complete, but never once felt frustrated or wondering what to do next. Best Wrangler video out there!
Thanks glad i could help..
Doing mine this weekend & have been looking for the right video to show me the way. Thanks.
Wow, now this is information that I can use.
Thank you for taking the time to go into depth and detail of how to turn a daunting task into a doable situation.
Great video.
Just finished my 05. I followed you step-by-step and it was easy! It took me about 7 hours. Thanks for making this video. It's the best one on youtube for this. And you helped save me a ton of money. THANKS!
As many others have said, THANK YOU for making this video. It is absolutely THE BEST Jeep TJ heater core replacement video on TH-cam.
Thank you for your attention to detail. I have replaced a heater core in a Silverado before so I appreciate the undertaking. This is the best video of it's kind I have ever watched. What a great help. THANK YOU! A trick to add is to use Ziploc bags for your screw/nut hardware for each area, it just helps amateurs like me on projects of this size.
Thanks Kevin for making in sharing this video. Taking my son's dash apart to repaint an old 98 Wranglerfigured while I was in there I would put in the evaporator core and just go ahead and replace the heater core in replacing clean it while I've already got the dash apart.I know it's going to be a lot of work but I'm feeling a lot better about it since I've watched your video.
This is one of the best how-to videos I've seen...and I've watched a lot! Thank you for taking the trouble to go point to point on the dis-assembly. Very helpful. Cheers!
ok, you made it look easy, 3 hours? that will translate to 9 for me with running back n fourth to pause and play the video. being I just got the jeep, may do the bypass till fall. please dont remove this vid, without a doubt its probably the best one and I'll need it in a few months,lol. I'm sure a lot of us appreciate you doing this vid.
It will be here when you need it. Thanks, Good luck
Thank you so much! Not sure what a garage would have charged me to do this but I’m sure it wouldn’t have been cheap. So great that you shared this for the DIY folks who aren’t afraid to give it a whirl. Replaced almost everything in the box while I had it out because I surely don’t want to do it again. My advise to anyone attempting this is to take a lot of pictures of the electrical connections and how they are run This helped tremendously when going back together. Thanks again!!
Thanks for the detailed video. Did my 2000 in about six hours today thanks to your video. Good Job.
Thank you. I replaced my heater core in my 2006 TJ yesterday and your video was a tremendous help. It takes a long time to make a video like this and it is greatly appreciated.
My 2006 had a couple differences that I thought someone might find helpful to know about. Mine doesn't use the black 8 or 10 pin connector on the ignition side of the steering column (at 4:18). In the place you had 3 separate plugs into a single box on the left side of the steering column, I had a single much bigger plug (at 9:10). This plug had a handle that rotated to push the plug apart / secure it tightly together. There is a safety to keep the handle from rotating that you squeeze to release the handle. But even with it rotated to the position to pull it apart, it was still tough to separate and there may have been another safety that I didn't see.
I took out the console (mine is just 4 screws and a pop-in trim around the shifter so why not) and I took out the driver side seat (4 bolts.) This was the first time pulling out my steering column and dash and having the seat and console out of the way was well worth the time.
Mine does not have an ash tray and there weren't any screws along the bottom of the dash.
It was a challenge getting the top and bottom of heater box all lined up with the 2 vertical plenum doors all hitting their holes in the top cover. It was binding up until I removed everything so that the top cover was completely free.
It was also a challenge getting the 5 bolts (2 right behind the engine, 2 that the AC dryer /condenser bracket mount to and the 1 behind the battery under the PCM) lined up to go through the firewall. It was as if they all 5 had to go through the firewall at the same time because when I got 1 through and put a nut on the very end just to keep it from popping back out, the others were at too much of an angle to go through and would bind up.
I had the steering column all reattached and realized I hadn't routed the wiring harness correctly and had to pop it back out. It took me a lot more than 3 hours.
One of the best "how to" videos on the Tube. Thanks for being thorough but not wasting our time with the redundant yak that is so often the case with other contributors. You probably saved me $300 in mistakes. Thank you!!!
Excellent video with lots of detail. Will save me a lot time and guessing what comes next.
Great video, had it running while doing the work on my 03 TJ. Took me about 7 hours, working casually. Thanks for making this!
GREAT video. Just completed installing the heater core this weekend thanks to your video and the help of my son (who will eventually get this 04 jeep to start driving in).
Only thing that I would add to this video would be to let people know that when disconnecting the wiring in the steering wheel, the long cable that fits into the ignition switch (has a yellow tab that sticks out through the metal housing) make sure to have the keys handy so that you can turn the ignition to the "ON" position so that you can depress the gear shifter (on automatic transmissions) which will allow the cable to easily disconnect to remove.
This video gave me the confidence to tackle this time intensive (first time to ever do anything like this - 2 days - 15 hours total to do this), saved me $1200.
+Bill Tebbe i am glad it helped you out.
Excellent how-to! Thanks for posting this in such detail. I just noticed the dreaded drip in my 03. This video is going to help me a ton.
Great video. I was really dreading changing my heater core, but this video was spot on. Every bolt, wire connector etc. Thanks for taking the time to explain everything in such detail.
Hey bill I'm thinking I might have to do mine, just wondering if you ever noticed that the radiator was full but the reservoir was empty? I get like warm air coming out and when I add antifreeze to the reservoir it mysteriously disappears after a while..
Replaced my 2005 Tj Unlimited heater core and radiator today. Thanks, perfect step by step video!!!!!!!!!!!
Great video ! Watched it 3 times to get up enough nerve to tackle this job !! Great detail ......Thanks .......
Great video, I’m going to do mine this weekend but I’m going to replace the a/c evaporator core and heater hoses also, I’d hate to have to go back in to replace the a/c evaporator 6 months down the road or so. Yesterday I flushed the radiator with distilled water and replaced the radiator hoses, radiator cap, and thermostat when I get done I’ll then fill it with antifreeze and then get the a/c charged back up.
Great Video Kevin! Straight to the point and no BS. Thanks!
Good job on the video. I did manage to get the AC evaporator/heater core box out without removing the center console. I just unbolted the center defrost vent on the passenger’s side and tilted it up and pulled the box up and over the console.
Update: The Brassworks heater core does not put out nearly as much heat as the OEM type. It is now November 2022. Excellent video, thank you. I am currently disassembling my '03 Rubicon to replace the heater core. I will replace the A/C evaporator coil and metering rod. Also fan, fan resistor, vacuum actuator and other parts as there is 97k miles on the vehicle. Might as well replace parts that may be difficult to get to later. Unfortunately most of the parts are chinese made. Old age and osteoarthritis will make taking the electrical plugs apart a challenge so lots of aspirin. The biggest challenge for me will be the two nuts behind the engine. Again, yours is the best video I have watched so far.
'03 Rubicon is finished. Did not need to completely remove dash. Pulled it up and out using straps after i covered the steering column flasher switch with foam and tape. Did not remove steering column. Was careful of switch stalks on steering column. Removed and cleaned under intake vent screen and then blocked off where leaves were getting in. Removed rubber drain 'valve' behind engine as it was filled with dirt and hard so that water and dirt could not drain. Replaced accumulator and filled with 4 oz of oil per factory manual. Replaced hater core and evaporator. Cleaned out all dirt and leaves from blower fan and evaporator. Replaced blower fan motor and resistor block. Replaced vacuum switch. Recharge A/C per specs in jeep pdf manual. Also removed gauge cluster to protect it. Life is good.
2 years and the APDI heater core is now leaking. 1 year warranty. Now installing a Brassworks heater core and also installing an OEM Mopar evaporator so hopefully I never have to do this again. Also there will be a coolant shutoff valve in the engine compartment.
It is now November 2022 and the Brassworks heater core is not putting out enough heat.
Thank you so much for the video. I got everything I needed and replaced the core no problem. 6 hours later but it went flawlessly thanks to this. Just need to get my AC recharged and I’m back on the road.
Procrastinated all week. I am not even driving the jeep at this point because of dangers of radiator fluid all over the cab and topping it off only makes things worse. People are correct your video is very informative. Today is the day (Saturday).. a friend and I are going to tackle this project .. he is Handy and I'd like to think that I am a little handy also.. and I've done extreme homework. You have given me the confidence and the step by step on how to do it!.. sadly my only worry is now that certain things he may not want to do certain things that you've done in the video that are I need to do. I am looking forward to this challenge wish us luck!
Ryan Thibodeau so how did it go? Lol
Hey man!! I love in Franklin NC, bout 45 min from Asheville. I'm about to replace the heater core in my 03 Tj. I think ur video is probably the best tool for the job. I have watched it once and I feel that I'm ready to get this done. Thanks again and I look forward to future videos.
+Nickajack great glad you like it. Let me know if you have any further question. You can email me direct at greatdanerecovery@yahoo.com
I know this is an older video, but thank you so much. It was still a pain but the video helped a lot. I have a 2005 so wiring was different but the mechanical was all the same. Thanks a lot!
Glad i could help.
Wonderful detail. Thank you.
Best one arm mechanic ever! 😎
Good video, I would recommend replacing the Air Conditioner evaporator coil as well. Even if it’s not leaking, they get pitted and eventually corrosion will cause leaks. You did all the hardwork already and a new coil is only about $75, it’s worth changing it out.
awesome video thanks for posting. taking the time to point to every bolt and screw helped a lot. took me about 6 hours but had no problems at all.
wow...great video. I don't have to replace the heater core on my jeep yet, but rest assured, after watching your vid I will take it to a qualified garage. Someone who knows what he is doing, not some back yard mechanic like me.
My local Jeep dealer service writer was drooling and guesstimating $1100+ for mine. Parts was about $200 and at age 72 I have a lot of time to earn $900 for my labor plus I do not take shortcuts to beat the flat rate book prices. All rusty parts will be primed and painted just because...I have had this Jeep since new and ordered it from the factory.
Kevin, Awesome instructional video. VERY, VERY helpful. Thanks my man!
You welcome. Glad I could help.
Man you really did great work with one hand and you video all that with other one 👍 that's awesome control God bless you... Very helpful video thank you so much.
Thank you so much for your great video, it made this project so much easier and less frustrating. Great job on every piece of the video.
Patient and methodical - great job and a great service. Thanks!
Video was very helpful, made things go very smoothly, thank you so much for posting this video
This is going to Suck lol. Thanks for the how to vid. This is going to be really helpful.
I appreciate this a lot! Best one I could find. Mine is a '99. I had to rotate my steering wheel until it locked otherwise the bolt to take the steering column out was on top. I also had other disconnects behind the glove box.
Glad I could help.
Great video! Thanks, helped me a lot.
I was able to replace heater core, just finished it yesterday, total about 8 hours in two days, but at the end - $1K mechanic asked, feels more and more reasonable, not sure if I want to do it again :-)
Thank you for taking the time to make this video.
Good easy to follow video, I know this is in my future with my 98 TJ, not as daunting after watching this video, Great Job and Thanks.. Rick
Thanks
Nicely done. Very detailed. Thanx.
This has to be one of the most detailed videos I have seen of this process. I will definitely be referring back to this quite often. Quick question. Did you have to do anything with the AC system before you took the lines apart at the firewall?
Thanks Kevin your video was very help full
This video was very helpful. I viewed your video several times before tackling this task, and several times during the job itself. Thank you very much. You saved me a ton of $$$ and it gave me the satisfaction of doing it myself and doing it right. My 1999 TJ does not have AC, so it was a bit easier. Again, thank you very much for taking the time to make this video. It was great. BTW, my brother in law helped me a lot, it is just a lot easier with two people, plus an extra set of eyes is always good to have.
I have a question, was your radiator always full of antifreeze but the reservoir was always empty?
Nice video, now I will try this. Thanks for the information.
Man that was a great video thanks for sharing your knowledge
Agree with Kevin, this video was extremely helpful and well done. A+++
GREAT VIDEO!! Lover your "WORK BENCH"
Thanks for the video. I’m not looking forward to doing this but your video will def help.
Outstanding video!!!! Thank you
Great video, very informative, working on my 2000 wrangler right now but had a 2 inch by 3 inch piece fall out, no idea if it belongs inside or outside the box doesn't look movable can't move forward until I know where it goes looks like some kind of cover
all that for a heater core...
good job chrysler!!
Wish you were our local mechanic!
Great video, very instructive! Thanks!
Thanks for doing the video, very good 👍
6 years later and I get to start tomorrow. If you say 5 hours, I say all weekend and minimum 2 trips to parts store.
Thanks for the great video.
Thank you Kevin, that was a good video.
Great vid. Thanks for posting.
Fantastic video. Thanks so much.
Best video on the net! Thank You
Your welcome
Thanks for the video helps a lot need to do mine.
Nice work.
Kevin thank you so much for taking the time out to post this on youtube. It will definitely come in handy the next week or so. Were all the bolts metric or were there some American in there as well just want to make sure I have all the tools before I get started
+Dale Brown all the bolts are metric. You will need 8mm - 15mm. You will also need a T30 torx. Good Luck. Let me know if you have any questions when you start working on it..
Great video
Thanks for posting this video. I'm about to do this job, and this will be a huge help [beer-clink]
awesome video. nice work
+Ryan Tettenburn Thanks
Really in depth and informative! Thanks for posting!
+Russ Papazian your welcome. Thanks for watching.
good job on video very detailed!
That is a big help. Mine doesn't leak but I have minimum heat. How do I tell if this is my problem.
Had the same problem - core is full of scale and will have to replace. I used his video and replaced mine. I'm not a mechanic and never done it before - it was straightforward - much easier and fast than I thought it would be. Great to have heat again.
Brought to you in glorious 240p
Ok so I followed your video to a T great job. My only question is what to do with the AC since we took apart???
What do you mean when you said not to rotate the steering wheel while the steering column is out? Should i pull out the steering column and set the steering wheel down keeping the top of the wheel in the same position?
Got everything back together EXCEPT reconnecting the steering column to the shaft. I can’t get it to slide all the way in (giggity). Am I missing something??
Saved!
How did you recharge the A/C? Can you just use one of those kits they sell at Autozone with the gauge?
Great job, and video!