OEM 2004 Dodge Durango Heater Core

2004 Dodge Durango Heater Core Parts and Q&A

• Q: How to Service and Repair a Heater Core on 2004 Dodge Durango?

  A: To handle repairs or service the heater core, first empty the engine's cooling system and make sure the vehicle is elevated. Take out the splash shield for the right front wheelhouse, then remove the heater hoses from the heater core tubes inside the engine. Drop the car down and remove the instrument panel. Release the bolt holding the HVAC housing bracket to the dash panel, then remove the two screws fixing the housing bracket to the HVAC housing on top and finally remove the bracket. After that, unscrew the bolt that retains the heater core tube bracket against the top of the HVAC housing, then take out the whole bracket. Pull the screw that holds the heater core tubes in place and detach the tubes from the heater core and the panel under the dash and throw away the O-ring seals. Two screws hold the heater core retaining bracket in place at the top of the HVAC housing; remove the bracket by first unscrewing them and lifting the heater core out slowly. Lay the heater core and retaining bracket over the top of the HVAC unit making sure the heater core insulator is positioned properly. Attach the heater core and retaining bracket with two screws at 2.2 Nm (20 in. lbs.). Lubricate the newly bought O-ring seals with some fresh coolant and fit them into place against the tube of the heater core while using only the supplied O-ring. Pass the heater core tubes though the dash panel and into the heater core, fixing them with a securely tightened screw. Replace the heater core tube retaining bracket on the top of the HVAC housing and tighten the screw to 2.2 Nm (20 in. lbs.). Apply two screws to the HVAC housing bracket on top of the housing and dash panel, turning them to 2.2 Nm (20 in. lbs.). Then tighten the third bolt holding the bracket to the dash panel to 3 Nm (26 in. lbs.). Install the instrument panel back and lower the vehicle to put the heater tubes from the engine compartment onto the hoses. After that, install the right front wheelhouse splash shield and lower the car before topping up the engine cooling fluid.