How to Unclog the Heater Core of Newer Model Cars

First, I thank my husband for being so kind as to answer all my questions when he tackled this repair. As you can imagine, having your car's heater go out, during the winter, while living in Northeast Ohio, could not possibly occur at a more inconvenient time. But, here we are. Unclogging the heater core to restore the heat function of your car is really quite a simple process.

Part I: Locating the Heater Core and its Removal
Disconnect both the supply and return hoses at the firewall. The firewall is the flat wall located in the engine compartment, under the window shield. Next, remove all necessary panels from the dashboard and center console, if so equipped, and the glove-box. Be careful of any wires or control cables while doing so. First, locate the heater core housing. It will be rectangular in shape and most often black in color. Next, remove the screws or retaining clips on the cover and the heater core should pull or lift out. Some models may require that the air conditioning unit be discharged because the A/C Evaporator is sometimes located in the same compartment as the heater core. If this is the case, the connecting hoses must be disconnected and the whole housing must be removed from the vehicle to lift out the heater core.

Part II: Is it functioning correctly?
To determine if the heater core itself is faulty, when removing, it may leak anti-freeze on the car's interior, passenger floor area. There may be a distinct odor of anti-freeze or an antifreeze mist on the windows. If any of these occur, a new one will have to be purchased a new heater core. A heater core usually ranges in price from $60 to $150, depending on the make and model of the car. If the heater core is just clogged, it is very easy to check this. Simply try to run water through using a hose or in a wash tub sink. Trying to blow air through it using an air compressor will work, too.