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08:35:55 - 04/23/2024
General Dakota Board
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95DAK
Dodge Dakota
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11/26/2006
20:25:37
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 Subject: 97 heater core R/R
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Message:
Does anyone know where to get (free)instructions on how to remove and replace the heater core on a 97 Dak 3.9 V6? It's my dad's truck. I have a Haynes manual for my 95, but it only goes up to 96. Do you think the instructions are the same? thanks.
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crow318
Dodge Dakota
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11/27/2006
13:43:00
|  RE: 97 heater core R/R
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I am pretty sure that the dash changes from 96 to 97. In general, it will be the same steps, but there will be different connections ect. I would say based on the chitlons manual that I have, you will be close enough.
FYI, it took me about 15 hours. If I were to do it again on the same vehicle, I think I could do it in around 10.
Also, don't listen to anyone if they tell you that you can get the core out without completly removing the dash and disconnecting the AC if you have it. You need to do both because the core slides straite up, and even if you can get the lid off, the core will hit the firewall.
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95DAK
Dodge Dakota
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11/27/2006
14:51:03
| RE: 97 heater core R/R
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Thanks for the reply. My dad wants to save some money by doing it himself. He's a good mechanic, but he's also 80! I think he might be in over his head on this one. I'd help him but I'm across the country. I'll send him the instructions and see if he's ready to tackle this. Thanks again. Any other suggestions out there?
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Dan M
Dodge Dakota
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11/28/2006
06:17:24
| RE: 97 heater core R/R
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10-15 hours? are you kidding me?? I changed out the evaporator core in my 95 dakota in under 2 hours. here's how i did it in my 95, there were a few steps missing in the haynes manual.
make sure you have some rags on passenger side floor, you will drip coolant removing the core housing.
drain engine coolant (now's a good time to change lower/upper radiator hose)
evac a/c system (have a shop do this)
remove dash, glove box, any other piece of dash you need to (i removed my ash tray and light.
disconnect a/c lines in engine bay (plastic tools worked better fore me than metal scissor type). set of 4 (differnet sizes color coded) for around $10 at advance or autozone.
disconnect hoses at firewall for heater (nows a good time to replace these)
disconnect vacuum line (you may need to do this inside the cab instead of inside the engine bay. this is the vac line that controls the HVAC controls). It'll enter cab usually where hoses enter cab for heater core.
remove bolts holding core box to firewall (4 i think).
watch out for wiring for blower motor, disconnect it.
disconnect vac lines, may need to do this at back of HVAC unit.
carefully remove core box, be sure not to catch it on any wiring, etc. You'll need to tip it to get it to come out from under dash.
remove core box top, remove core, replace. replace core box top. be sure to make sure all flaps are in place correctly (for controlling heat to floor, etc). now is a good time to replace both heater core and evaporator core. While not a tough job to do, it is tedius, preventative measures are a good thing.
basically do the reverse of the removal. Be sure to reconnect vac lines.
be sure to replace the o-rings on a/c system. now is a also good time to replace the dryer as anytime you open a/c system you add moisture from air. you want it to be dry so there is no corrosion and the system is working efficiently.
if you search you can find other instructions on here.
once you have it all back together, add new coolant. take to a shop to evac air out of a/c system, fill with refrigerant.
be sure to reuse the foam piece around the core, this will help keep core from moving and help keep hot air from engine out of cab.
even now that it's winter time and it's cold and you don't think you'll run the A/C the defroster uses the A/c to remove mositure. you'll want to recharge a/c and not wait until spring.
I think that is about it, it's been about a year since i replaced mine. Good luck, your milage my vary.
- Dan M
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95DAK
Dodge Dakota
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11/28/2006
13:00:14
| RE: 97 heater core R/R
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Good info. Thanks Dan. Sure hope I don't have to do mine. I have 190K and I just had to replace the a/c compressor and assoc. parts earlier this year.
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