If water is leaking into your floorboard (like coming from under the ecu cover) and you do not have to hot air blowing and have checked everything else, wouldnt it be a heater core that needs to be changed? I know that i have to take out the whole dash but that really sucks and i have gotten out all the vetns and glovebox. Does anyone have any pictures of how to take out a dash, like where all those hidden screws are and **** because its really annoying me.


[Modified by crexer, 5:44 PM 9/21/2002]

 

Do you have AC? If so, check that the vent line that goes thru the firewall is properly connected. From what you are describing-I do not think you heater core is the culprit. Why? Because you are not saying that you can smell antifreeze while the engine is running for one thing. Also check directly under the heater core box behind the shifter and console and see if the carpet is soaked. Take a sample of the water on the floor and smell it. It is possible that you have a leak in the windshield or intake air vents.
You can get copies of the dash drawings from either the Helm manual or your friendly dealer parts department. YES-if you ask nice they will print out the sheet and parts list.
Just another thought-check around the blower housing too.
Good luck


[Modified by jc836, 1:09 PM 9/21/2002]

 

1st of all your problem is the heater core.

2nd, dash removal is really not that hard I have taken mine out prolly 10 times now. Heres how to do it:
Take off the shift ****, then the center console (6 screws)
Remove the glove box (2 scews)
Remove the steering wheel
Remove the guage cluster cover (4 screws) plugs for defroster, emergency flashers and dimmer are attached to the cover so don't forget to unplug them, and remove the guage cluster (4 screws)
Remove the steering wheel column covers (3 screws)
Remove the combo switch (2 screws) and slides off the steering shaft
Now below the drivers side vent is a little lever for fresh air, pull off the **** and gently push on the right side of the plastic behind the lever it comes out to reveal 2 screws behind it. If the dash has never been out you may need a pocket knife to ease out the little plastic part.
Now there are 6 10mm bolts holding the dash in, on the side of your dash you will see a vent (sends air to the door panel) remove the plastic screw and pop out the vent there is a bolt on each side behind these vents, one on the drivers side by the hood pop, one on the passengers side on the right side from behind the glove box, one in the center of the dash on the top by the windshield under a little plastic cover, and one at the bottom of the dash in the center under the radio (on the floor)
Don't lift it out yet.
Remove the fuse box cover and unplug 3 plugs One large plug (white) one small plug Yellow, and one medium sized blue plug. Also you will see a black ground wire that is bolted (10mm) to the firewall about one inch to the right of teh steering column, remove this bolt.
Almost there
Remove the 4 screws holding in your radio and ash tray etc... unplug the radio and antenna lead and pull out the whole unit.
Remove the 4 screws holding in your heater controls but just let the unit sit tight for now, don't bother removing any of the wires etc...
ok now you are set
pull up and out but once it is loose push the heater controls through the mounting location and lift teh dash the rest of the way out. The heater core is pretty straight forward just remove everything holding it in but don't forget to 1st drain all coolant, and don't forget there are two 10mm bolts holding the heater in from inside the engine bay on the firewall.
Hope that helps.

-Joel

 

wow that was very descritive, i really appreciate that, as soon as i get enough time to finish the job i will. how long does it take to take out the dash and put it back in?

 

thanks i need to repalce the heater core in my car two i just bypassed it for now but need it for the winter it gets cold. tahnks for the how-to!!!

 

the dash removal wasnt that bad, but the heater core itself is the hardest damn thing i have ever done in my life, im seriously fed up with cars now (hopefully only a few days) anybody good any information on how to dig that bastard core out?


[Modified by crexer, 1:28 AM 9/30/2002]