Heater Unit/Core Replacement
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2006 Acura MDX, 2005 Acura MDX, 2004 Acura MDX, and 2003 Acura MDX. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
SRS components are located in this area. Review the SRS component locations for the appropriate year:
- '03 model (see COMPONENT LOCATION INDEX )
- '04-06 models (see 2004-2006 MODELS )
Also review the precautions and procedures (see PRECAUTIONS AND PROCEDURES ) in the SRS section before performing repairs or service.
- Make sure you have the anti-theft codes for the radio and the navigation system, then write down the frequencies for the radio's preset buttons.
- Disconnect the negative cable from the battery.
- From under the hood, open the cable clamp (A), then disconnect the heater valve cable (B) from the heater valve arm (C). Turn the heater valve arm to the fully opened position as shown.
- When the engine is cool, drain the engine coolant from the radiator (see COOLANT CHECK ).
- Slide the hose clamps (A) back, then disconnect the inlet heater hose (B) and the outlet heater hose (C) from the heater unit. Engine coolant will run out when the hoses are disconnected; drain it into a clean drip pan. Be sure not to let coolant spill on the electrical parts or the painted surfaces. If any coolant spills, rinse it off immediately.
- Remove the mounting nut from the heater unit. Take care not to damage or bend the fuel lines and the brake lines, etc.
- Remove the dashboard (see DASHBOARD/STEERING HANGER BEAM REMOVAL/INSTALLATION ).
- Remove the evaporator (see EVAPORATOR REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION ).
- Remove the mounting bolts and the heater unit.
- Remove the self-tapping screws and the clamp (A), then carefully pull out the heater core (B) so you don't bend the inlet and outlet pipes.
- Install the heater core in the reverse order of removal.
- Install the heater unit in the reverse order of removal, and note these items:
- Do not interchange the inlet and outlet heater hoses, and install the hose clamps securely.
- Refill the cooling system with engine coolant (see COOLANT CHECK ).
- Adjust the heater valve cable (see HEATER VALVE CABLE ADJUSTMENT ).
- Make sure that there is no coolant leakage.
- Make sure that there is no air leakage.
- For evaporator and A/C-related information, refer to evaporator removal and installation (see EVAPORATOR REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION ).
- Do the PCM idle learn procedure (see PCM IDLE LEARN PROCEDURE ).
- Do the power window control unit resetting procedure (see RESETTING THE POWER WINDOW CONTROL UNIT ).
- Enter the anti-theft codes for the radio and the navigation system, then enter the customer's radio station presets.