Heater Hose Coupling: Connect

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Mercury Monterey and 2004 Ford Freestar. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Clean the tubes and lubricate with coolant hose lubricant or plain water.
Install a new coupling retainer (18D434) into the heater hose coupling housing.

Fig 1: Installing New Coupling Retainer
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Push the heater hose coupling onto the tube.

Fig 2: Pushing Heater Hose Coupling
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Make sure the heater hose coupling is fully engaged by lightly pulling on the heater hose.