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Heater Unit/Core Replacement

SRS components are located in this area. Review the SRS components locations, precautions and procedures before performing repairs or service. For 2003 models, see AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEMS . For 2004 models, see AIR BAG RESTRAINT SYSTEMS .

  1. Make sure you have the anti-theft code for the radio and the navigation system, then write down the frequencies for the radio's preset buttons.
  2. Disconnect the negative cable from the battery.
  3. 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.
    Fig 1: Turning The Heater Valve Arm To The Fully Opened Position
    G01465727Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
  4. When the engine is cool, drain the engine coolant from the radiator (see COOLANT REPLACEMENT ).
  5. 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.
    Fig 2: Disconnecting The Inlet Heater Hose & The Outlet Heater Hose From The Heater Unit
    G01465728Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
  6. Remove the mounting nut from the heater unit. Take care not to damage or bend the fuel lines, the brake lines, etc.
    Fig 3: Removing The Mounting Nut From The Heater Unit
    G01465729Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
  7. Remove the dashboard (see DASHBOARD REMOVAL/INSTALLATION ).
  8. Remove the evaporator (see EVAPORATOR REMOVAL & INSTALLATION  ).
  9. Remove the mounting bolts and the heater unit.
    Fig 4: Removing The Mounting Bolts & The Heater Unit
    G01465730Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
  10. 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.
    Fig 5: Removing The Heater Core
    G01465731Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
  11. Install the heater core in the reverse order of removal.
  12. 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 REPLACEMENT ).
    • 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 & 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 code for the radio and the navigation system, then enter the customer's radio station presets.