If you notice a foul smelling liquid leaking out onto the passenger's side of your 1986 Ford F-250, you may have a faulty or malfunctioning heater core. The F-250's heater core acts as a mini-radiator that heats up the air from the A/C unit before it is blown out by the blower fan. If your truck's heater core begins to malfunction, you should replace it as soon as you can. The first step to replacing the heater core is removing it, which requires the removal of the F-250's dashboard. You should expect to spend close to two hours removing the F-250's heater core.
Tools Used: Socket wrench, Draining container, Slotted screwdriver, Phillips screwdriver, Paper towels
Remove Heater Core
Lift up the F-250's hood and disconnect the negative terminal cable from the battery with a socket wrench. Adjust the steering wheel to its lowest position.
Remove the driver's side scuff plate under the steering wheel by using a Phillips screwdriver to remove its two holding screws and pulling it off. Remove the passenger's side scuff plate in a similar manner.
Disconnect the electrical connectors and ground cables behind the driver's side scuff plate. Use a slotted screwdriver to pry out the dashboard trim panels along the upper edge of the dashboard. Remove the four screws from the bottom of the center console and lift it out of the F-250.
Use a Phillips screwdriver to remove the two screws from the airbag cover on the passenger's side of the vehicle. Pull the airbag out of the truck.
Remove the passenger side assist handle and door pillar trim panel with a slotted screwdriver. Remove the nuts and bolts securing the lower half of the instrument panel with a socket wrench.
Pry out the defroster grille with a slotted screwdriver and remove the screws securing the upper edge of the instrument panel with a Phillips screwdriver.
Remove the glove compartment by pulling it up and out of the dashboard. Pull the dashboard off the vehicle to reveal the heater core.
Place a draining container underneath the radiator drain plug and loosen the plug with a socket wrench. Allow five minutes to pass, then tighten the drain plug.
Remove the heater hoses from the heater core inlet and outlet tubes. Plug the heater core tubes with paper towels to avoid leaking any coolant into the truck.
Disconnect the main vacuum line and remove the plenum demister tube by pulling it off the heater core. Remove the two screws holding the bracket to the top of the heater core housing with a Phillips screwdriver.
Remove the two screws and the heater core cover, the pull out the heater core, being careful to not tear the foam-sealing material.
Tips & Warnings
Handle the airbag with care! Always carry the airbag with the trim side facing away from your body.
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