airbag disable CHRYSLER CARAVAN 2003 Owner's Manual

and also houses the remote front infrared tempera-
ture sensors.
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEFORE
ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING
COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT
DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISO-
LATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE,
THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE AIRBAG SYS-
TEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PER-
FORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS
IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE AIRBAG
SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRE-
CAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIR-
BAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL
INJURY.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Remove the center bezel from the instrument
panel. (Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/
INSTRUMENT PANEL CENTER BEZEL - REMOV-
AL).
(3) Place the center bezel face down on a suitable
work surface. Be certain to take the proper precau-
tions to protect the face of the center bezel from cos-
metic damage.
(4) If the vehicle is equipped with the optional
ATC system, disconnect the ATC remote infrared
temperature sensor jumper harness from the sensor
connector receptacle located on the bottom of the cen-
ter outlet housing (Fig. 3).(5) Remove the three screws that secure the bot-
tom of the outlet housing to the center bezel.
(6) Roll the bottom of the outlet housing upwards
towards the top of the center bezel far enough to dis-
engage the retainer features on the top of the outlet
housing from their receptacles at the top of the cen-
ter bezel.
(7) Remove the center bezel outlets and housing
from the center bezel as a unit.
REMOVAL - DEMISTER OUTLET
(1) Using a trim stick or another suitable wide
flat-bladed tool, gently pry the outer perimeter of the
demister outlet away from the instrument panel top
pad until the snap features on the outlet are released
(Fig. 4).
(2) Remove the demister outlet from the demister
duct opening in the instrument panel top pad.
REMOVAL - FRONT DOOR REAR OUTLET
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Remove the trim panel from the front door
inner panel. (Refer to 23 - BODY/DOOR - FRONT/
TRIM PANEL - REMOVAL).
(3) Using a trim stick or another suitable wide
flat-bladed tool, depress the four latch features (two
top and two bottom) that secure the outlet to the
inside of the trim panel rear outlet opening and push
the outlet unit out through the opening (Fig. 5).
(4) Remove the front door rear outlet through the
outside of the front door trim panel outlet opening.
Fig. 3 Center Bezel Outlets
1 - CENTER BEZEL
2 - CENTER BEZEL OUTLETS
3 - SCREW (3)
4 - INSTRUMENT PANEL SWITCH BANK
5 - CONNECTOR (ATC ONLY)
6 - JUMPER HARHESS (ATC ONLY)
Fig. 4 Demister Outlet
1 - DEMISTER OUTLET
2 - INSTRUMENT PANEL TOP PAD
3 - TRIM STICK
RSDISTRIBUTION - FRONT24-41
AIR OUTLETS (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com

BLOWER MOTOR
DESCRIPTION
The blower motor is a 12-volt, Direct Current (DC)
motor with a squirrel cage-type blower wheel that is
secured to the blower motor shaft (Fig. 7). The
blower motor and wheel are located near the passen-
ger side end of the heater-A/C unit within the two
halves of the intake air housing in the passenger
compartment below the instrument panel. The
blower motor and blower motor wheel are a factory
balanced unit and cannot be adjusted or repaired. If
faulty or damaged, the blower motor and blower
wheel must be replaced as a unit.
OPERATION
The blower motor will operate whenever the igni-
tion switch is in the On position and the heater-A/C
control power is turned on. The blower motor can
only be turned off by turning off the power at the
heater-A/C control. The blower motor receives battery
current whenever the front blower motor relay is
energized. The front blower motor relay output cir-
cuit is protected by a fuse in the Intelligent Power
Module (IPM) located in the engine compartment
near the battery. In the Manual system, the blower
motor speed is controlled by regulating the path to
ground through the blower control switch and the
blower motor resistor. In the ATC system, the blower
motor speed is controlled by an electronic blower
power module, which uses a pulse width modulated
input from the ATC module and feedback from the
blower motor to regulate the blower motor ground
path it provides. The blower motor and wheel areused to control the velocity of air moving through the
heater-A/C unit housing. The blower motor controls
the velocity of the air flowing through the heater-A/C
housing by spinning the blower wheel within the
housing at the selected speed or, in the ATC system,
at the selected or programmed speed.
DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - BLOWER MOTOR
BLOWER MOTOR INOPERATIVE
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEFORE
ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING
COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT
DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISO-
LATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE,
THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE AIRBAG SYS-
TEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PER-
FORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS
IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE AIRBAG
SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRE-
CAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIR-
BAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL
INJURY.
(1) Check the fuse (Fuse 10 - 40 ampere) in the
Intelligent Power Module (IPM). If OK, go to Step 2.
If not OK, repair the shorted circuit or component as
required and replace the faulty fuse.
(2) Turn the ignition switch to the On position. Be
certain that the heater-A/C control power is turned
on. Check for battery voltage at the fuse (Fuse 10 -
40 ampere) in the IPM. If OK, go to Step 3. If not
OK, proceed to diagnosis of the front blower motor
relay. (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITION-
ING/CONTROLS - FRONT/BLOWER MOTOR
RELAY - DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING).
(3) Turn the ignition switch to the Off position.
Disconnect and isolate the battery negative cable.
Disconnect the front HVAC wire harness connector
for the front blower motor resistor (Manual Temper-
ature Control) or the front blower power module
(Automatic Temperature Control) from the resistor or
module connector receptacle. Reconnect the battery
negative cable. Turn the ignition switch to the On
position. Be certain that the heater-A/C control
power is turned on. Check for battery voltage at the
fused front blower motor relay output circuit cavity
of the front HVAC wire harness connector for the
front blower motor resistor (MTC) or the front blower
power module (ATC). If OK, go to Step 4. If not OK,
repair the open fused front blower motor relay output
circuit to the IPM as required.
Fig. 7 Blower Motor
1 - BLOWER MOTOR
2 - RUBBER GROMMET
3 - BLOWER MOTOR CONNECTOR
4 - MOUNTING TABS
RSDISTRIBUTION - FRONT24-43
ProCarManuals.com

WARNING: REFER TO THE APPLICABLE WARN-
INGS AND CAUTIONS FOR THIS SYSTEM BEFORE
PERFORMING THE FOLLOWING OPERATION.
(Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
PLUMBING - FRONT - WARNING - A/C PLUMBING),
(Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
PLUMBING - FRONT - CAUTION - A/C PLUMBING),
and (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
PLUMBING - FRONT - WARNING - HEATER PLUMB-
ING).
(1) Gently flex the recirculation air door far
enough to position the blower motor and blower
wheel into the blower housing in the lower half of the
evaporator housing.
(2) Install and tighten the three screws that secure
the blower motor to the blower housing in the lower
half of the evaporator housing. Tighten the screws to
2 N´m (18 in. lbs.).
(3) Feed the blower motor pigtail wires and electri-
cal connector through the grommet hole in the lower
intake air housing and seat the rubber grommet.
(4) Position the recirculation door in the lower air
inlet housing and place in position.
(5) Install and tighten the four screws (from the
bottom) that secure the lower air intake housing to
the lower half of the evaporator housing. Tighten the
screws to 2 N´m (18 in. lbs.).
(6) Install and tighten the one screw that secures
the upper intake air housing to the lower intake air
housing. Tighten the screws to 2 N´m (18 in. lbs.).(7) Install the recirculation actuator making cer-
tain that the splines are aligned and secure the
actuator with two screws and torque the to 2 N´m (18
in. lbs.). Route the wiring into the molded inn rout-
ing clips.
(8) Install the HVAC unit in the vehicle(Refer to
24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/DISTRIBU-
TION/HVAC HOUSING - INSTALLATION).
(9) Connect the blower motor pigtail wire harness
electrical connector back into either the power mod-
ule or resistor receptacle.
(10) Run the Heater-A/C Calibration procedure(Re-
fer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/CON-
TROLS/A/C HEATER CONTROL - STANDARD
PROCEDURE).
(11) Run the HVAC Control Cool down test(Refer
to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING - DIAG-
NOSIS AND TESTING).
DEFROSTER DUCT
REMOVAL
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEFORE
ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING
COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT
DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISO-
LATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE,
THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE AIRBAG SYS-
TEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PER-
FORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS
IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE AIRBAG
SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRE-
CAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIR-
BAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL
INJURY.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Remove the instrument panel from the vehicle.
(Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/IN-
STRUMENT PANEL ASSEMBLY - REMOVAL).
(3) Place the instrument panel face down on a
suitable work surface. Be certain to take the proper
precautions to protect the face of the instrument
panel from cosmetic damage.
(4) Remove the fasteners that secure the defroster
duct to the instrument panel armature.
(5) Remove the defroster duct from the instrument
panel.
Fig. 11 Blower Motor Mounting Tabs
1 - BLOWER MOTOR
2 - RUBBER GROMMET
3 - BLOWER MOTOR CONNECTOR
4 - MOUNTING TABS
RSDISTRIBUTION - FRONT24-47
BLOWER MOTOR (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com

INSTALLATION
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEFORE
ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING
COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT
DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISO-
LATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE,
THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE AIRBAG SYS-
TEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PER-
FORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS
IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE AIRBAG
SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRE-
CAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIR-
BAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL
INJURY.
(1) Position the defroster duct to the instrument
panel.
(2) Install the fasteners that secure the defroster
duct to the instrument panel armature.
(3) Reinstall the instrument panel in the vehicle.
(Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/IN-
STRUMENT PANEL ASSEMBLY - INSTALLA-
TION).
(4) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
DEMISTER DUCTS
REMOVAL
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEFORE
ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING
COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT
DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISO-
LATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE,
THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE AIRBAG SYS-
TEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PER-
FORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS
IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE AIRBAG
SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRE-
CAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIR-
BAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL
INJURY.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Remove the instrument panel from the vehicle.
(Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/IN-
STRUMENT PANEL ASSEMBLY - REMOVAL).
(3) Place the instrument panel face down on a
suitable work surface. Be certain to take the proper
precautions to protect the face of the instrument
panel from cosmetic damage.(4) Remove the fasteners that secure the demister
ducts to the instrument panel armature.
(5) Disengage the demister ducts from the demis-
ter outlets.
(6) Remove the demister ducts from the instru-
ment panel.
INSTALLATION
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEFORE
ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING
COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT
DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISO-
LATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE,
THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE AIRBAG SYS-
TEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PER-
FORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS
IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE AIRBAG
SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRE-
CAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIR-
BAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL
INJURY.
(1) Position the demister ducts to the instrument
panel.
(2) Engage the demister ducts to the demister out-
lets.
(3) Install the fasteners that secure the demister
ducts to the instrument panel armature.
(4) Reinstall the instrument panel into the vehicle.
(Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/IN-
STRUMENT PANEL ASSEMBLY - INSTALLA-
TION).
(5) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
FLOOR DISTRIBUTION DUCTS
REMOVAL
(1) Roll back the carpet on the front floor from
under the instrument panel toward the rear of the
vehicle. (Refer to 23 - BODY/INTERIOR/CARPETS
AND FLOOR MATS - REMOVAL).
(2) Lift the center floor distribution duct upward
far enough to disengage its locator hole from the
weld stud on the front floor panel (Fig. 12).
(3) Pull the floor distribution duct assembly rear-
ward far enough to disengage the center floor distri-
bution duct from the outlet on the bottom of the
heater-A/C housing unit.
(4) Disassemble the right and/or left floor distribu-
tion ducts from the center floor distribution duct as
required.
24 - 48 DISTRIBUTION - FRONTRS
DEFROSTER DUCT (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com

INSTALLATION
(1) Assemble the right and/or left floor distribution
ducts onto the center floor distribution duct as
required.
(2) Slide the floor distribution duct assembly
under the instrument panel center stack far enough
to engage the center floor distribution duct with the
outlet on the bottom of the heater-A/C housing unit.
(3) Align the locator hole on the center floor distri-
bution duct with the weld stud on the front floor
panel.
(4) Using hand pressure, push the locator hole of
the center floor distribution duct down over the weld
stud on the front floor panel.
(5) Reinstall the carpet onto the front floor panel
and under the instrument panel. (Refer to 23 -
BODY/INTERIOR/CARPETS AND FLOOR MATS -
INSTALLATION).
HVAC HOUSING
REMOVAL
WARNING: REFER TO THE APPLICABLE WARN-
INGS AND CAUTIONS FOR THIS SYSTEM BEFORE
PERFORMING THE FOLLOWING OPERATION.
(Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
PLUMBING - FRONT - WARNING - A/C PLUMBING),
(Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
PLUMBING - FRONT - CAUTION - A/C PLUMBING),
and (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
PLUMBING - FRONT - WARNING - HEATER PLUMB-
ING).
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEFORE
ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING
COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT
DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISO-
LATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE,
THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE AIRBAG SYS-
TEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PER-
FORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS
IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE AIRBAG
SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRE-
CAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIR-
BAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL
INJURY.
(1) Recover the refrigerant from the refrigerant
system. (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDI-
TIONING/PLUMBING - FRONT/REFRIGERANT -
STANDARD PROCEDURE - REFRIGERANT
RECOVERY).
(2) Drain the engine cooling system. (Refer to 7 -
COOLING - STANDARD PROCEDURE - COOLING
SYSTEM DRAIN).
(3) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(4) Remove the windshield wiper module from the
vehicle(Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/WIPERS/WASH-
ERS/WIPER MODULE - REMOVAL).
Fig. 12 Floor Distribution Ducts
1 - CENTER FLOOR DISTRIBUTION DUCT
2 - RIGHT FLOOR DISTRIBUTION DUCT
3 - LEFT FLOOR DISTRIBUTION DUCT
4 - WELD STUD
RSDISTRIBUTION - FRONT24-49
FLOOR DISTRIBUTION DUCTS (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com

(8) Install the windshield wiper module(Refer to 8
- ELECTRICAL/WIPERS/WASHERS/WIPER MOD-
ULE - INSTALLATION).
(9) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
(10) Refill the engine cooling system. (Refer to 7 -
COOLING - STANDARD PROCEDURE - COOLING
SYSTEM REFILL).
(11) Evacuate the refrigerant system. (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
FRONT/REFRIGERANT - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE - REFRIGERANT SYSTEM EVACUATE).
(12) Charge the refrigerant system. (Refer to 24 -
HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/PLUMBING -
FRONT/REFRIGERANT - STANDARD PROCE-
DURE - REFRIGERANT SYSTEM CHARGE).
PANEL DUCTS
REMOVAL
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEFORE
ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING
COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT
DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISO-
LATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE,
THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE AIRBAG SYS-
TEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PER-
FORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS
IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE AIRBAG
SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRE-CAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIR-
BAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL
INJURY.
(1) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(2) Remove the instrument panel from the vehicle.
(Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/IN-
STRUMENT PANEL ASSEMBLY - REMOVAL).
(3) Place the instrument panel face down on a
suitable work surface. Be certain to take the proper
precautions to protect the face of the instrument
panel from cosmetic damage.
(4) Remove the fasteners that secure the panel
ducts to the instrument panel armature.
(5) Disengage the panel ducts from the panel out-
lets.
(6) Remove the panel ducts from the instrument
panel.
INSTALLATION
(1) Position the panel ducts to the instrument
panel.
(2) Engage the panel ducts to the panel outlets.
(3) Install the fasteners that secure the panel
ducts to the instrument panel armature.
(4) Reinstall the instrument panel into the vehicle.
(Refer to 23 - BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/IN-
STRUMENT PANEL ASSEMBLY - INSTALLA-
TION).
(5) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
RSDISTRIBUTION - FRONT24-51
HVAC HOUSING (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com

the heater-A/C unit housing is directed through the
heater core.
REMOVAL
REMOVAL- HEATER CORE EXTENSION TUBES
WARNING: REFER TO THE APPLICABLE WARN-
INGS AND CAUTIONS FOR THIS SYSTEM BEFORE
PERFORMING THE FOLLOWING OPERATION.
(Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
PLUMBING FRONT - WARNING - HEATER PLUMB-
ING).
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEFORE
ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING
COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT
DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISO-
LATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE,
THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE AIRBAG SYS-
TEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PER-
FORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS
IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE AIRBAG
SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRE-
CAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIR-
BAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL
INJURY.
(1) Drain the engine cooling system. (Refer to 7 -
COOLING - STANDARD PROCEDURE - COOLING
SYSTEM DRAIN).
(2) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(3) Disconnect the heater hoses from the heater
hose tubes. (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDI-
TIONING/PLUMBING - FRONT/HEATER HOSE -
REMOVAL).
(4) Remove the silencer from beneath the driver
side end of the instrument panel. (Refer to 23 -
BODY/INSTRUMENT PANEL/INSTRUMENT
PANEL SILENCER - REMOVAL).
(5) Remove the three screws that secure the heater
core shield to the left end of the HVAC distribution
housing (Fig. 15).
(6) Pull the heater core shield rearward far enough
to disengage the two location tabs that position the
front of the shield to the receptacles in the two lower
finger formations of the evaporator housing near the
dash panel.
(7) Remove the heater core shield from the distri-
bution housing.
(8) Take the proper precautions to protect the car-
peting below the heater core from spilled engine cool-ant and have absorbent toweling readily available to
clean up any spills.
(9) Remove the screw that secures the heater core
tube sealing plate to the heater core supply and
return ports (Fig. 16).
(10) Push both heater core tubes simultaneously
toward the dash panel far enough to disengage their
fittings from the heater core supply and return ports.
(11) Install plugs in, or tape over the opened
heater core tube fittings and both heater core ports.
Fig. 15 Heater Core Shield
1 - HEATER/ AIR CONDITIONER HOUSING
2 - HEATER CORE SHIELD
3 - DISTRIBUTION HOUSING
4 - SCREWS (3)
5 - LOCATION TABS (2)
Fig. 16 Heater Core Tubes
1 - SEAL
2 - HEATER CORE TUBES
3 - SCREW
4 - HEATER CORE
5 - DISTRIBUTION HOUSING
6 - SEALING PLATE
RSPLUMBING - FRONT24-75
HEATER CORE (Continued)
ProCarManuals.com

(12) Use absorbent toweling to mop up any engine
coolant spills from the preceding operation.
(13) Pull both heater core tubes simultaneously
slightly away from the distribution housing and rear-
ward far enough to disengage the engine compart-
ment ends of the tubes from the dash panel seal.
(14) Remove the heater core tubes and sealing
plate as a unit from beneath the instrument panel.
(15) Use absorbent toweling to clean up any
engine coolant spills from the preceding operation.
REMOVAL - HEATER CORE
WARNING: REFER TO THE APPLICABLE WARN-
INGS AND CAUTIONS FOR THIS SYSTEM BEFORE
PERFORMING THE FOLLOWING OPERATION.
(Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
PLUMBING FRONT - WARNING - HEATER PLUMB-
ING).
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEFORE
ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING
COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT
DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISO-
LATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE,
THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE AIRBAG SYS-
TEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PER-
FORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS
IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE AIRBAG
SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRE-
CAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIR-
BAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL
INJURY.
(1) Drain the engine cooling system. (Refer to 7 -
COOLING - STANDARD PROCEDURE - COOLING
SYSTEM DRAIN).
(2) Disconnect and isolate the battery negative
cable.
(3) Remove the silencer boot fasteners located
around the base of the lower steering shaft from the
dash panel so that it may be pushed aside.
(4) Remove the brake lamp switch from its mount-
ing bracket. (Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/LAMPS/
LIGHTING - EXTERIOR/BRAKE LAMP SWITCH -
REMOVAL).
(5) Disconnect the power brake booster input rod
(push rod) from the pin on the brake pedal arm.
(Refer to 5 - BRAKES - ABS/HYDRAULIC/ME-
CHANICAL/POWER BRAKE BOOSTER - REMOV-
AL).
(6) Remove the three screws that secure the heater
core shield to the left end of the HVAC distribution
housing (Fig. 17).(7) Pull the heater core shield rearward far enough
to disengage the two location tabs that position the
front of the shield to the receptacles in the two lower
finger formations of the evaporator housing near the
dash panel.
(8) Remove the heater core shield from the distri-
bution housing.
(9) Take the proper precautions to protect the car-
peting below the heater core from spilled engine cool-
ant and have absorbent toweling readily available to
mop up any spills.
(10) Remove the screw that secures the heater core
tube sealing plate to the heater core supply and
return ports (Fig. 18).
(11) Push both heater core tubes simultaneously
toward the dash panel far enough to disengage their
fittings from the heater core supply and return ports.
(12) Install plugs in, or tape over the opened
heater core tube fittings and both heater core ports.
(13) Use absorbent toweling to mop up any engine
coolant spills from the preceding operation.
(14) Remove the two screws that secure the heater
core mounting plate to the distribution housing.
(15) While pulling the accelerator pedal upward
(Fig. 19) and pushing the brake pedal downward
(Fig. 20) far enough for clearance, pull the heater
core out of the distribution housing.
(16) Use absorbent toweling to mop up any engine
coolant spills from the preceding operation. Also, if
the heater core was leaking, use absorbent toweling
and reach into the heater core opening to mop up
any residual engine coolant within the distribution
housing.
Fig. 17 Heater Core Shield
1 - HEATER/ AIR CONDITIONER HOUSING
2 - HEATER CORE SHIELD
3 - DISTRIBUTION HOUSING
4 - SCREWS (3)
5 - LOCATION TABS (2)
24 - 76 PLUMBING - FRONTRS
HEATER CORE (Continued)
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INSTALLATION
INSTALLATION- HEATER CORE EXTENSION
TUBES
WARNING: REFER TO THE APPLICABLE WARN-
INGS AND CAUTIONS FOR THIS SYSTEM BEFORE
PERFORMING THE FOLLOWING OPERATION.
(Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
PLUMBING FRONT - WARNING - HEATER PLUMB-
ING).
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEFOREATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING
COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT
DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISO-
LATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE,
THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE AIRBAG SYS-
TEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PER-
FORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS
IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE AIRBAG
SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRE-
CAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIR-
BAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL
INJURY.
(1) Remove the plugs or tape from both heater core
tube fittings and both heater core ports.
(2) Position the heater core tubes and sealing plate
as a unit beneath the instrument panel.
(3) Align the engine compartment ends of both
heater core tubes with the openings in the dash
panel seal and push them simultaneously forward
through the seal far enough to engage the heater
core ends of the tubes with the heater core supply
and return ports.
(4) Position both heater core tubes and the sealing
plate simultaneously to the heater core supply and
return ports.
(5) The heater core tubes each have a slot that
must be indexed to a location tab within each of the
heater core ports. Adjust the position of the tubes as
required so that the sealing plate fits flush against
the heater core supply and return ports, which indi-
cates that the tubes are properly indexed.
(6) Install and tighten the screw that secures the
heater core tube sealing plate to the heater core sup-
ply and return ports. Tighten the screw to 3 N´m (27
in. lbs.).
(7) Position the heater core shield onto the distri-
bution housing. Be certain that the two location tabs
Fig. 18 Heater Core
1 - SEALING PLATE
2 - SCREW
3 - SCREWS (2)
4 - HEATER CORE
5 - HEATER CORE TUBES
Fig. 19 Accelerator Pedal
1 - SLIDE HEATER CORE PAST ACCELERATOR PEDAL
Fig. 20 Brake Pedal
1 - SLIDE HEATER CORE PAST BRAKE PEDAL
2 - DEPRESS BRAKE PEDAL
RSPLUMBING - FRONT24-77
HEATER CORE (Continued)
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on the front of the shield are engaged in the recepta-
cles in the two lower finger formations of the evapo-
rator housing near the dash panel.
(8) Install and tighten the three screws that secure
the heater core shield to the left end of the HVAC
distribution housing. Tighten the screws to 2 N´m (17
in. lbs.).
(9) Reinstall the silencer under the driver side end
of the instrument panel. (Refer to 23 - BODY/IN-
STRUMENT PANEL/INSTRUMENT PANEL
SILENCER - INSTALLATION).
(10) Reconnect the heater hoses to the heater hose
tubes. (Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITION-
ING/PLUMBING - FRONT/HEATER HOSE -
INSTALLATION).
(11) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
(12) Refill the engine cooling system. (Refer to 7 -
COOLING - STANDARD PROCEDURE - COOLING
SYSTEM REFILL).
INSTALLATION - HEATER CORE
WARNING: REFER TO THE APPLICABLE WARN-
INGS AND CAUTIONS FOR THIS SYSTEM BEFORE
PERFORMING THE FOLLOWING OPERATION.
(Refer to 24 - HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING/
PLUMBING FRONT - WARNING - HEATER PLUMB-
ING).
WARNING: ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH AIR-
BAGS, DISABLE THE AIRBAG SYSTEM BEFORE
ATTEMPTING ANY STEERING WHEEL, STEERING
COLUMN, OR INSTRUMENT PANEL COMPONENT
DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. DISCONNECT AND ISO-
LATE THE BATTERY NEGATIVE (GROUND) CABLE,
THEN WAIT TWO MINUTES FOR THE AIRBAG SYS-
TEM CAPACITOR TO DISCHARGE BEFORE PER-
FORMING FURTHER DIAGNOSIS OR SERVICE. THIS
IS THE ONLY SURE WAY TO DISABLE THE AIRBAG
SYSTEM. FAILURE TO TAKE THE PROPER PRE-
CAUTIONS COULD RESULT IN ACCIDENTAL AIR-
BAG DEPLOYMENT AND POSSIBLE PERSONAL
INJURY.
(1) While pushing the brake pedal downward and
pulling the accelerator pedal upward far enough for
clearance, slide the heater core into the distribution
housing.
(2) Install and tighten the two screws that secure
the heater core mounting plate to the distribution
housing. Tighten the screws to 2 N´m (17 in. lbs.).
(3) Remove the plugs or tape from the heater core
tube fittings and both heater core ports.
(4) Position both heater core tubes and the sealing
plate simultaneously to the heater core supply and
return ports.(5) The heater core tubes each have a slot that
must be indexed to a location tab within each of the
heater core ports. Adjust the position of the tubes as
required so that the sealing plate fits flush against
the heater core supply and return ports, which indi-
cates that the tubes are properly indexed.
(6) Install and tighten the screw that secures the
heater core tube sealing plate to the heater core sup-
ply and return ports. Tighten the screw to 3 N´m (27
in. lbs.).
(7) Position the heater core shield onto the distri-
bution housing. Be certain that the two location tabs
on the front of the shield are engaged in the recepta-
cles in the two lower finger formations of the evapo-
rator housing near the dash panel.
(8) Install and tighten the three screws that secure
the heater core shield to the left end of the HVAC
distribution housing. Tighten the screws to 2 N´m (17
in. lbs.).
(9) Reconnect the power brake booster input rod
(push rod) to the pin on the brake pedal arm(Refer to
5 - BRAKES/HYDRAULIC/MECHANICAL/POWER
BRAKE BOOSTER - INSTALLATION).
(10) Reinstall the brake lamp switch into its
mounting bracket(Refer to 8 - ELECTRICAL/LAMPS/
LIGHTING - EXTERIOR/BRAKE LAMP SWITCH -
INSTALLATION).
(11) Reinstall the silencer boot around the base of
the lower steering shaft on the dash panel.
(12) Reconnect the battery negative cable.
(13) Refill the engine cooling system. (Refer to 7 -
COOLING - STANDARD PROCEDURE - COOLING
SYSTEM REFILL).
(14) Operate system for two thermostat cycles to
assure elimination of air in the system.
HEATER HOSE
REMOVAL
There are several heater core plumbing configura-
tions used on this model, depending upon the engine
size and other optional equipment. One plumbing
configuration is used for all 2.4L engines (Fig. 21),
while the 3.3L and 3.8L engines have unique heater
return plumbing on the engine for models with or
without an optional engine oil cooler (Fig. 24) or (Fig.
25). There are also unique plumbing configurations
at the heater core for models with or without the
optional rear heater and air conditioner (Fig. 22) or
(Fig. 23). All models use a combination of formed
steel tubing and rubber hoses. In most cases, the
rubber hose is secured to the steel tubing with a
spring tension clamp.
24 - 78 PLUMBING - FRONTRS
HEATER CORE (Continued)
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