I'm thinking about replacing the heater core in my 2000 Ranger myself, does anyone know how hard this will be or if any special tools are needed?

Marvin

• 85242 Answers
• Posted on Sep 10, 2008

SOURCE: heater core replacement

It's one of the easiest cores to replace that I have encountered. Disconnect heater hoses at firewall. Probably doesn't matter about hose placement, but I always mark them just in case. To remove the fiber cover under dash, take a flat blade screwdriver and pry out the center pin of the expansion clips that hold it in place. There are four 5/16 head screws that hold the bottom/drain tray cover. Core will pull through the firewall and then down. You may have to silicone/glue or replace the foam seal strips on the new core. Before you install the core, check the distance between the inlet and outlet tubes to ensure they match the openings in the firewall. This saves time. It helps if you have someone on the outside to guide you when stabbing the tubes through the firewall. Replace bottom cover. You may have to hold one of the tubes when reinstalling the first hose to the core. Replace any lost coolant and check for leaks prior to reinstalling the fiber cover. If the cover seal is in good condition, any leak should drain through the firewall, otherwise it may leak inside cab. .

SOURCE: heater core gone out in 98 ford expedition-need help replacing

the heater core is located under the dash board on the passenger side. its a pain. here's more details
http://www.autozone.com/addVehicleId,2370702/initialAction,repairGuide/shopping/repairGuide.htm?pageId=0900c152801e55d6

SOURCE: i have a 2000 ford windstar no heat still

My 99 windstar did this too. It was the blend door that the actuator motor goes into was broke. When you pull the actuator out look into the hole and see if you see a d shape piece coming out of the box if it is not d shape it is broke check out this site great photos

SOURCE: Replace heater core in 1988 Ford Ranger

allow the system to cool down

take radiator cap loose to release pressure

once pressure is released tighten cap

loosen clamps on the heater hoses in the engine compartment on the pass. side of firewall.

plug or cap off the heater core tubes to prevent spillage when you pull it into the truck

place a trash bag on floorboard in case spillage occurs

remove the five screws holding the heatre core access cover, three on top and two on bottom

carefully pull heater core back and down and remove it from the dash

install is reverse

Hope this helps

SOURCE: easy way to replace heater core on an 98 ford ranger

the dash must come out.