Dodge Ram dash and A/C evaporator removal

Removing the dash in an 09 Dodge Ram to replace the air conditioning evaporator core/coil.
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[@Cmsdroid]

I think you should add heater core access to the title. This was an excellent video regarding the dash removal that really gets both done. I watched several video regarding the dash and heater core replacements and they were really bad. You nailed this jobs secrets! By the way 1.5 hour dash out including video watching!

[@mikelyons5329]

Tackled my 2012 Laramie 1500 today. This video was my inspiration that I could at least attempt this and probably not make it worse. I found one additional bolt stem behind the firewall and PCM. Dodge was kind enough to cover the stem with a plastic dual-hose holder that was intended to keep the high and low tubes in place (wasn't even being used). That took a while to figure out. Also....the Laramie has plastic tubing the go to the back seat in 3 locations. That created some extra challenges in removal and reinstall of the HVAC box. Thank you for spending the time making this video. I can't thank you enough.

[@larryberger5926]

Yup, did my 4 door ram today. Found those 3 extra tubes and the extra bolt in the firewall.

[@speedygtony]

I'm about to do my 2012 Laramie this weekend. So i'm looking forward to these other bolts and plastic tubes..

[@thomassowder8515]

How did yours go ? And would this be applicable for a 2014 model , I’m needing to do my blend door. This would be much easier than disassembling the entire dash.

[@Frediv_the]

I have a Laramie 3500 4 door and can’t find this last bolt. Box is loose but something holding it up in the center somewhere. The 3 extra vents were tough as well.

[@antoniobriones5660]

How much time it took you from start to finish?

[@MrBobsVids]

That was so nicely done, great editing and filming of a difficult task, thank for taking the time and presenting it realistically.

[@Tomsfoolery.]

Thanks! I appreciate it!

[@ericsmith-sx8xi]

Same for a 2013 ram 6.7 ?

[@paulacosta8678]

You are a very smart man. I recently had the evaporator replaced in my Subaru Outback. Dealer replaced a few things and charged me $1000 finally after I took it to a local mechanic they immediately diagnostic the problem. I almost got rid of the car but dealer was good to cover the cost and I got a loaner

[@craigbrown9171]

Thanks for posting this video. It made changing my evaporator core for my 2011 Ram 1500 a lot more easy. It was maybe the first repair where I didnt curse a single time. Awesome video footage and explanation of everything step by step. YOU THE MAN!!!!!

[@franchescabello9967]

Lmao

[@h3athmcd394]

Great video. Was able to finish mine in 8 hours using your video. Got stuck for a while looking for the last nut on the engine side. My 2014 Ram Lonestar had 3 on the engine side.

[@ktpowerwashing]

Wow! Excellent video. Unfortunately my 2014 RAM 1500 is headed to the shop for this same operation. Fortunately I have a very trustworthy mechanic that will be performing the repair. A few too many plugs/clips to disconnect and reconnect for me to handle. Thank you for this video. It truly helps to understand why this repair costs so much. It is Definitely worth every penny, especially when you live in Houston, Texas 109° last week due to humidity.

[@am6589]

So, I'm up in Conroe. Is your trusted guy north, or south of Houston? I need this done to my 08 3500. It looks like bear to me. I would definitely like someone else to do it.

[@davidmarquardt2446]

Had mine all apart and ended up with same issue you had, just so happens I stumbled and tripped over your video after scratching my head. Lol Thanks David in Huntington Tx.

[@los3627]

Very well done job my friend ! I used to do A/C and heating many years ago ,and I had a great time doing it.👏👏👏

[@jcastellanos4831]

Thank you for the video, I watched it and changed mine out. I followed it step by step. You saved me $2100 from the dealership. I'm going to still have to go back to the dealership to charge the AC system. Also replace some of the coolant by me of course. Thanks again for the awesome video 👏👏👏

[@redneckracing8895]

That was an awesome video I have a 2011 Dodge Ram that I'm about to do the same thing I thought it was going to be a lot harder than what it looks most dashboards don't come apart that easy update just got done doing my heat heater core and evaporator thanks for the video it helped out tremendously best video I've seen yet

[@ivanzarate341]

.

[@douglasallred7609]

Thankyou so much for your video, l, like Los, used to do this over 40 years ago and had alot of fun! My evap core was leaking and caked with mildew.Thanks again, Doug

[@paulgeorge9614]

Great video I really respect the dedication it takes to film while doing these jobs I always find myself wanting to film but end up giving up after 5 minutes of work lol

[@adrianhernandez-de8jj]

Thanks brother for this video and let me also tell you, you explain everything very well. Without too much blah blah blah nonsense straight to the point and great camera angles. Keep up the nice work and videos.

[@ericks6557]

The video was great. Very detailed. I had to change the evaporator coil in my 2017 Ram 1500 and I was able to remove the dashboard following your video and listening to your instructions. Thanks for that great video.

[@Tomsfoolery.]

I’m glad it helped! Thanks for the feedback!

[@boomerjohn147]

Thank you Santer Auto Repair LLC for the detailed information on how to tackle this project. I've worked on other parts in my 2010 Ram 1500 and this was one worrying me. Seeing that mess with the dash out just overwhelms me a bit but I've conquered other automotive tasks up to this point. I will definitely be referencing back to your video. John San Antonio, TX

[@Tomsfoolery.]

In comparison to other manufacturers, it's not too bad of a job. Just take your time and you'll do just fine.

[@OLCoachSmith63]

Not sure if you've done it yet. I pulled the dash on my 2010 a few months ago to change the recirc door actuator. I considered heater core/condensor while I had it apart, but chose not to pull the hvac box. Bad choice. AC condenser is leaking, so will have to do it again. But really its not a bad job. It was the first dash I pulled and was able to do it in one day.

[@boomerjohn147]

@@OLCoachSmith63 I did pretty much most of it but couldn't finish it. I had the dash sitting on the front seats but for some reason I couldn't get the HVAC box out. The hoses going through the firewall I couldn't take off and I was sure that I had all the screws out from under the hood. I was going to try and remove the hoses from inside the cab if I was able to move the HVAC, that would've given me a little more working room but the HVAC box wouldn't budge. I have air vents that lead to the back seat that run under the middle seat so I was thinking that the HVAC box was attached to that somehow, b/c the HVAC box had some play towards the top but still kind of firm on the bottom. In the end, I just put everything back together. Pretty upset that I couldn't get it done. I still have the parts and I'm determined to tackle it again.

[@OLCoachSmith63]

@@boomerjohn147 keep me posted. I didn't try to take the HVAC box out yet - so maybe the ease of the job will end there for me too lol

[@drockbdd24]

Thank you! This saved me a lot of time. Out, back in and put together in 4.5 hours. Labor calls for 6.5. Only thing that sucked was removing the center console out of the way

[@dkjens.1990]

I’m assuming you’re talking about the center console w/ shifter? My truck has that console too, does the entire console including the shifter need to come out in order to remove dash? Also were you able to remove center console without removing any seats?

[@btothemay]

Great video, very helpful and informative! Good commentary & explanations without pointless chatter

[@davemoore9959]

Very well put together video guy, I use to do this job lots until my back and neck no longer allowed me to. Dodge trucks from early 90's up to present were the biggest culprits of evap leaks by far! One thing you I didn't hear you mention was while your in there it is a GOOD idea to replace the heater core as well. No more labor really just the core itself. you don't want to not do it then have antifreeze in the passenger floor 6 months later. I still do a large amount of AC work at 60 however I send all evap jobs to another shop down the street. Believe me, I don't mind! Oh, it would be a GOOD idea to replace any of the door actuators while that box is on the bench...they are known to fail big time! Merry Christmas to you!

[@corvette8088]

This was a very helpful video, thank you for making it.

[@kyledevore871]

Thank you. I was hoping it was just a hose leak or ac compressor but after replacing the compressor and still leaking refrigerant; smell in my cab, I believe this is the problem. Thanks again! Great video! U get a like and subscriber my good sir.

[@mikemcelveen2973]

Got one tomorrow to do. This model looks very easy. I'm used to doing the old Grand Cherokees from the 90s and the Toyota 4 Runners. Thanks for the no nonsense to the point video. Stay wrenching my friend!

[@rustynash9740]

Very good video, i took mine apart 2011 tad over 4 hours just watching this

[@donolbers9446]

Thanks for the info, I am after the fresh air door actuator 👍

[@OLCoachSmith63]

2010 Ram. Replaced heater core & evaporator yesterday/today. Awesome quick video. My 1st stud under the dash was easy to find. 2nd was behind the PCM, like the video. My 3rd was hidden behind a bracket holding the radiator hose. Also, unless I did it wrong, its a b*itch to get the box out if you have duct work to the back. I got it with brute force, but im not sure if that's right lol.

[@edgarcastro2117]

I'm doing this job now while I'm waching your video step by step, thanks 👍

[@Tomsfoolery.]

I hope it goes well for you!

[@rosedalepaint]

That was excellent, Tom! Well explained! I was most interested in the heater core myself. Seems like they’re not worth reverse flushing these days. Might as well switch them out with a new one.

[@hamzaabdulsalamhas7102]

Thanks a lot sir. Today I change evaporater same model in my work shop

[@ETPAK]

Very professional and detailed video. Much thanks for this video.

[@fartsmccracken1445]

You didn’t tell me I had to evacuate the freon before removing the AC lines off the firewall. Mine blew up and now I’m blind. 🙁 But here are some helpful tips: use a wiggle socket on a 1/4” ratchet to make getting those two top dash bolts out easier, and believe it or not, you CAN get the clamps off the heater hoses from INSIDE the truck by gently pulling the hoses toward you as you pull the dash away from the firewall. It’s a bear doing it from under the hood. Thanks for the vid!

[@elcompa377]

Great video dude!

[@franciscocastro7647]

Thanks I followed every step easy ✌👏

[@noneya8184]

Great video and was very helpful thanks for posting !👍 And this beers for you 🍺🍺🍺🍺👍

[@kdogsig]

Awesome Video. Really appreciate it. Thanks!!!!!!

[@fredosantana3007]

This video helped alot, finished the job i have 4 bolts i never put in hope my car dont blow up lol

[@Tomsfoolery.]

Thanks! I’m glad it helped! I’d be a liar if I told you I never found a leftover bolt after doing a big job lol.

[@Semipro51]

Good video, did mine, now wipers stay on, no horn, no gauges, check engine light on, abs light, no turn signals etc. It does run and I did install new brake light switch.

[@LarryBerger-vu2vq]

Great video. Excellent guide. Just did my 09 ram

[@Tomsfoolery.]

Nice work!

[@user-tt7wr4qv5q]

Great to follow along with...made it easy.thx

[@paultadki8007]

Good job i agree nicely done i have one coming up this will help

[@texasroper2222]

I started this project on my 2010 Ram yesterday. I had a hard time with those 2 bolts on top as well. Great video though, thanks.

[@boomerjohn147]

I plan on taking on this project myself but I'm curious about how long the entire process takes? Got the same 2010 Ram 1500 no center console.

[@Tomsfoolery.]

Thanks! I hope it well for you.

[@Tomsfoolery.]

@@boomerjohn147 I believe it was in the neighborhood of 6 hours and that was including filming. I think it would have been around 5 hours all together.

[@scarface-39]

Great video!!! Thank you

[@tonywestvirginia]

Nice job!

[@seanhayes4088]

Awsome video I wish they were all like this

[@williamherzog9735]

Great attitude and pace. The post behind the PCM would have slowed me greatly had you not pointed that out.

[@Tomsfoolery.]

Thanks for the view and comment! These aren’t too bad to do really. I just did another one a couple weeks ago. Getting faster at em! Lol

[@jeffsweatland8840]

Great job!

[@backwoodsreviews8391]

How do you get the piece off that mounts to the outgoing tubes? I have mine apart but cannot figure out how to get the piece off to go on the new ac evaporator

[@gustavoaflores7715]

Excellent video thanks!👌

[@Tomsfoolery.]

Thanks!

[@sdguss17]

I'm about to get this done for 1k and after watching this video it seems like a good price lol so much to it and no time or patience to try it myself!

[@sharp68chevyguy]

I'll do it for 900 if that's the way you feel

[@justinhukriede5174]

I'll do it for $875, I get the time being an issue. I just don't understand why people don't fix their own stuff anymore? True American ingenuity is dieing... just like our culture... 😔

[@jeffspohn6811]

Major help, thanks.

[@chadpowell7983]

I'm not sure if I missed it or not, but the question I have is this...in order to replace the heater core do I need to remove the freon from the hvac system?

[@f296877]

Great video thanks!

[@302vettelife2]

Thank you to this video, my buddy and I did this job yesterday. Had the heater core in and out in 3 hours (not including the AC recharge). He worked on one side of the dash, and I talked the other. Anyone that is apprehensive about this job...it is not difficult. Nuts and bolts. The only issue if you're not mechanically incline is removing the refrigerant and recharging. 5 stars on this video!

[@chrisstevens1401]

Thanks for the video man them look way ezyer thin the older trucks are to do the older ones are ezy but thay made it nice on the new ones

[@nathanriley1154]

Thanks man I’m literally about to do the exact same thing

[@OnfloorAudio]

Great Video Tom !!! Sadly , i have to do this very job on my own Ram coming up soon .

[@Tomsfoolery.]

You can do it! Take your time. Have a helper there to move the dash when the time comes. It looks overwhelming but it’s not terrible.

[@riadeasleh410]

Amazing, thanks for the detailed video . I get white smoke from the back of engine hood righ side on 2018 Ram 2500 . It looks like a steam more than a smoke.only comes when driving and braking. Does not coming at all when idling. Also it haping when its cold. Any hints

[@oscarmorones5785]

Beautiful job mad respect for your mechanic skills. I wish I could do this my 2015 Ram is going in for this. How much should a job like that cost any idea.

[@danb781]

Thank you sir

[@emmanuelgrumbach5742]

Great help... thanks.

[@MwaramwarKolman-hl6pd]

Wow ur the best nice job.

[@kevinthomas9889]

Thanks for posting this great video. How long did the job take, from start to finish? I have a 2011, 2500/Cummins that has a broken recirc door, so you know what I am looking at!

[@julianmora7074]

I wish I had a sincere friend like you. Julian here.

[@orinjackson6446]

Very good video

[@santiagoorquiz]

Perfect video well done i would recommend changing out the blower all acuators an heater core i just got off work an no ice cold ac but hot refrigeratan smell 😢 an i dont want to do this again. 🤣 everything is going in new my girl has 175k

[@somanpalliyil8178]

Excellent

[@ChristisLord31]

8:25 a long extension and a u joint make that part cake.

[@kristopheraldridge3360]

I know this is a 3+ year old video. BUT if you run a heat gun over those plastic clips it makes them slightly easier to remove.

[@Tomsfoolery.]

Thanks for the tip!

[@agoodneighborautorepair2176]

👋Sir very nice explanation, blessings

[@geraldhorton9926]

Man awesome video,my 2011 sport needs to be done. I am just to crippled up to do it myself these days. How many hours did it take you to do if you don’t mind me asking. Mine has the console. Just wondering as they quoted me 8 hours.

[@millermiscellaneous1771]

Nice video.

[@Tomsfoolery.]

Thanks!

[@WizzRacing]

Finally found one that covers the 2017 models... As it's not that bad... But they freak out over the labor cost... Just to add.. that wiring harness connector. Is just under the carpet under the center seat\arm rest...You can reach up under there and get it...If you pull the carpet back some...After that. All I did was hang the whole console in the air with bungee cords on each side..Went back easy. Just hook the passenger side in first. Then the driver side.

[@chrisheaden9147]

I got a 2009 ram can I change the recirculation door actuator without taking out the dashboard

[@kamiltolpa9141]

very helpful video🙂 🤔but I have one question, how did you find the leak in such a place? You have a tool for this?

[@watcherwatchmen7785]

What's a good way to tell if the leak is coming from the coil? I smelled oil just before my a/c stopped working, so I'm thinking it's the coil, but I want to be sure about it before going to all this disassembly.

[@andyjones357]

Yep I know your pain I had a 88 Dakota once I had to do the same thing to that job was a B. They even glued the lid down on heater core box that made it even more comp.

[@erictjones949]

Thanks for the video! I just replaced my heater core and ac evaporator. Now i have great air flow whth the heat but unfortunately i have zero heat. I wonder if i have air in my coolant system. Any thoughts?....update...nevermind, my temp blend door actuator decided to not work. I can manually adjust the temp to make it work

[@oswaldorivero5058]

Thank you buddy

[@ericsmith-sx8xi]

At the beginning of the video,you disconnected the a/c lines. Does freon come out? Should I take the truck to a shop to recover the freon first?

[@josehernandezmartinez7022]

Excelente video

[@Tomsfoolery.]

Thank you

[@victorcervantes8164]

My 2011 dodge ram 1500 is making a noise from the evaporator do you think is because it needs to be cleaned or it may be leaking, if so could you tell the cost for the labor, please please I would like to get an answer. Thanks for a Great and professional video.

[@t006]

Thank you very much for the video it helps a ton …. Just curious how much u paid for the new ac evaporator ?

[@douglasjones1455]

thank you

[@Tomsfoolery.]

You’re welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@baloo217]

Nice video , i need to do this to my 2009 ram 1500 3.7. How much is for a job like this? Im not sure if i can do it my self. Tks in advance

[@steveberg8612]

Well done

[@Tomsfoolery.]

Thanks

[@am6589]

Wow! I got to do this.

[@adrianwhite9899]

Do you need the evaporator temperature sensor?

[@brandon____8633]

Was this being changed because because of an odor you noticed as soon as the ac was turned on?

[@peterpierce9233]

It was so much EASIER in the old days with the HVAC under the hood on the firewall

[@jbuck1975]

After we put everything back together. The door lock and unlock act like they aren't working correctly. Slow acting and sometimes not reacting to button press. Both side buttons on doors.

[@LarryReynolds591]

I can't find the one behind the pcm mine is a 2013. Any tips?

[@adrianeyre9472]

Hey, first wanted to say thank you. Your video made this job a lot less scary. But now that I have everything back together and plugged in, I have no gauges, all warning lights are on, and my wipers wont shut off. Did this happen to anyone else?

[@JPWarrior02]

Just did this on my 2013 Ram Diesel. The hardest part was disconnecting and reconnecting the heater core hoses. Not fun at all. The only thing that I have a question about is the a/c line connection. I still have to bring this in for a recharge, how does that connection seal up without a gasket?

[@beni7928]

O rings

[@jamaldmattis1260]

I have a 2011 dodge ram hemi, and in my truck it has a center console, do I have to remove the center to get to the dash or can the dash just pull up over the center console?

[@rensoestrada8144]

Im sure you have to Im doing mine in a couple weeks and yes it has a center console 😢

[@Tomsfoolery.]

Yes, you definitely have to remove the center console. But it’s not terribly difficult. Looks worse than it is.

[@rensoestrada8144]

@@Tomsfoolery. yup and thanks for the reply

[@MsGraupel]

Are you located anywhere near Arkansas? I need my AC coil replaced. Thanks for the video

[@zachwalsh6267]

I'm in Arkansas . About to do mine soon. I'll cut you a fair price after I do mine for practice.

[@marcusrameil5708]

Where are you located Tomfoolery? Looking for someone to fix my air in my 2012 ram 5500.

[@ronmoo2932]

Very very good video Just one thing I want to correct Two bolts on the top of the dashboard are 10 mm Not 8 mm

[@Tomsfoolery.]

Good catch! I just did another heater core last week and yup, they were 10mm!

[@tylerpalmer6615]

Mine is a 2014 and the bolts by the windshield were 10mm. Lol I spent awhile trying to get the 8mm socket to fit on them before I realized because I couldn't see them.

[@tigerseye73]

The core in my '97 Ram may be ruptured, but I dread taking the dash apart to get to it. Manufacturers COULD make it much easier but that might slow down assembly on the line, since everything is placed in sequence for maximum build speed.

[@Tomsfoolery.]

Right you are. It’s not a terrible job on that style though. Typically I change both the heater core and AC evaporator due to the labor to get in there.

[@zachwalsh6267]

Can you not get a wobble 8mm on those bolts??

[@robertdoss238]

Your presentation was great. But, I hope I never have to do that job on my Dodge Truck.

[@rosedalepaint]

“The labourer is worthy of his hire”!

[@Grizzle400]

Someone will have to

[@patricklandis3910]

Nice video, being that far into the dash you should have replaced the heater core, there not that expensive. Then it’s all new..