Ford Windstar heater core replacement

via KZbin Capture

[@incidentalauditor]

Simple short and clear. One of the best auto fix it videos I've seen. I don't need to see all your fancy tools and hear you talk for 20 minutes I ain't got time for that shit. GREAT JOB!!!

[@maxpaul11]

Thank you very much for the tips! You saved me a lot of work! Same procedure for 2004 Freestar! I also removed the air bag module and braket for easier access to cover screws!

[@josephvarner6564]

Dan thanks for the video. I have to change my core this weekend. Finally someone posts a video of what needs to come off the car. Thanks.

[@jkstdstang]

Very helpful video as I was anticipating having to pull the whole dash like alot of vehicles. very glad to see that it’s not too bad of a job at all for my wife’s van. For now I just have the core bypassed to get it back on the road but looks like I’ll be doing it soon as winter is just around the corner. thank you!

[@hm3426]

I have watched your video a few days ago. To get some idea on how to replace my heater core on my wind star 2003. I was suspecting the core because for about 3 years I have smelled a faint odor of antifreeze. But, three weeks ago it went completely. Your video help me on what I thought was the hardest part. Getting the core out. That was that panel at the bottom of the core. I'm actually, very happy. Saved me a lot of money. But, sad that now I have to replace the front sub-frame because of rust. Two hit at once.

[@davidnflowers]

Right on thanks!!

[@tteuvky]

better if you show before everything opening, you are already have opened everthing so we dont know from where to start not to damage something

[@ariesguy2224]

I hope this works on a 1998 Windstar as well. I'll be changing mine tomorrow.

[@amt1298]

Was this the same as your older Windstar?

[@veloslave]

Thanks Dan

[@Greymalkyn99]

I have to change mine this weekend so this video is a big help. One concern I have though is that it might be a bigger problem as I have a burning anti-freeze smell when the heat is on and the guy at Autozone told me that it was anti-freeze in the heater core. Could there also be a problem with my head gasket as well?

[@amt1298]

A head gasket would not give you the antifreeze smell inside the van but it is the heater core that is leaking. As you watch the video, look closely at the core. The "dirty" area is where the core is leaking and I would bet your will look the same way. If you had a head gasket problem, you would notice that you are needing to add coolant more frequently and your oil might start looking milky and foamy or you would notice extra water vapor out of the tailpipe or worse both. Word of cation, if you plan on replacing the upper and lower radiator hoses during this repair, you need to be aware that there is a lower radiator hose extension pipe that likes to rust through and you should be able to pick one up on eBay for around $30 but the oring in the water pump was cheapest at the local Ford dealer. Thanks for posting and let me know if you need any additional information.

[@user-ez3il1yy6i]

You Can Douche Your Heater Core With A Bottle Of CLR To Get The Corrosion Out Too , Don't Let It Sit In Their For More Than An 2 Hrs Though .

[@amt1298]

True, but when you can smell coolant, it is beyond saving.

[@ScubaCat3]

That cover will come off if you remove all 7 screws. There are two in the back that you have to get by feel since it's virtually impossible to see them.

[@Lilnasty-jo3dc]

I thank you! I have a 2004 freestar and I'm getting antifreeze smell and windshield is fogging a little so I know what I need to do now! How long did the whole job take you??

[@amt1298]

After saving bucks by buying my replacement heater core and Windshield Wiper removal tool on eBay. I was able to replace the core and have it back on the road during at Saturday. It really tool just a couple of hours but I have lots of kids so disruptions were plentiful.

[@phiksit]

Been doing a multitude of flushes on my 98 and noticed the fogging windshield. Now I got water puddling on the ground to the rear of the firewall. Definitely some good deals for parts on ebay. Thanks for posting.

[@davidacosta9562]

Worked great for my 2003 van much easier

[@akeylamonea4639]

Ty

[@letsthinkitover1]

I dont want to do that my daughter has a smell comming from her windstar.

[@NorbertoGallego-ot2iy]

He needs to explain a lot better...be more detailed about going into the disassembling. Better video ...

[@josephbohme7917]

makes no sense too bad there is no video

[@amt1298]

Sorry about that. I was just in the middle of the project and wanted to share the information that is was easier to replace than I thought it would be. I will try to do more video capture when I am fixing stuff.

[@robertciscoe9318]

Better yet, just buy a Chevy...or a Dodge...or a Hyundai..or whatever.

[@amt1298]

My Ford's have been great vehicles and will continue to by Ford. I have had many last many, many miles. The 1986 Ford Thunderbird went over 275k miles before I sold it to buy the Windstar. The Windstar has over 175k miles and my wife still loves driving it. Built Ford Tough!

[@ernestperez748]

I had my 02 Windstar since 07 which I bought for 1k. This vehicle does not want to die. Main drawback of these vehicles is changing the rear axle when they get rusted . I changed it twice in 16 years. The rest is maintenance and keeping an eye on rust in other areas. It's up to 225k now . I which Ford kept up with selling minivans .

[@robertciscoe9318]

@@ernestperez748 I guess I just expect 300k before I have any problems.