How To Change Your Jeep Grand Cherokee Heater Core In Less Than An Hour

[@dentondunn4346]

Your doing someone a good solid by doing this tutorial. You don’t even know how many people this will help. When it comes to Jeeps your the man.

[@granvilleanderson8037]

This channel is the reason why I plan to restore to Jeep Grand Cherokee!

[@southbay281]

My heater core blew last night. I will be using this video all the way through. This guy is awesome for this video. Thanks buddy

[@JFabrication]

I just used this for quick hacks and motiviation to change both cores today. Absolutely thankful to have found this!

[@LesDeplorables]

This man saved me suffering, money and time! I am very thankful.

[@travisalexander7242]

Best diy KZbin auto video I’ve watched. Gets right to the point and explains everything quickly/efficiently without rambling.

[@jasonmayne1]

Great video!!! To anyone about to try this; a 10-pack of different color paint pens and ziplocks will help you stay organized if this is your first time. Before you remove something, dab the bolt and the hole near it with a color. Use the same color for all like-sized bolts of course. For us non-mechanics, it helps a little.

[@scottroderick5299]

I’ve always been intimidated by the prospect of pulling a dash for any reason. So I’ve never done one. This video gave me the courage to do so and I replaced both heater core and AC evaporator. Got it all back together with no extra bots or screws hanging about. Took me more like 4 hours; not bad for a first timer! Thanks so much. I wish I could find a video like this for my other cars.

[@dexjs]

Glad I could help out!

[@alvinblackmon7205]

Great video, could you install mine?

[@zacharyroberts8795]

Having taken this dash off a 2001 Grand Cherokee three times previously, I can't thank you enough for this shortcut video. First time was for the blend doors, second for the heater core, third time was for the evaporator. Heater core started leaking again, so today was the forth time and I followed the video the whole time. Took 45 minutes instead of 4 hours. Food for thought, I noticed my 2001 had a 21 lb radiator cap from the factory. I have been through 4 radiators along with the 2 heater cores. I noticed the superceded Mopar cap that they sell for my Jeep is 18 lb now. I bought one to install with the new heater core. Maybe it'll buy some additional time on the cooling system components. Thanks again!

[@drphelipe55]

3 hours. It took me 3 hours to watch this video 2 times and get after it, only watching sections along the way to double check the work. I don’t have ratcheting wrenches, or swivel sockets, mine still had some harnesses attached to brackets that his doesn’t anymore, other than that it really was that easy. No specialty tools required, and a second person is optional. 3 hours start to running errands. Thank You Dex Jeeps.

[@janetbrowder6685]

I would not expect someone doing that same job 5 days per week, all year long to be able to do just what you did in an hour. Honestly, I’m sure most mechanics wouldn’t believe that much work could be done in 60 minutes. Quite impressive. 👍👍👍

[@Rmehki]

I did one in a 98 Cherokee XJ, it was very similar in about 2 hours. I’m not a mechanic but have a decent amount of experience fixing and maintaining my own vehicle.

[@slimboiu3890]

get stuck up on one thing and the hours just pile on, plus the frustration makes you want to give up. i took my whole dash off and now that i know what to do i think i could dissassemble most of it in an hour or two but that is crazy as hell, i dont think theres any way this guy actually took one hour show me the clock!

[@Ronstar911]

Just did my wife's on the weekend, so it took more than an hour BUT you saved me hours of unknown figuring out stuff! Thank you so much! Wife is happy now. Slight change on my 2004 the two drivers side main bolts were 8mm not 10, as well its a V8 the heater hoses were unbelievably hard to reach and disconnect 😪.

[@davidpardo8675]

good to know. mine's an 8 also... and everything on that sucker is more "fun" lol. it has the power to respond on the road, but comes with a price lol

[@TurnTheCranks]

I've been sitting on this vide for almost 6 months. That cold snap that just hit us gave me the kick in the pants to knock out the heater core on my daughter's 2000 Grand Cherokee. I can't thank you enough for this video. This was my first time doing one, and it took 1 1/2 hours following your video. You're a hero.

[@MarkB-gi7tu]

My 13 year old son, Reid watched this video and wanter to try it on my 2000 Grand Cherokee we had recently bypassed the leaking core on. He did most of the inside work, I did the under the hood, mainly because of AC. Parts store gave us wrong part and it rained whiling trying to exchange, other than that it went well. Dax you are inspiring the younger mechanics and showing some of us older guys a better way. Thanks!

[@moparman68]

For clarification, what hangs up in the middle are the defroster vents, and then on each side, there is a pinch clip to release the dash from the A-pillar. Awesome video!

[@robertgolden1080]

Outstanding video. I did a bypass on mine. It started leaking a month after I bought the Jeep. I used to be an auto mechanic years ago I’m also an aircraft mechanic. I was honestly cringing at the thought of changing the heater core out. Thanks to you. Not now. I will replace the evaporator at the same time. Thanks for sharing.

[@LesDeplorables]

THANK YOU! You saved me days of suffering and breaking parts! It took me more like 6 or 7 hours to get er done, but it was easy watching your video as I went. Some of the connectors vary by year. I have a 2000 and didn't have vacuum lines. Some of the wire connections are different but I could tell when I pulled it loose if I had to unplug something.. You are an excellent instructor. BTW, all of you doing this, CHOCK THOSE WHEELS! In my case I spent alot of time under the hood digging down to where I could take the hoses off and they were a pain in the Kamala to put back on.

[@LesDeplorables]

As an amateur with limited mechanical background. I followed what the boss said without thinking too much. It wasn't till I was putting it back in that I thought, "YES! This all makes sense! What a genius this guy is!"

[@TheLastSoviet22]

Thank you for this! Lifesaver! Heater core decided to bite the dust a week before we move!

[@loftismark]

dam dude. I think I want to call you out just to see that done real time in under an hour. It took me all weekend lol. Amazing!

[@JFabrication]

Thank you dude, motivated me to get in and change both cores today. Wasnt bad at all with your method! Went together a little slower from memory but only bout 2 hrs for me ! Never woulda thought!

[@wontusemynamereally7023]

Awesome video. Showed all the fasteners and what size they were. I was dragging my feet to start this job but you convinced me to jump right in. Went well. Took me longer than an hour but I could do it in an hour now. Thank you so much.

[@LP42716]

Excellent tutorial video. 1 Hour to do this job seemed impossible at first but you made it look very straight forward. It would be great to have you for my neighbor. Thanks

[@martyroberts951]

Thanks man. One of the best instructional videos I’ve found. Helped me a shit ton

[@gradient602]

Bro you just level 100 figured this out. My first time doing this it took me 2 days to do it. I needed to redo the foam tape in the hvac box and now I have the courage to tackle this again

[@alansunday]

Awesome video! I have 3 WJ's and I need to change the evaporator core. No A/C and it's summer time. While I'm in there, I will change the heater core and fix my blend doors. Can't thank you enough for this video!

[@dexjs]

You can do it!

[@TobyMoye-gh7nt]

This video was a huge help!!! I had some minor issues but I don’t think I could have done without your guidance. Thank you

[@williamtaylor1327]

Dex you are definitely a mad scientist!!!! Keep the videos and shorts coming. Thank you sir DEX!!!

[@chrismarsh9978]

well a ieast I know who to go and see when my heater core goes bad !!! that was another great vid Dex !!! Lets see Transfer cases and 2wd Front Axles made into 4x4 ??!!

[@SAGwords]

Glad that I just found this video, I just ordered the heater core and, get to doing this weekend. Thank you for your video.

[@dee1EVO]

Wow I have to thank you so much for this video! I just completed my heater core, reservoir tank and the alternator work. You definitely walked me through these steps properly to disassemble and reassemble the dashboard. I did have a bit of help but in all this was pretty simple work with your help. 🎉

[@sabastianwatson3527]

0:49 Tools 13 and 10 ratchet wrench 13 and 10 deep sockets Optional wobble adapters Ratchet extensions (He never talked about the other socket?) Philips head drivers, varying length 1:55 First step first: seats & battery 2:15 Center console & cupholder 4:03 center bracket 4:40 passenger trim removal 5:15 passenger connectors 5:46 remove glove box 6:20 passenger dashboard fasteners 6:58 A pilar and dash trim 8:26 driver trim removal 9:27 steering column 11:08 fuse panel 11:56 Drop steering column 13:24 pull dashboard 14:25 HVAC fasteners 14:44 under the hood 16:26 pull HVAC 16:53 replace HVAC components 18:47 tips for reinstall 20:00 reinstall HVAC 21:50 Set dashboard, steering, connectors 24:05 reinstall trim, connectors, glove box, dash trim, center bracket, console Saving this later for myself, figured id share Thanks DAX

[@jerrycont5027]

Used your video as reference to change the heater core in my 2001 Jeep. Your videos was extremely helpful thank you for making this video.

[@mandeeeng3284]

Just finished mine. You made a awesome video. Need more people like you in the world.

[@DougKendig]

You saved my wife from a terrible case of frostbite again lol.. Absolutely great video. Made short work of getting it changed and back in operation. I will never buy another Jeep as long as I live but, great video lol Thank you from the wife.. Might be a Christmas this year after all lol

[@dexjs]

Glad I could help

[@genobrn8743]

Just watched your video for the 3rd time- tremendous!! t 11am on 7/19/24, my son and I will undertake this project. Not for the heater core but for the evap core- while we’re in there- the heater core as well. I can’t thank you enough Bro- great video 👍🏿

[@johnharris9370]

I just did mine today with the help of your video. Thanks!

[@dexjs]

Glad it helped!

[@jasonmoon8438]

Man I feel like I need to buy you a 🍺.. just replaced evaporator and heater core while I was at it .. took about 4 hour and that’s with pulling a vacuum and charging system., it probably would have taken 8 without this video.. thanks much !!

[@Slobberdog66]

This guy rocks. Great job. Please keep the Jeep videos coming . Awesome work

[@woodywysatta7375]

def needed this vid. i thought i was doin something wrong, the box would not come out at all. i thought i forgot a nut or bolt somewhere, but by the looks of it it very well may have just melted stuck too good. i was pulling hard and began to pry with a prybar but stopped cause i didn't wanna break anything. now ima do it again now that i know. Thank you man

[@1f1fan]

WOW! That was unbelievably informative! You are killin it! Thank you for schooling us on this!

[@dexjs]

Glad it was helpful!

[@koalabear702]

You are a gem and the world doesn't deserve you

[@travisalexander7242]

The rubber bumpers on the glove box hinge on one side. If you sit in the seat and reach in, palms up, you can push the box in just a bit and hinge the rubber stops out of the way and the box just comes out without any resistance.

[@jeremyhanna3852]

Can you do step by step on xj the older one please just watched the end ish of this video and am awaiting the video on a xj core

[@filmsbydiek7316]

Okay, fine, I’ll do it! Srsly, thanks for this. I did a heater core bypass and was gonna wire in a cab heater for defrosting, but you’ve helped convince me to give this job a try for REAL heat inside. Thanks! EDIT: Well, it certainly wasn't under an hour! You da man... Two competent wrenchers hacking at it and it still took basically two days. A couple snags and familiarity account for quite a bit of that time, plus the V8 has MUCH less room for working the heater lines under the hood. All that being said, this video is GREAT! We referred to it many times. The one thing we found was missing: the defroster outlet "trumpets" have a clip connect the aft edge to the fore dash edge, that's the thing up by the windsheild that was binding for us (and maybe what you were remembering). Otherwise it was basically as you showed in this great tutorial! Thanks again.

[@filmsbydiek7316]

Well, it certainly wasn't under an hour! You da man... Two competent wrenchers hacking at it and it still took basically two days. A couple snags and familiarity account for quite a bit of that time, plus the V8 has MUCH less room for working the heater lines under the hood. All that being said, this video is GREAT! We referred to it many times. The one thing we found was missing: the defroster outlet "trumpets" have a clip connect the aft edge to the fore dash edge, that's the thing up by the windsheild that was binding for us (and maybe what you were remembering). Otherwise it was basically as you showed in this great tutorial! Thanks again.

[@Brandon_Balentine]

I used your video to get completely through this repair on a Saturday. Thanks a lot! Now I have to get the AC lines sealed back up. I think i lost an oring or something.

[@dexjs]

Glad it helped

[@jonbain9216]

Did a hell of a job on this one dex ! Great job

[@LesDeplorables]

ONE WARNING! (BTW this is a Damb good video) Backyard rednecks like me and others! If you are not on a flat shop floor like he is, BLOCK THOSE WHEELS! Mine behaved until I moved to the drive seat and took off on me! Luckily I was in the drive seat and hit the brakes. I had the emergency brake all the way one. I was on a driveway incline though...

[@stephenpaul9165]

Awesome job! I’ll be doing it this weekend

[@neilbaines1856]

Execellent job on clarification, explanation of removal and technique used. And stayn organization of nuts n bolts to to thier respective sides

[@brianandglendaharkin9457]

Nice to see someone working on real 4x4 vehicles . Great work . Iv got a 98 TJ my daughter has a XJ my grandson a XJ my brother Has a XJ . Iv also owned 2 new TJs 3XJs and a 1980 FSJ with the AMC 360 and T/ Flight man that was a weapon and one of the best’s exhaust note of any V8 and iv owned many MOPAR V8 some Ford V8 but that 360 AMC sounded so healthy 👍🏻💯🇦🇺⛽️.

[@richsmith6952]

Ok I am the one guy who watched this 5 times, took detailed notes and have it almost back together, just trim and console to go. I hooked up the battery and turned the key to start and check for leaks. Nothing happens, cluster has no lights, no ignition. The 4 way flashers work but that’s about all. I’m double checking connections but thought I’d check back for advice to diagnose. Thanks. ❤️😎

[@SuperHddeuce]

Just saw this reply it looks like you did this 7 days ago. Did you figure out what was wrong. And what was it.

[@richsmith6952]

We went on vacation right after I posted this. Just got home and I have not got back to it. This is an extra car. I hope to have another go at it next week. I’ll probably pull the dash out again and see what might be lurking under there. Any advice is appreciated. The ignition key does nothing. No dash lights at all. Does not crank.

[@don9598]

Good video. I have to replace my core and the blend doors 0n my 03.Think I will give it a try.Dealership got the driverside seatbelt stuck under the console when thay did some recall work. I brought the car back and thay fixed it. Since you mentioned it in your video I guess its easy to do by mistake

[@jasonlemmond3012]

That’s what happens when you’re good and have done that job a lot you get fast like that and learn tricks thank you sir it was awesome

[@iamknow1]

Excellent video, thank you for your hard work. One question before I start, what about discharging the ac? Is this necessary?

[@dexjs]

Yes, correct has to be discharged

[@nickmoss6165]

The video was great and it helped me a ton with mine thanks alot.. keep mKing em videos man!!

[@dexjs]

Glad to hear it!

[@terrystratford1235]

I have a 2001 wj 4.7. For 6 years I've had no heat!! Had dash off to do blend doors and core. Still no heat! Recirculation works, fan works! I believe now, this jeep has 4 actuators? 2 for the blend doors at the front of hvac, (duel zone) 1 for Recirculation door and the one I believe has been overlooked, a heater control actuator behind the glovebox! Is this correct?

[@dexjs]

I’ve got a video coming out soon!!

[@terrystratford1235]

@dexjs look forward to it!! So many vids show the blend doors and actuators at the front of hvac. I found one that showed the heater control actuator, behind glovebox! My mechanic followed the heat, as plastics were hot, but no heat coming from vents! Plenty of cold air thou! He took glovebox off and said there was heat until an actuator and suggested that! Got one on Ebay, should arrive soon!! Looks easy enough, but y do 99% of vids just cover the front blend doors and actuators!?

[@tomign7425]

Brother i cant thank you enough, you’re the goat🙏🏻

[@trail-wolf4x4]

Love to see a write up on the 96-98 ZJ. I'm dreading pulling mine but everything is pointing to evap

[@ericferguson5231]

thank you for the video. keep em coming. why do 96 cherokee starters fail so often?

[@kevinclevenger8741]

Dam wear is your shop at .I have a wj that needs the heater core plus the bleed doors fixed ..I can't work on it anymore.i lost my eyesight to cancer .so looking for some one to fix my jeep for us

[@raymuniz113]

This is simply brilliant, I just wish you could do a 2012 Ford Edge Ecoboost. It will help do so many things I always wanted to do by removing the dash. I don’t even trust anyone claiming that they know how to do this job because many so called mechanics where I’m at end up breaking and damaging something.

[@christopheremmitt3163]

Have you found what brand of heater core has held up the best. Are the cooper ones better than the aluminum ones? Thanks great video!!!!!

[@maddawg4599]

I just learned something today, if my heater core ever goes bad, take it to someone else to fix!

[@genobrn8743]

Outstanding video and details, love your style, oh and the dog treat treasures- hahahaha.My evap core has a leak so while you’re in that calamity- change the heater core too. I’m going to Follow you and look at your Channel for evap core R&R.

[@genobrn8743]

Most important- THANK YOU!!

[@dexjs]

Glad I was able to help.

[@mikealmiracle4834]

Dex, perty please sell me some seat belts for a 98 XJ.

[@thelastgreatmanintheuniverse]

Thanks i may have to one 😢 just got the car for my cousin , last night. Now she smells anti freeze. Is this a frequent problem.

[@mchldln2]

Amazing. The last time I did this, it took me 14 hours.

[@DR-ro7dw]

Excellent video, very well done. Just a question. At 24:44 you were talking about getting a “ piece” back in……..we’re you referencing the floor vent tube? Thanks

[@merockomole]

Good video and great advice /tips.

[@dexjs]

Glad it was helpful!

[@wadet73]

Glad you're keeping these *Js going. I seriously want another one, 6 cylinder 😊

[@Camoburb]

I need to do the hc in our 2001 grandcherokee. What is the best hc to get? I don't want to have to do it again for a long time. Thank you for this video!

[@evanrollins9815]

Can you give me your insight on what to do with the AC. That is the only part i am worried about.

[@christopheredmondson7959]

Since you know alot about these and a variety of other jeeps I want to know if the XJ heater box with AC is the same as a1998 TJ. I'm in the process of helping my 13 year old daughter to do a frame off TJ restoration and it does not have AC. Any knowledge would be great! If it fits then I'm in the market for the complete box and control panel for hers! Thanks, Christopher

[@noberet]

Do you have a video of this for an XJ? Are they wildly different? Mine is a 1996 XJ Sport (Manual) Oops, I see you don't yet. I am waiting at the front of the line! Thank you!

[@emii4233]

Would those vaccum lines not being connected cause no air flow from passenger dash vents?

[@russellsalvador1620]

Hard water will wreak havic on your heater core , radiator, water treatment is essential, if you use distilled water, and coolant, this will cut down on these problems.

[@gregrhodus8121]

wonder how much different a 2008 version would be? i need to replace the distribution unit because my passengers side flapper door shaft is broken.

[@S.S.H.OCT.18-08]

Dr. Dex. Nice work, as usual.

[@montanaburns214]

About to perform this surgery on my Jeep a rewind video how to put it back together

[@banditware]

Wow! Seriously, this is the best damn video of a tear down I've seen yet. I also ha e this exact same issue. But I live in the desert. So no fix for me. Do you have a video for replacing out a front axle for an '02 by chance?

[@SR-jz9wn]

I suggest using a product like KOOL-IT or RedLine's WaterWetter which will reduce electrolysis to negligible amounts.

[@jasonlessard2373]

Do you or can you do a video on a heater core in an XJ. My 2000 needs one.

[@stephenpatton8690]

Man... PLEASE do the cherokee! I have to so both the evaporator and the core and have been putting it off to no end. Thank you!

[@shenanigalz]

I have a 2001 4.0 Grand Cherokee that will overheat when i drive it. It idles around 210 and won’t overheat but once i take it for a drive for around 20 minutes it will spike suddenly and have to turn the car off. It will spew out the radiator cap and the coolant reservoir will start bubbling. The head is brand new on it with no gasket leaks. I’ve replaced the thermostat, radiator, and heater core so far. Going to replace the water pump today but if it isn’t that what else would you think is wrong with the car? It runs perfectly fine other than the overheating issue.

[@carmine313]

Great vid Dex! I have a 2001 my evaporater is shot. I want to follow your heater core video and change both evap and hearer core. How far from Brooklyn are you 😅. I thinking about giving it a shot.

[@tomcz1098]

can I ask if anyone knows - do you have to vent the AC lines for this? Did not notice it was in the video, but the AC vent looked like open at 14:52? Please respond, and thank you for extremely good video!

[@edgardobanuelas2495]

Anything else needed to also change actuator doors while in there?

[@joelantler6660]

Is this how you access the blend doors this as well?

[@ctmorgan78]

Do you have a shop or business where you do these repairs? @DeXJs

[@dexjs]

I just do all my work personally. Nothing public.

[@jackrussellville]

Yes please do a XJ because I have a friend that needs their evaporator AND heater core replaced and they want me to help them

[@StevenPena-e5i]

does the A/C have to be recovered before starting the replacement of the heater core?

[@MMFH_LIFE]

Great video! Thanks for the tips!

[@ramsey4630]

At 13:07 by the seat belt strap. I'm trying for find out the the thing is behind the seat belt with the blue and green vacuum tube. It's broken but I don't know what to look for to replace it or where it goes to fix it. please ?

[@victorcastrejon6679]

Appreciate the video

[@Nybravest911]

It's heading into winter and I'm experiencing no heat. I'm thinking it's the mixing doors. I have a dual climate 1999 Grand Cherokee. I really don't feel like doing it. lol. Wanna do it?

[@mineaim7066]

Do a video on the 1995 XJ heater core when you can!

[@JessicaTurner-d3o]

Have you ever had a problem with AC on the jeep? I have issues with mine i cant solve. Out of all the vents 1 only blows hard. I will take advice if anyone has any to give. Please snd thank you

[@faustinol792]

How many blender door actuators are in a manual AC

[@equals-kl9hm]

This is great! Now do a ZJ PLEASE!!!

[@cbforme]

Dex at the beginning of the video you said it was a grand Cherokee 99to 04 though those were 99 to 06 maybe there a difference in the dash for the last two years? And could you do a video or tell me we’re to find the module for the keyless entry is located I have a 01 grand Cherokee and it stopped working?

[@fayceoff]

The keyless entry is inside the passenger door switch box.

[@ByMyRecords]

THANK GOD! I GOT 1998 GRAND CHEROKEE LAREDO 4.0 STRAIGHT 6 2WD I NEED TA DO THIS!!

[@nestobatista7911]

Yoo man help , if I replace the heater core on my 01 jeep grand cherokee will I lose the a/c refrigerant

[@LinolinTC97]

can u do this on an xj also

[@garyd.7294]

I be damned Dex, great job !! I'm 68 and need to replace my evap on my sweet lifted 01 grand. I sure as hell can't do what I used to. I would trust you to do that job ASAP. Where's your shop? I live in northern Delaware.