Dodge Ram: Heater Core, Blend Doors And More - Part II

In my previous rant video : www.youtube.com/watch?v=XVTUa... , I showed you guys a little bit of this 2003 Dodge Ram 2500 that I had tore apart and many of you requested seeing the job... well, you saw the first part • Dodge Ram: Heater Core... so here is the second half as we slap the dash back in. Hope you enjoy :) Subscribe and stay tuned for more SMA videos!
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Due to factors beyond the control of South Main Auto Repair, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information. South Main Auto Repair assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. South Main Auto Repair recommends safe practices when working with power tools, automotive lifts, lifting tools, jack stands, electrical equipment, blunt instruments, chemicals, lubricants, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of South Main Auto Repair, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not South Main Auto Repair.

[@hey_youtubeim_back2159]

If your private life is ANYTHING like your channel life then you are the luckiest couple ever! Such friendliness and happiness.

[@wysetech2000]

I used to service ambulances and I hated replacing evap and heater cores on them. It took an hour to remove all the switches and junk before you could even begin , not to mention all of the extra hoses and crap under the hood. A Dodge was child's play after working on a Ford E van. Vanessa was a great help to you again. Give her a BIG thumbs up for us.

[@anonymousgeorge4321]

Thank you for reminding me why I no longer work on heater cores or dashboards.

[@nicolasachee9765]

It's so super simple to get that steering column out at that point. My whole life, I've never found anything more ironic than doing three times the work in the name of laziness. Thanks for the great videos!

[@unclemarksdiyauto]

Brings back memories of me doing a heater core on my 1981 Ford LTD back in the mid 1990's. Lots of work. Dealer had quoted 11 hours I think. It was just think it through, and just do it! That was back in the days before KZbin. Happily a buddy was service advisor at the Ford dealer, he lent me the factory Ford repair manual for a couple days so I could find all the hidden mounting bolts! Took some of the initial stress out of the job.

[@equallywrong]

major bucks and effort. just going scarp my caravan for whatever I can get for it. appreciate the video. was an excellent watch.

[@2001pontiacta]

Can’t thank you enough for these video’s of the Dodge Ram blend door issue. I am in the middle of this exact project and I dunno if I couldn’t done it without your video. So, I thank you Sir🙌🏻! After watching your video’s on this, I still forgot about the one nut behind the computer🤦🏻‍♂️ after a few yanks, I was like what is holding this….that but behind the computer,lol. Thanks again and love the channel!

[@fonzo2525]

man,mr o is def a top notch mechanic,and mrs o is a top notch helper,great team work,we don't have a real quality garage where i live,i've tried a few with varying results,most are just parts changers with no diagnostic talent,and the dealer...well,you know how we all love the dealer.

[@greghamilton1638]

You are so lucky to have. Vanessa (Mrs. O) to help. I work for myself in my shop at home and do not have a Mrs O to help! You have taught me a lot about vehicles I did not know! Y?Very smart man Eric! Keep them coming!!

[@raymondniven5281]

Worked in a bodyshop as a combination tech. We used to do a lot of theft recovery and airbag thefts that required dash replacement. I averaged 4 a week, mostly Maximas(Bose sound systems, and airbags) and Lexus. Never had a helper. You bought back memories.

[@jamesblair103]

Hey there mister o love your channel can't get enough of it thank you could do one of these same videos on a 2000 Lincoln Town Car heater core I need to change mine I have it bypass right now but I'm a little scared taking that dash out

[@Okie-Tom]

Easy he said! My idea and Eric's idea of easy just aren't the same! I hope my 2006 Dodge 2500 doesn't have any evaporator or heater core problems! Lordy! I already had the blender door break that brings in fresh air. I just drug that broken door out and use the heater without it! Eric makes hard work look easy, that is for sure! Way to go Bud!

[@MrBow54]

After watching you I would pay a professional to do the work , Sir you are definitely worth the money

[@SouthMainAuto]

+Bow sr Thanks Bow

[@MrG6254]

Eric add to your bio WTM worth the money beats ASE (another stupid expense)

[@williamreagan9241]

Where are you located? I'm near Hudson NY. 2010 2500 dodgeram crewcab HD,same issue need new box , doors, and actuators.

[@jameslowery3498]

I was going to attempt the heater core removal on my 03 dodge ram 1500 but after seeing this not happening. Thank you for saving me all that time and money i would of spent after breaking stuff. Thank you

[@josephsfields]

I know this video is a couple years old but I really enjoy when your family comes on screen. It's like taking a break for comedy and a big helping of feel-good Americana. The audio levels and your camera work or camera placement and centering the frame w/o loads of adjusting is awesome and enjoy the running commentary.

[@geoffkail4572]

You answered a question I had and liked your attitude towards the work and after market. Thanks for taking the time to do the video.

[@Doplar12]

Eric, always appreciate you letting us know what is going on. I started looking for a part III and didn't see one so was starting to feel disappointed I wasn't going to know what happened with the A/C etc.... But you came back at the end of video and cleared all that up for us. Thanx. I feel so much better now. ;-)

[@1967lathrop]

We who do work know if you make it through life with all your fingers and toes you have really accomplished something great.

[@63256325N]

I never realized just how easy it is to take out a dash. A job well done. Thanks for the video.

[@scottjones3966]

Excellent video as usual. Loved how Vanessa slammed the door shut when you fired it up. I must say the quilting patch on the seat is epic as well. Thank you for the videos. I usually get through one while waiting to load or unload...

[@SouthMainAuto]

+Scott Jones Oh cool! Hey if the seat in the K whopper ever lets go you can fix it the same way!?

[@Jon.Rushing]

I did a heater core on my uncle's 2004 Jeep Liberty in the winter (15F (-9C)) and in an unheated garage; it was a fairly easy job but the cold made it more difficult. my fingertips had no feeling so I was all butter fingers dropping fasteners a lot.

[@SouthMainAuto]

+Jon Rushing Oh man bummer, I know how it is not feeling your fingers :)

[@dennishayes65]

Jon Rushing : I changed out a fuel filter in a parking lot during the winter when it was snowing & blowing on a 1987 Mercury Sable wagon. It was under the car near the back passenger tire. It didn’t take long, maybe 10 minutes, but man my fingers were froze !!!

[@normansmith7806]

Great job ! I have never had a helper that was wearing nail polish :) But Vanessa did a great job ! Your are right about ambulances, depending on who built them they can be a real nightmare !!!

[@videosandmoremouse4626]

Mick from UK Ireland .been hooked on watching you work on all the cars you have fixed .had a few pain in the bum fixs my self .the wireing one's I love the best . when I do worring jobs my self . Especially when other people have had a go at fixing it .and you find out what's wrong .. most satisfying lol.you work same as I do.do the job right .. hope you get to read this message .

[@trolling4dollars816]

Kudos to you for such great audio. I dont know how you do it when most other YT'ers fail at capturing the spoken word. With your positive attitude (and watching videos directly relating to the vehicle work I need to do) I am going to get greasy in the near future. Thank you.

[@CHIBA280CRV]

This man soap opera gets better and better all the time.. Thanks Eric...

[@SouthMainAuto]

+JOGO Haha thanks

[@kellykonoske91]

I wouldn't be able to stand up straight for a week if I tried that! Of course I really can't anyhow! Too many years in freight trucks lol!

[@Roundsx6]

You my man are blessed! You have a beautiful family and a great helper. Hope you pay her well. Thanks for the informative and entertaining video.

[@BigBrotherIsTooBig]

Empty connector on passenger a-piller is for clearance lights/running lights/cab lights or whatever your preferred nomenclature is. :D

[@EJ22bakadesu]

If I didn't already know better I think your videos would completely dissuade me from buying Chrysler products. ;)

[@scottcarper1401]

I have been a Tech for 40 years and retired due to an accident and would Love to say its Guys Like You that are the Best in the Business and cant THANK You Enough for doing your job HONESTLY AND RIGHT the First time and ive mostly been with Ford during my time but you have showed me you can it on most makes and models and Cant THANK YOU ENOUGH FOR YOUR INSPIRATION YOU ARE A GREAT MAN KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK .I DO HOPE ONE DAY YOU CAN MAKE MILLIONS TO PROVIDE FOR THAT AWESOME FAMILY YOU HAVE and i cant even put all the Great WORDS THAT YOU ARE !!!! I DO WISH THERE WERE MORE OF YOU IN THIS FIELD. THE More I watched your videos the more i see what a PASSION YOU have for repairing these Buckets 🪣of Bolts lol . But anyways you are one of the Best AUTO TECHNICIANS I'VE EVER SEEN GOING FROM A TO Z .I Know you have said in previous videos that their are better Techs out there but they don't have the Heart like you do. You are one of the BEST. SO DONT LET NO ONE ELSE TELL YOU DIFFERENT LOL. ONE OF THESE DAYS I'm going to meet you if thats ok with you ??? Its hard enough learning one product like Ford but from A -Z GREAT JOB ERIC

[@547Rick]

Nice video!! I really enjoyed it. I have a cracked dash on my 2010 Silverado. From what I read it is a common problem with that year. Now I'm convinced I could replace it myself. Thanks!!

[@SouthMainAuto]

+Rick Anderson Yeah the GM's are just about the same. Pretty easy all in all

[@normansmith7806]

Great job ! I never had a helper that wore nail polish :) Vanessa did a great job as always ! You are right about the ambulances, depending on who the builder is they can be a nightmare !

[@philmerrifield1163]

5:53 Eric my man, you didn't just walk into that one you cannonballed into it 🤣🤣😜

[@lorengolliher2712]

Man I just keep finding cool videos that you make anyways thanks so much now I know how to pull the dash out of my Dodge I'm replacing the dash pad and I got to fix the heater your lifesaver

[@richardpraeger6357]

Great video! I've got the same truck and I need to replace the cracked upper dash and heater core. Glad I don't have to pull the steering wheel like some other videos show.

[@davidd8435]

What a nightmare of a job, even though your customer will be charged, no one I know would even attempt this repair. They would refer the customer to the dealer. I wonder when the heater/cooler box is installed at the factory? I think they install it never to be touched again. You have a lot of patience not to mention a great memory of the disassembly and assembly of this job. Great video, part 1 and part 2.

[@raykrv6a]

No, I wouldn't want to do one of these. Your experience really makes a difference and you can get the work done fast. Great job.

[@SouthMainAuto]

+raykrv6a Nah you could do it!

[@Aceoffroad4x4]

Good job Mrs. O!!!! Made it look so easy!!

[@robertalexander9931]

You always go the extra mile for your customers. Thanks for sharing.

[@erics9213]

This looks easier than my wife's 03 turbo PT Cruiser I did a few years ago. The weird part was reattaching the upper dash cover. The accumulator was a pain too. Fantastic video.

[@chungaleta1234]

I once installed fog lights on my S10 and decided to do a proper wiring through the firewall and put the switch on the dash to make it look factory made... Went through this dash removal for that,,, And I tell you, on an S10 it is so much easier,, and yet those were the worst two days of my life, the swear jar would've reached the top had I had one!! LOL Great video mate!

[@SouthMainAuto]

+chungaleta1234 Haha gotta have a swear jar so you can get paid at the end of the month

[@kurtzimmerman1637]

I did this on a 2001 dodge Dakota. 10 hours on a Saturday and 4 hours on sunday to complete. Saved myself $1200 , but what a job. You make it seem so easy. Good job sir.

[@B.E.Long.63]

Love the seat patch you hardly notice it...lol

[@SouthMainAuto]

+Bill Long what seat patch haha

[@bborkzilla]

I think the foam around the antenna connector is just there to keep it from rattling against the plastic trim plate it hides behind.

[@stuzman52]

Great follow-up video Eric where folks can pull their own dash. Looking forward to the video of where you take care of the condenser fan. Take care...

[@MattManProductions]

I miss hearing the good lope of the old classics big block, this truck almost sounded like a 454 I used to own that was on a Chevelle. Brought back great memories 👍

[@JSchrumm]

Ohm check them fuses, Got our truck back from Aamco with the backup lights inop, checked the fuse looked good visually but it failed the ohm test. replaced it and the lights worked.

[@hawaiianf1504]

+James Schrumm I remember way back in my younger days... que in woodstock music... I replaced a radio in my Firebird and after everything was put all back together the radio didn't work. Worked fine putting it in but after the last screw was tightened it all went south including me. i was pumped with frustration and tossed my favorite screwdriver into the street. And of course it ended up rolling into the sewer drain on the side of the street. c'ya screwdriver. After an hour or so of fiddling with this and farting with that and my anger level reached a 20 on a 10 spot gauge scale, i found the issue was my radio fuse was bad. It looked good and tested good using my dollar two ninety eight DIMM. The problem was that the fuse was all good when doing quick no load tests but when it had constant power it warmed up and the ends expanded enough that the connection inside the fuse separated at the base. C'mon really who would know it would break where you can't see it? I use to think they only melted in the middle. Replaced the fuse and cranked up Led Zep.

[@bladeproject1]

Outstanding as usual. Props to mama helping you out and dont forget the trinmeister!! And as others have said " If you can do it, ill pay ya" haha

[@robertearle7964]

Great video. Thanks for taking the time and very well done

[@SouthMainAuto]

+Robert Earle Thanks Robert!

[@davidgoldberg]

Great video, you make it look easy! Had to laugh about your comment regarding the recent detailing

[@ericcorse]

And I though the dash in my 59 New Yorker was big that was a monster. Well done

[@SouthMainAuto]

+Eric Corse Haha but yours is prolly steel :)

[@advancednutritioninc908]

Mrs O saves the day again!! Awesome!! :)

[@josephpuchel6497]

Hey Wow I’m just watching your video tutorial on the mode door replacement. You pointed out some good details on installation bolt/screw , wire locations. I’m going to be doing same on my truck. I’m going with Blend Door. Excellent video

[@terryharvey4811]

IF IT'S A JEEP OR RAM {CURRENTLY ALL THEY ARE MAKING}, BUY THE KIT FROM BLEND DOOR USA. CHECK EM OUT ON LINE. YOU'LL BE HAPPY WITH THEIR PRODUCT. BEST REPLACEMENT DOORS I'VE EVER INSTALLED. JUST PUT A SET IN 06 RAM 3500 DIESEL TODAY.

[@wyattoneable]

I can see why you'd want to check the operation of the heater core and related motors before putting that dash back in. What a mess. Great work Eric and hopefully that job will pay well.

[@SouthMainAuto]

+wyattoneable 6.8 hrs plus parts, not to bad, easy work :)

[@nsaglian]

I did the evaporator on my 2005 Dodge Dakota. Similar to this Ram here, except: I had NO helper, the seats had to come out so I could drop the colum,n (and for me to fit under the dash, since I weigh twice your weight, Eric) and those DAMN red interlocks on the various connectors. So it took me a WEEK to do! But I got it done.

[@mph5896]

I absolutely LOVE my battery operated tools. Imagine doing that job with ratchets, wrenches, and how much more of a pain it would be.

[@clintdouble-u9564]

So funny, I keep sneezing just watching! lol I get that customers chose not to pay hundreds extra for you to spend half a day being a cleaner, it's just so funny I keep sneezing when ever I see the carpet of this one through the youtube :)

[@denniswilkinson1118]

Well done Eric, that job sure looks more complicated than you make it out to be. I say again You are a patient man. Great video and sound.

[@SouthMainAuto]

+Dennis Wilkinson Seriously they are very easy...

[@muttilikethegoateewest835]

Yall are a great couple, work well together.

[@ozzstars_cars]

from experience i can tell this repair was a pain in the rear end to film. i'm sure it added a lot of time but worth it to help someone out who may be doing this job

[@philipliufau5847]

Watch part 1 and part 2 of this. I know the blend door to my 06 Ram 1500 is broken off and just sitting about the blower fan. I did a temp fix with some gorilla Duct tape till spring and summer to where I can pull the whole lower hvac assembly and fix it properly and whatever else is wrong with it. Thank you I stumbled on your videos on this subject!

[@nicknicu1787]

Awesome video Eric! Thank you!

[@richardc.childress1323]

this video has so much information ? you are great with understanding the basic repair approach! Have a 2005 Dodge Dakota 4x4 ! Richard Childress

[@keithkennedy4859]

great job on explaining everything.. you give us shade tree mechanincs hope. keep up the good work.

[@SouthMainAuto]

+keith kennedy Bahh I am no different than you are

[@williammorris3303]

You are a lucky man. Even though it looked difficult your wife laughed and smiled.

[@Chronno81]

Thank you!!!! Have to do the same thing on my wifes 03 ram 1500. Fix the doors & I have no idea what else until I get in there. Absolutely nice to see the dash come out in one piece tho!

[@onthebrink8211]

Man you make all repairs look so easy.

[@TechTimeWithEric]

I see people complaining about this dash. Jeeze, this is SO much better than the Mazda 2 that I did the other day.

[@nicholaskolinas401]

you are one heck-of-a automotive technician.I would hate to pay that bill!!!

[@hawkie333]

Amazing you didn’t break anything, those Dodge dashes crack like potato chips.

[@ericheidolf8361]

Good to know!

[@bobparrell2079]

great Video. Looking forward to repairing heater core on 99 durango now.

[@joerilbook1300]

Great video. Thanks for sharing this.

[@donaldmoy6021]

Cooling season is over. Better to bring it in next spring and get it ready for the summer. FYI on a BMW if the condenser fan is bad, the dme will not allow the compressor clutch to engage. The Dme send a pulse to turn on the fan and if the fan spins, it generate a voltage which the DME sees as being good.

[@MrRodnick1955]

Yeah if I can do it you can do it no we can’t we don’t have Mrs Hercules Vanesa O. I love her since of humor and she comes right back at you with the same spunk.

[@blockbertus]

I personally appriciate very much that you try to show us everything the best way possible but the main focus should, in my humble opinion, be on the job itself. ;-) Great work, detailed analysises and explanations. I'm still looking for somebody that does this kind of things with Euro cars (mainly VAG group). I know that Charles, the humble mechanic, discusses VW stuff but not so much analysis and fixing.

[@MichelleZumbehl-ye7rd]

Eric, love your content I’m looking at this job for my truck having watched both videos I couldn’t find the link in description for all the parts you said to use. Thank you

[@skokie23]

MRS O handled that dash like a BOSS!!!!

[@automaintenancesupplyalfon7022]

good job Eric I see you do a great job on all your customers vehicles I really enjoy your videos today I worked on a PTU on a Ford Flex and of course it doesn't end lol ! a Ford Explorer with a blown rearend gotta love the smell hahaha! thrn a F 150 came in rearend gone, and pulled out a 5.4 liter engine out of a Harley f150 I had my fair share of work today enjoy your day buddy you have a beautiful family peace

[@SouthMainAuto]

+Auto Maintenance Supply Alfonso Tello Wow fixed a power transfer unit , rebuilt 2 full rear ends and pulled an engine, dunno if at full capacity with no interruptions if I could have done that solo... good job

[@trainer2018]

My knees hurt with me just watching you put that dash in,lol.

[@SouthMainAuto]

+busjockey1 more of a back breaker lol

[@hawaiianf1504]

+South Main Auto Repair - or maybe a nut popper. That won't sit well with Vanessa.

[@terencehawkes3933]

Gees, what a job! I hope you get well paid for it!

[@orinjackson6446]

You the man. Good video!!!

[@mdorf61]

Mrs "O" is awesome!!! You are a very lucky man. She deserves a BEER 🍺!!!

[@kendall505]

Nice video. Hopefully I can accomplish this task as easily as you make it look.

[@johnsmith-sw7ii]

Great clip...interesting!

[@gregp05]

Eric, every fuse box has a fuse puller, that one had a white one right there by the relays looks like. im at toyota dealer, and i actually got one of my own fuse puller for those tiny fuses, makes pulling them really easy.

[@RedneckGarage]

I always wonder if the engineers could mak replacing a core or evaporator any more difficult ..... great job gettin er done ! :)

[@daveklassen7052]

I am convinced when they start designing a vehicle, they start with a heater core and work outward ....

[@codytipton3615]

Great video. Thanks for the education.

[@fieldsofomagh]

Looking forward to part 3. Vanessa must be near the end of her apprenticeship by now and hollerin for a minimum wage.

[@SouthMainAuto]

+Tom OConnor I think she gets all the wage!

[@wickerman9569]

Fixen to start that on my 2008 ram. Think I might just take the seats out so I can move around a little easier. Not looking forward to it but got to do it. Summer coming in Texas , black truck equals heat stroke with out AC. Ugh. Wish you would have done the tare down but think I can figure it out watching this video. Thanks for the info. Not the first time your videos helped me on this truck. Broken exhaust bolts got them out thanks 🙏.

[@samrugtiv5563]

l had done a lot of them to dodge p ups and Lincolns pain in the yahoo real good job my friend

[@eduardolopez3195]

The white electrical clips on both pillars are for the wiring harness for lights on the sun visors.

[@MattManProductions]

Oh come on Eric you took the part away from me that I wanted to hear the most! I wanted to hear you give her the beans when you took it for a toot

[@gbowne1]

Can't have a SMAR video without "Whoa!!" or brake clean. lol Eric..

[@AlfredoPachecoJr]

WOOHOO!! An Hour of Power video.

[@2000cobraguy]

On the Dodge trucks with the condenser fan, I like to add a pusher fan on the outside. When they both work, AC is a lot colder, especially in traffic.

[@jp-qk3yb]

I know this comment is years old now, but could you elaborate slightly? My 96 ram 2500 has patheticly weak ac both in flow and temp. This seems like a mod I would like to do when digging into it. Any details would be appreciated greatly!

[@MattManProductions]

The reason why the dash is so heavy is all that dang copper wire😂 you could make a killing on turning all that wire in to the scrap metal haha

[@andrewvillanueva4222]

nice video. alot of work.

[@tomoakhill8825]

Always remember that they assembly on of these every 45 seconds! I mean a completed light-vehicle exits the Final Assembly Line every 45 seconds. That means the installation of each sub-component has to be done in 45 seconds. I worked on a Final Assembly Line for a year. It took six stations, two people on each side, to complete the installation of the dashboard. They had an overhead powered hoist to insert the dash. 12 people * 0.75 minutes = 1 person 9 minutes. Indeed this is a gravy job.

[@dennishayes65]

Eric, you should have cleaned the steering column & the dash before installing. They were a mess !!!

[@TheJmich2001]

all this work for stripped plastic blend door gears! like it would have broken the mfgr to just use better parts for a vital system like hvac. typical corporate greed. great job Dr O and V/T!