Volvo S60 and V70 Heater Core Replacement. How To Get It Done Fast!

[@Seagrams]

I've been under this dash far too many times. But thank god Volvo made the heater core accessible as compared to any other car. Thank you for the video

[@FarpointRestorationsAndRepairs]

True! Some cars require you to remove the entire dash to get at the heater core.

[@fredl8888]

Hey Eric, I know you’re sick of the P2 Volvo but I really appreciate these videos when you share your experiences and knowledge about these cars. All the best from Sweden!

[@FarpointRestorationsAndRepairs]

I appreciate that!

[@user-mn6ze7rm2p]

I used a high power blower under the hood to blow all the coolant out of the heater core once the heater core lines were disconnected. Just blew it in one pipe and it all came out the other pipe. Worked like a charm. When I disconnected the heater core from the heater core pipes under the dash, it was empty. No mess.

[@FarpointRestorationsAndRepairs]

That is a great tip- quick and easy-

[@arivaisanen4561]

It is easier at first to empty cooling fluid from engine and to blow the core with pressured air. Also you can spread a large carbage plastic bag underneath to core, if you do not empty it at first. The break switch, which was taken out - better to open the plug and put it aside. Its installion back will need some know-how, as well. The original reason for this caase leak were leaking O-rings. You could have changed only the O-rings. No messing around needed; just 20 mins work and 1 usd.

[@Gersty8]

Got it done today, thanks for the great video.

[@FarpointRestorationsAndRepairs]

I'm glad it was helpful!

[@martinsagen7053]

Thanks for this guide. My V70 stopped blowing hot air and the shop quoted me $600 for the job. I'll try doing it for my own to save money

[@FarpointRestorationsAndRepairs]

You got this!

[@trachimachus2607]

Huge thanks for sharing this video Eric. Looking at you gave me enough courageous to start this job myself instead of paying serious money to get it fixed. Keep up your amazing video’s.

[@FarpointRestorationsAndRepairs]

You can do it! It's a pain, but totally doable.

[@micke2943]

Perfect, will save me a ton of trouble. My S60 has started to leak there, now i know how to fix it without any headaches! Thanks a lot!

[@FarpointRestorationsAndRepairs]

Great to hear!

[@micke2943]

@@FarpointRestorationsAndRepairs These new o-rings are a b*tch to get seated! 🥵 Found out that you need to push them in first, then fiddle the o-ring over the edge while gently pushing! 1down, one to go! 😂

[@48ryanwaters]

Great video, thanks. I changed my heater core on my RHD 2006 S60. Very similar, but go in from the passenger side, removing glovebox. I had to cut away a hidden piece of dash, and a bit of the white plastic housing behind the glovebox. Easy to make good after. That was four years ago, and the O rings are now leaking a bit, so I watched this to familiarise myself with it all!

[@FarpointRestorationsAndRepairs]

That's interesting. I usually figure that the engineers made these jobs easy for RHD cars since they are from those areas. Good to know that they are hard no matter where they are sold!

[@BruceWilliams-t4p]

What tool did you use to cut away? I’m likely going to have to do this soon!

[@xy5441]

Nice video. Certainly it will help me to repair my Volvo. I had a coolent level reduction like 6 months ago, I completed it and everything was fine. Until this Sunday when I felt the carpets being wet! Removed the carpet, drove for a half a day and was no leak detectable on the console or anywhere. Its true that I havent used the heating in the car. Found this video and I will check tomorrow in details by removing the covers.

[@FarpointRestorationsAndRepairs]

Good luck! Take your time and stretch before you start under the dash. It's a tight fit.

[@xy5441]

​@@FarpointRestorationsAndRepairs Thank a lot! I just removed the covers and it seems that the core is OK (dry everywhere). It's liking at the joints level. Its not really leaking, it's like one drop accumulates every 10 minutes on the upper aluminum pin. It seems to be easier to repair but still can't avoid the dirty part of the job. BTW, shared the video with Volvo friends and 👍👍👍

[@Set-it-to-11]

​@@xy5441the pin holds the collar on the pipe against the o ring and that against the heater core pipe port hole. If there's coolant there, it's likely an o ring failure or a crack in the heater core. When placing the o ring on the pipe, ensure it is up tight against the pipe collar and press the pipe firmly into the core, so the o ring is compressed when the pin is inserted. Usually insertion is a result of the collar blocking the pin.

[@dirlydirly1]

Wonderful style and content. Keeping it real (ly great!) Thank you.

[@FarpointRestorationsAndRepairs]

Glad you liked it!

[@mcardlepm]

Awesome video. Doing this right now - as for coolant/carpet, I'm keeping the mat in there - easier to clean the mat than the carpet, no? (Though 1 - 2x per year I rent a steam cleaner - with upholstery attachment - and detail my "fleet" interiors anyway.) I put a kitchen garbage bag under the mat, then the mat, then another bag, then a crapload of old frayed bath towels. And my spaghetti cooking pan, which is small, both of which illustrate I'm single, no disagreements over being able to remove toxic antifreeze from a cooking utensil... So far so good.

[@FarpointRestorationsAndRepairs]

Good idea!

[@mcardlepm]

@@FarpointRestorationsAndRepairs Update: worked like a charm. The mat didn't even get wet. That brake switch removal is a pain, ditto getting the hose retainer clips back in. But very helpful video, thanks.

[@TBarneck]

Excellent! Thank you so much! Going to give it a try this weekend.

[@MrPeach1]

keep me posted. I am gearing up for one bow also

[@FarpointRestorationsAndRepairs]

Good luck!!

[@hatchetjackphillips]

I helped a buddy change the heater cord in a 1979 TRANS AM. What a chore.

[@FarpointRestorationsAndRepairs]

They can be a chore to do- that is why, as a mechanic, I found ways of making the job easier.

[@sensemusicofficial]

you this also be the same configuration and process for the s60 2001 sedan ? under my drivers side floor carpet it is GLOWING green! .. and leak is half way down the car underside.. on drivers side!.. grommets? and heater core?

[@FarpointRestorationsAndRepairs]

Yes, this is the exact same job on the S-60 and very close to the same on the S80. Good luck!

[@jparra4766]

Thanks for the video. Easy fix is always the way to go.

[@FarpointRestorationsAndRepairs]

Thanks for watching!

[@coolantkid3428]

This will be hard for most folks to believe, but that coolant is really all you need for any vehicle. In many cases, it's superior to the OEM formulation, including Volvo's OEM coolant because Volvo coolant contains silicates that destroy the water pump bearing. Any house brand extended life universal coolant will work, but Napa 1EXT and RTU1EXT are the best values when on sale (which is quite frequently).

[@FarpointRestorationsAndRepairs]

Agreed. Since the 2000's nearly all coolant is good coolant!

[@StevenCash-l6o]

Great video. I’m about to do this as my heater core has been flushed twice. Thanks for the help. Can you give any advice on how to fix a faulty blender door or actuator? My defroster setting doesn’t work-no air! I can’t find anything online….any help would be appreciated! Thanks again!

[@FarpointRestorationsAndRepairs]

It's been a while since I had to go in there to replace blend doors. As I recall, two of them are pretty easy to replace. Unbolt the tiny black box being careful not to break the plastic arm that connects to the blend door, and then reverse. The others? Well.... You have to remove the entire dashboard and in some cases the entire heater/AC box to get to them. Let's hope it's the easy ones!

[@joaonunofranco]

thanks a lot. This is premium service

[@FarpointRestorationsAndRepairs]

You are welcome, if you are handy this can help save a ton of money

[@aamikkalinin6385]

Usually Volvo v70 is easy car to work on but this was hardest thing I have done

[@FarpointRestorationsAndRepairs]

This job can be a pain in the rear.

[@stevenbyrd4310]

I'm curious.Do you think it would have helped if you would have taken out the radio in that part?All that stuff in there question

[@FarpointRestorationsAndRepairs]

No, it's not going to help in this job. I wish!

[@brad173]

Curious about my 2003 s60. Leaking is on the passenger side. I read a different comment where someone went in from that side to replace. How do I determine which side is best to attack this job?

[@FarpointRestorationsAndRepairs]

Drivers side is the only way to fix it.

[@JakubKopa]

Hi there, could this part be the reason for the weak heating of the vehicle? I don't have a fluid leak here, but the car only warms poorly inside. I have the main cooler/radiator replaced by the service. Unfortunately, the car still heats poorly. Operating temperature at 90 celsius as it should be. Thanks in advance for the advice

[@FarpointRestorationsAndRepairs]

Certainly. A clogged or partially clogged heater core will cut off most of the heat to the cabin.

[@allyourbaseare1]

I'd like to add, it bends the fins pretty badly clearing a part of the steering column. They look like they are held on by a couple t-40's. May prevent too much bending on the fins putting the new one in. Also, FCP euro for o-rings and clips if yours didn't come with them. The Behr/Mahle heater core didn't come with any, and those o-rings looked specific versus the ones that came out. Just my 2 cents! thanks!

[@FarpointRestorationsAndRepairs]

You just have to be very careful when messing with the column. Air bags are not cheap when they pop!

[@StevenCash-l6o]

I’ve got a question….should you flush the entire system prior to replacing the heater core? Appreciate your input. My new heater core says a flush is required before install or warranty will be voided. I don’t want to do it twice 😂

[@FarpointRestorationsAndRepairs]

If it hasn't been done in years, it's not a bad Idea, but these are aluminum engines, they don't rust. usually the coolant comes out as clean as the day it was installed.

[@kevinpatrick4670]

$18 bucks for the Heater core? You must have got that on line. Anyway FANTASTIC VIDEO!!!.. I replaced the H.C. in my 01 S80...but having a REAL problem putting the clips back in. I tried bending them back to as close as possible to the way they came out, but no luck. Any advice you can give? The lines are well seated in the H.C....the clips just will not pass all the way thru. By the way what are those thin silver legs with black boots on them. I accidentally pulled the right side out...seems like it has a hole at the end where I can just slip it back over a peg or something... but it is in a blind spot. Would appreciate your expertise. 🤔

[@FarpointRestorationsAndRepairs]

It's a dance for sure. Most of the time it's the o-rings not being seated right. Pull the metal tube out slightly and roll the o-ring into the base, then shove the tubes back in.

[@kevinpatrick4670]

@@FarpointRestorationsAndRepairs Thank you sir... Got the retainer clips in, reconnected the brake switch, put the blue freeze in, there are no leaks, AND we're back on the road. 👍🏽

[@vuralozhan6232]

Hey. I saw they removed whole dashboard for change the core. What’s the difference?

[@FarpointRestorationsAndRepairs]

They did it wrong? There is zero reason to pull the dash to do this job.

[@vuralozhan6232]

@@FarpointRestorationsAndRepairs thanks for reply. Maybe they did on different model of volvo but im sure it was old model. my s60 2005 must be same location like your car.

[@rawz8936]

Does these heater are known to broke as on the 850's?

[@FarpointRestorationsAndRepairs]

They tend to go bad more often, but they are easier to replace.

[@Gordon302]

It was my understanding that before you disconnected anything, the heater was supposed to be set to the maximum and the blower was to be turned on full blast. The goal? This was so that the heater ventilation door armatures would move out of the way, thus obtaining more room to remove those clips.

[@FarpointRestorationsAndRepairs]

Seems like a good idea, but I've never had anything blocking access on these. Maybe for right hand drive models?

[@arivaisanen4561]

To get those pin back; yes it is PITA, pain in the ass generally - without tools. But it is real easy if you put there some lubricant and squeeze them in with pliers; it takes just 15 seconds and no difficulties.

[@FarpointRestorationsAndRepairs]

That is a good tip, it will help some people with the struggle

[@ThePerfectBlack]

Can this work with the 2007 s40 T5

[@FarpointRestorationsAndRepairs]

Yes, It's similar, but there are some minor changes.

[@ToehsStorage]

Great job! Thanks for this video.

[@FarpointRestorationsAndRepairs]

Glad you liked it!

[@mervyncausier]

Does it make any difference to the job if the car has air con ?

[@FarpointRestorationsAndRepairs]

They all do! This one has A/C so nope!

[@jd6150]

Mine is leaking on the passenger side 2007 s60, then its anti freeze mix with oil. Any pointers?

[@FarpointRestorationsAndRepairs]

Should be the same issue. Coolant feels slick like oil. My bet is that its just coolant.

[@emeraldbeach2954]

The flat mechanical arm to the left of the core snapped because the core got him up on it. What is this piece?

[@FarpointRestorationsAndRepairs]

That is a blend door actuator arm. You don't want to break those!

[@emeraldbeach2954]

Yup. Hindsight is 20/20. I have a new arm. Based on your experience do you happen to know how I remove the blend door arm to replace it. Since it is no longer attached to the actuator do I just pry out the two pins and then align and snap the new one in to place? I would then connect the front arm to actuator being mindful of settings? Thanks for your help. @@FarpointRestorationsAndRepairs

[@CJones-r4q]

Great video 👍

[@FarpointRestorationsAndRepairs]

Glad I could help-!

[@Hai_hosen]

I have a xcv70 but its leaking on the passenger side. Does that mean the core is over there?

[@FarpointRestorationsAndRepairs]

It's just leaking from that side of the core.

[@CharkG73]

I've spent 4 hours attempting to get the top pin back in. Impossible. How did you do it?

[@CharkG73]

For anyone in the future who watches this, the part where he just skipped forward and it was night time and all of a sudden those little pins were in... Yeah that's the hardest part of the job. Search for peppermint Volvo S60 heater core replacement, he goes into much more detail and shows the entire procedure for how to get those pins to set. The trick is is you need to tap on the 90° bend on those aluminum pipes with a hammer. You need to hit it until you can no longer see the o ring. Don't smash it too hard or it will indent the 90 (ask me how I know). Use a small block of wood if you're starting to damage the pipe.

[@FarpointRestorationsAndRepairs]

Time. The reason it skips forward is that the tiny camera kept falling from it's perch.

[@FarpointRestorationsAndRepairs]

I would NOT do that!! The reason it's so hard to seat has nothing to do with the pipe, it's all about that O-ring. Sometimes you can roll the O-ring forward a bit before inserting the pipe to help ensure that it seated right. Bending the pipe is a huge no-no.

[@CharkG73]

@@FarpointRestorationsAndRepairs for sure man. I know you do in depth videos like your fuel pump one. Just wished I would have known to tap the new o ring in to seat it 😂 not your fault the camera was acting up, and thank you for providing us this info for free, it's much appreciated

[@CharkG73]

@@FarpointRestorationsAndRepairs oh ok, got it. I tried adjusting it's position and even put a little silicon on the sides, nothing seemed to help. The flares on my pipes were already mangled so that could have been the reason it was a lot harder too

[@albertoamogarcia]

Gracias por compartir tu trabajo

[@FarpointRestorationsAndRepairs]

You are welcome!

[@stevenbyrd4310]

It's not difficult to take the carpet out.Pull all 4 bowls out of the seat.Lift up the side plastic, pull it right out.Then you can take it out to dry.Wash it and dry it with water or get a replacement

[@FarpointRestorationsAndRepairs]

That is a really good tip- Thanks for the suggestion.

[@laurenshommen1767]

about those clips it realy matters,specely the one on top because wenn you put those in oterwise it wil block those heater valve arms.find out my self !!

[@FarpointRestorationsAndRepairs]

Bummer! I never noticed how close it is to the flap motor. I guess it could happen.

[@michajanowski3123]

In many cases you need to remove orings and if its still leaking you may remove heater. I guess ist chipper. Greatings and sorry for my language.

[@FarpointRestorationsAndRepairs]

You can certainly try that. When I worked for Volvo, they wanted the whole thing replaced.

[@michajanowski3123]

​@@FarpointRestorationsAndRepairs 8 years ago I did it and it was enough. Now I have the same problem, so I'm gona change orings and I'll see. By the way, you"re doing a good job. Like it!

[@snomo1]

In my experience, the heater core is usually not bad......but the o-rings are. I have gone thru this horrible job and just replaced the orings with success. As others mentioned, getting the clips back on are the worst part of the job.

[@FarpointRestorationsAndRepairs]

No doubt! For the cost of a heater core, I'd replace it too as you don't want to do it again a year later when it fails.

[@wj8032]

How did you get that brake switch clip out?? Already broke something close to it and it won’t come out and don’t really explain where the clips are or from need help asap

[@FarpointRestorationsAndRepairs]

Pry to one side, it will make 1 free, then you can do the other side. It can be a pain to do

[@RaraAvis1138]

Oh man, all i wanted was to see how to get those dam clips in...ive tried almost everything and im getting very frustrated

[@FarpointRestorationsAndRepairs]

Those clips are a PAIN- I have done many of these replacements and the clips are a pain

[@GangGangGamer916]

skipping the part about how to pull the electrical cord out rite an not un screwing the one bolt to move the steering wheel up is crazy those are definitely the most important parts when your trying to get it in or out 🤦🏾‍♂️

[@FarpointRestorationsAndRepairs]

I didn't unscrew any bolts on the steering column to remove the heater core. I'd also say that if you don't know how to unplug a simple electrical connector, perhaps this job is not something you should try to do on your own.

[@CharkG73]

EDIT: content creator does not advise the following. I got frustrated and used a hammer after splitting two pins trying to get them in without one. As of one test drive, they are not leaking even though the bottom pipe is mangled and it's o ring is held in place by two halves of a broken pin. For anyone in the future who watches this, the part where he just skipped forward and it was night time and all of a sudden those little pins were in... Yeah that's the hardest part of the job. Search for peppermint Volvo S60 heater core replacement, he goes into much more detail and shows the entire procedure for how to get those pins to set. The trick is is you need to tap on the 90° bend on those aluminum pipes with a hammer. You need to hit it until you can no longer see the o ring. Don't smash it too hard or it will indent the 90 (ask me how I know). Use a small block of wood if you're starting to damage the pipe.

[@FarpointRestorationsAndRepairs]

Please do not bend the pipe, or use a hammer for any of this job!

[@CharkG73]

@@FarpointRestorationsAndRepairs fair statement if you know that can cause problems. I couldn't do it any other way on mine. Will have to see if mine needs new pipes now after driving and will update the comment

[@CharkG73]

Update. After one day it's no longer leaking and I admittedly hammered it way more than I should have out of frustration, after splitting 2 pins attempting to set them without hammering. One in tact pin is installed and two halves of a broken one are installed on the bottom pipe. Content creator does not advise and I would agree, I may have gotten lucky... Will update if it leaks

[@arivaisanen4561]

Witj Knipex -type of pliers; you squeeze the lubricated pins in easily.