VW Jetta MK6 - Heater Core Replacement DIY

[@martinweizenacker7129]

Gotta give Volkswagen credit for finally making the heater core nicely accessible without having to disassemble and pull out the entire dashboard, like we used to do.

[@daithibenz3767]

Try it on a rhd

[@MrTheHillfolk]

The wife's car has a weak heater ,due to those stupid coolant packs breaking apart and clogging the core. 2014 Jetta. Rustoleum rust remover did remove some of it, but it's still weak. My Mk4 Jetta Ute also needs a heater core this year. I was figuring the mk6 was gonna be a royal pain so I wasn't even going to bother , but it's main purpose is a "winter beater" and it would be nice to have heat. She works from home now , so I end up using her car more than her. Maybe I'll be a nice guy and end up replacing it , as I know when I do the one in my Mk4 it's gonna be a mess ,and there will be a lot of 25yo parts that need replacement along the way.

[@grantmills4184]

Thanks for the video man, I just changed the heater core on my ‘12 gli. Used to have nothing, now it’s nice and warm for the winter! No unwanted coolant hose leaks either, as of now. I appreciate you taking the time to film all this, that must have been tricky.

[@JoelsDriveway]

@@grantmills4184 You bet! 👍 Congrats on the repair!

[@franzelfelix5493]

Dude…. Had to change my lady’s Jetta’s Core,, swapped it out like a G! Thanks to you and what went down on your driveway. Joel you the man have scars to prove it!

[@raykillorn4950]

This is wonderful encouragement and no guess game plan to fix my cold VW diesel!

[@JoelsDriveway]

@@raykillorn4950 👏

[@scottdoubleyou563]

I've been working on Volks/Audi since 1988. If I've learned anything, it's that you are required to shed blood when working on these cars. If you don't, it means something will go wrong. This is the way.

[@JoelsDriveway]

Lmao! This is the way 😄

[@joemcshmoe10]

Bro thank u. I was thinking I’d have to remove the entire dash. This looks like a doable project.

[@llirikm6807]

Awesome video! Have to do it on my GLI and very happy that I don't have to tear the whole dashboard apart like on the mk4's :)

[@chriscoppinger9044]

Thanks bro!!! You da man!!! Made $200 changing one out for a neighbor. It still blows cold air even tho the heater core is hot and I can see the control valve is moving. Hopefully I can find a video on that. 😂 Thanks again for the vid!!!

[@Thomas-rx9ur]

Awesome. Using this for reference free for my A3. Hope they are similar enough. Surprised your video hasn’t been liked more it’s done really well

[@JoelsDriveway]

Thank you 🙏

[@이또리-k1c]

I'm going to watch it well! Good job! Stay healthy!

[@SiddharthaP-oc6xj]

I changed my heater core today. I have heat again 😀 I never worked on a car earlier, this was my first time. The Mechanic asked for 780$ for heater core replacement, I just bought heater core for 100$, for me, it took full day to replace. I have VW Jetta 2014, didnt remove the dashboard, and I didn't remove two incoming hoses near engine, there is a metal sheet protecting the clips, couldn't see the wire clamp clearly, I thought of not messing with pipes, which I can't fit again( coolant flows a lot and stops at somepoint, I managed to drain it using a funel and a bucket). I got a leak at the bottom joint and managed to tight it properly with the clamp.

[@Evxlfx]

Just had mine replaced and now my car is consuming coolant… gonna use this video to check for leaks…. Hopefully its vws fault and not a bad head gasket or something. Thanks for showing where it is so well!

[@markb3756]

Thank you Sir! Excellent how-to video for this job. I had a new one put in my car in January of 2022 and once again I don't have heat. Took to garage and they said they couldn't find anything else that could be wrong with it besides the heater core. I just may replace it myself this time and save myself about $500.00. Thank you again and have a great day!

[@JoelsDriveway]

Awesome! It's an easy job my man. Just follow the steps and you're good 👍

[@isidorsiskos2598]

It happened again most likely due to the same reason as mine and OP. You saw all that sediment that came on to the diaper? That is what is running around your entire coolant system. BEFORE installing a new heater core, I think it'll be better to flush the system a few times (like Chris Fix did in the video with the plastic cups as a thumbnail) to remove as many particles as you can. Then you replace the heater core.

[@laloleyla]

¡Gracias!

[@JoelsDriveway]

You're welcome!

[@Marvin.45]

Thank you for this reference. I'll be using this video to change mine out.

[@Mike_In_Idaho]

Great video!! Thanks for all the extra tips!

[@JoelsDriveway]

You bet! 👍

[@mariovasquez4727]

Great tutorial, thanks for sharing, how do you know that it was the heat core problem what's the signal.graet video.

[@JoelsDriveway]

Common problem on this model vw

[@SpoiledMilk11]

Thank you, my GLI hasn’t had heat in years

[@joseprieto2304]

I have a 2011 mk6, no heat also. This video has helped me to decide whether to flush out or replace the heater core. Thanks a lot!

[@isaiasmena6191]

Do the flush first, and then if the problem persists, consider changing the heater core.

[@markb3756]

I would suggest just going ahead and replacing the core. I had mine flushed in Dec of 2022 with very little results. Ended up having to have the core replaced so I was charged for a flush the first time and when I took it back a couple of weeks later I had to pay for the coolant and supplies again when they changed the core. Save yourself some money!

[@Marvin.45]

I would also change the core out for a new replacement as I'm doing. The core is very inexpensive.

[@joseprieto2304]

Thank you!! @@Marvin.45

[@TrippyChippy]

Have the same problem with my ‘12 GLI. Thanks for the video! Might try and tackle this myself.

[@JoelsDriveway]

Cool! Its about an hour or two job. Took me longer since i had to film.

[@Nelson4207]

@@JoelsDriveway Since i filmed along the way would make it sound so much better. 😉 Are we a nuisance to you Joel, huh? Lol jk 😆

[@craigsooman7901]

Excellent tutorial.

[@gerardocampos2707]

Thanks for showing, simple and effective

[@bajraktar2592]

Hey, i removed the dashboard. I also removed the knee airbag but can‘t remove the metal piece where the knee aurbag is attached to. This metal piece does not let me pull out the heater core now because the heater core pushes against the metal piece. I don‘t know what to do. Any ideas?

[@FahedAbuDiak]

Does anyone know where can i find the hose clip shown at 0:53?

[@JoelsDriveway]

Search "Dorman Part #627-004"

[@NRRVW]

Que tipo de exhaust le pusiste a tu vehículo me gusta como suena Gracias por el video tengo el mismo problema intentare arreglar el mio

[@JoelsDriveway]

Borla Cat-back exhaust 👍

[@GaryHenderson-xm1qw]

The bottom inlet hose is warm on mine but the outlet metal hose is cold. I think that should mean the heater core is out right?

[@JoelsDriveway]

Yes, more than likely.

[@montrellpope894]

Does this apply to a 2006 Jetta? I passenger front & back floors are covered with water & I was told it’s my heater core

[@JoelsDriveway]

I believe this will only work for 2011-2018 models

[@josephgreeson2396]

I did this in my wife’s car and the top clip is leaking bad after a while I’ve replaced the print but I can’t find the clamp like the bottom one ordered some that are wrong

[@johnnydiaz8739]

I have a problem with my heater the drivers vent throws hot air but the middle vents m the passenger vents are kind of cool not warm enough should I replace the core

[@Rudy-jf4zw]

Hello from Dallas, I have a question. If heater core is working properly, the 2 tubes connect to heater core should be both super hot, right ? One of my tube is warm and the bottom one is super hot. I wonder if that is the symptom of bad heater core. Thanks . Btw I have a 2013 Jetta GLI autobahn and your video is useful.

[@JoelsDriveway]

Yes, it could be a result of blockage in the core causing the difference in temps. I'm assuming your heater is not working?

[@Rudy-jf4zw]

@@JoelsDriveway yes sir! It is not working properly. It is just warm air not hot air even I turned temperature setting to High

[@JoelsDriveway]

Heater should be full hot out the vents. Replace the heater core and you should be fine.

[@Rudy-jf4zw]

@@JoelsDriveway got it I will give it a try. Very much appreciated! Btw, will you plan to shoot a video about how to properly change the transmission fluid for DSG transmission?

[@TrippyChippy]

How were you able to access the clips on the inlet hoses in the engine bay? That metal heat shield is in the way and I’m not able to get a good look at what I’m doing, let alone pull those metal clips. Loosened the one 10mm nut on it, but didn’t give enough wiggle room.

[@JoelsDriveway]

Use a pick or a small flat head screwdriver to pop the clips on the hose connectors. It's tight but not impossible.

[@jeffdunn9865]

Had vehicles for 50 years. Never replaced a heater core. The clogging is a symptom of a problem with something not designed correctly. What is the root cause?

[@Mazandr1126]

One question. I ask because the last owner bypassed the heater core. In the engine bay, which hose goes to the top pipe and which goes to the bottom? Connected to the engine, I have a left and right hose next to each other. One is obviously longer than the other. I’m just not sure which one goes where. I also have a 2012. Thanks

[@JoelsDriveway]

The longer hose which leads towards the front of the engine goes to the bottom. The short hose that starts from the right of the engine is for the top.

[@Mazandr1126]

Right meaning drivers side?

[@JoelsDriveway]

@@Mazandr1126 Driver side yes.

[@Mazandr1126]

Thanks

[@Mazandr1126]

So I want to add something that I figured out that would save a lot of time. You ended up taking off the bottom panel under the steering wheel in order to remove those two screws hold on the plastic vent thing… but…. If you just raise your steering wheel up, you can actually access those two screws through the steering wheel adjustment slot. Just need a long extension. Super simple and time saving.

[@쿠크다스-p1l]

thank you for the kind explanation. Just one question. Does the nissens heater core you bought still works perfect? I'm pretty worried about the leak from the seal. Im going to order it right after your comment!

[@JoelsDriveway]

Yes. Works perfectly

[@쿠크다스-p1l]

@@JoelsDriveway thank you very helpful - from south Korea!

[@hendrik6385]

Replaced heater core 1 month ago..now the same problem. Heat is only coming out of far left vent and yesterday it was 3 out of 4 vents with heat. Keeps on getting worse and worse, is it the heater core again so quickly? Correct coolant was used

[@JoelsDriveway]

Are you losing coolant? Was the coolant premixed when it was added?

[@hendrik6385]

@@JoelsDriveway yeah bottle said premixed..unsure of coolant loss..will check

[@JoelsDriveway]

@@hendrik6385 what type of coolant? What color?

[@hendrik6385]

@@JoelsDriveway purple in purple bottle by oem

[@hayatibebek]

Before replacing the radiator, wouldn't it be healthier to clean the residues accumulated in the pipes with cleaning products?

[@JoelsDriveway]

Yes, flushing the cooling system is recommended

[@pineapplesquad3651]

Great video. Is this the same process for a 2008 jetta you think?

[@JoelsDriveway]

90% sure it's the same process

[@brandibreeden9140]

Great video, do you have any suggestions for how you can tell the core is bad? I have a 2013 no heat, both hoses going to heater core are hot which makes me think water is flowing through. What else can I check?

[@JoelsDriveway]

Some other symptoms could be Low coolant levels from leaks, Coolant smell through vents, Puddles on floor, no heat. Sounds like yours may be clogged. Best to replace.

[@dawsonskipper553]

@@JoelsDriveway i also have a 2013 gli is the same process to replace it my heat just went out

[@JoelsDriveway]

@@dawsonskipper553 I would assume its very similar.

[@callumsmith8005]

Sometimes the core or matrix fins inside get blocked especially if the silica bag that is meant to be in your coolant tank bursts, the early 2010 VWs are prone to it as the silica bags were all faulty and all burst at some point. If it has your best bet is a clogged matrix / core you can get it cleaned or flushed but more often than not the heat you get out of it (if any) isn’t worth paying for it to be cleaned. Best bet is to go for a new matrix , only £50 ish if you do it yourself , don’t know how much it is if you get it done by a mechanic. Hope this helps 👍🏼

[@markb3756]

I read somewhere that if both hoses were hot then the core was working. Just something I came across doing some research about my own "no heat" VW

[@richardlester3632]

Thanks for the video. Do you have any advice for bleeding the air out of the system?

[@JoelsDriveway]

Add coolant, start car with reservoir cap off, look in reservoir to see bubbles (you can squeeze the radiator hoses to speed up process), once no more air bubbles, put reservoir cap on, let car get to temp or drive around a bit. Check coolant again and top off if needed.

[@chris_chitown97]

The hoses don’t want to reconnect, any tips?

[@djal3x07]

The left side of my Jetta blows heat and the right side just throws normal temperature, could that be the heater cord also ?

[@JoelsDriveway]

Yes its possible, but it could also be low on refrigerant or one of the vent flaps is stuck.

[@evdude2005]

Thanks so much for this!

[@zo0tie]

Any tips for getting the sliding clamp for the hose back onto the core and the pipe inside? I'm trying to use the sliding clamp that was already there but the clamp is just sliding onto the pipe and not the core. And I'm using quite some force pushing the pipe in the core. 🙃😔

[@JoelsDriveway]

Took me several tries. Doesn't take too much force. Just push the hose on until you feel it grab the core piping, then slide the clip. Go slow.

[@rileyrowland7253]

Quick question. If I’m replacing AC condenser, compressor, and expansion valve in exact same car, how would you suggest I flush the lines? And should I flush the heater core as well?

[@benzeno222]

Thanks a lot for the video.

[@rossphenning1558]

I cannot get the light switch to come out? I push and twist and pull but it will not come out of dash?

[@JoelsDriveway]

You push in and a slight turn to the left, then pull. Must push the switch inside first.

[@isidorsiskos2598]

You must flush the system from all sediments before you install a new heater core. Mine is clogged again two years later. Also, your heater core install is a lot easier than on a Passat/CC. Lucky you!

[@JoelsDriveway]

You sure? All the sediment seems to be building up in the heater core. Replace the core. No sediment.

[@isidorsiskos2598]

@@JoelsDriveway Why else would the original heater core last over ten years and the replacement (which was also OEM) about two?

[@JoelsDriveway]

@@isidorsiskos2598 possibly topped with incorrect coolant or tap water added to system.

[@ken.l.378]

Does my polo gti (6c) 1.8T 2016 have the same heatercore, located at the same location also? Thanks in advance.

[@CaliCarGuyOfficial]

How long does it last if you don’t change the tubes?

[@JoelsDriveway]

@CaliCarGuyOfficial I've had no problems. Heater still working perfectly now during the 2024 winter season. Currently have 130k miles on the car. The tubes are not the issue, it's the core itself.

[@CarlosRamosBlanco-nk2ll]

Great video thanks

[@bynomial3542]

I've got a 2011 Audi A3, anyone know if this is the same process on this generation? I've only seen audi replacement videos for 2013 and newer and hoping I can follow this process given that it appears to be 100% easier.

[@mikekelly571]

I changed mine about 4 years ago and it started leaking. Looks like its the core, as I checked the fittings, both in and out and they are dry. Is this common with these cars that the cores dont last long?

[@JoelsDriveway]

Yes, they fail often.

[@TeahouseHannah]

when I have my ac on I can smell antifreeze, and there is definitely a slow leak since I see that the well is lower every day but there is no fluid under the car or in the car, when I turn on the heat it stinks even more. Any suggestions, ideas?

[@JoelsDriveway]

Check the hose connections at the firewall. The small plastic tubes tend to crack and leak slowly. I'd start there

[@alankeysor3423]

I'm having the exact problem but I cannot find a leak anywhere on the car Edit: I replaced my heater core and the coolant smell is gone and the heater now works.

[@The_Juan_An_Only]

Having the same problem and I have no heat

[@alankeysor3423]

@@The_Juan_An_Only ^^^

[@The_Juan_An_Only]

@@alankeysor3423 nicee

[@durtydusty7746]

Great video boss

[@JoelsDriveway]

Thanks my dude!

[@willie123811]

@@JoelsDriveway are you tuned yet?

[@fotx7107]

Great vid! Thanks!

[@MAdGamer1413]

Dude my heater core pipes will not pop back in like yours did it’s like the holes aren’t align anymore just slightly and it won’t budge

[@JoelsDriveway]

@@MAdGamer1413 check the pipe o-rings. Make sure they are seated properly before pushing the tubes in. Doesn't take much pressure to push them into the core

[@MAdGamer1413]

@ thanks for replying and they’re seated the right way but the pipes wont align with the holes on the core and I get them back in the old core either and I’m trying to wiggle them around and get different angles but I’m just scratching and denting them

[@TeahouseHannah]

Would changing the evaporator coil be about the same?

[@benmuise]

Same question

[@dale116dot7]

@@benmuise It’s not really a DIY job unless you have the proper HVAC service equipment (gauge and manifold set, evacuation pump, recovery pump).

[@s8jiwa]

Great Video.How did you get behind the firewall to pull the clamp out inside the engine bay.

[@JoelsDriveway]

By removing the intake piping.

[@sethsmith3074]

For some reason, no matter what I do, the clamp will not tighten back on the lower heater core line. Is there something I'm doing wrong? I have tried multiple clamps, I haven't over tightened them, they get as tight as they will go, but will not bite down on pipe.

[@JoelsDriveway]

At the firewall? Or on the core itself?

[@sethsmith3074]

@@JoelsDriveway on the core.

[@JoelsDriveway]

Make sure the pipe o-ring is seated properly. Check clamp alignment. Look to see if its bent. Try flipping the clamp...maybe it's on backwards.

[@sethsmith3074]

@@JoelsDriveway I've checked those things, still no luck. Thinking about trying a normal hose clamp

[@Obecny75]

I realize it's like 10 months later but any idea what size that Allen bolt is?

[@JoelsDriveway]

Timestamp? What part of the video?

[@alannitcher5001]

How do you replace the heater core pipes that you show in the thumbnail?

[@JoelsDriveway]

Problems usually occur within the core itself, not the pipes. More of the dash may need to be removed

[@alannitcher5001]

More like the whole dash

[@alannitcher5001]

@@JoelsDriveway More like the whole thing

[@seansuperman]

diaper method is genius

[@JoelsDriveway]

😄👍

[@davidbrown3765]

About how much coolant do you think you had to top off with after?

[@JoelsDriveway]

You only need 1 bottle (1.5 liter) of G13 coolant. I used half a bottle (mixed with water) to top it off.

[@youniverse9585]

Thank you brother, helped a lot

[@JoelsDriveway]

Good to hear! 🤙

[@colin5064]

You didn't address the cause of the heater core blockage.Its the coolant expansion tank internal silica gel bag. VW/AUDI have fitted a small Silica Gel bag internaly in the expansion tank to make the coolant last longer. They have now revised this policy due to Silica Gel bags bursting and contaminating the cooling system. This is whay causes the heater core to become blocked,as the Silica Gel crystals block the heater core fluid galleries. The other possibility is that vehical owners mix different type coolant antifreeze that is not compatible . This then reacts and causes sludge to form ,which again will block the heater core.

[@aimized1460]

would a 2015 still fall into the unrevised category ? which year have they revised it ? do you happen to know

[@valentinorsv]

Hi 1.6 tdi or 2.0 ?thanks

[@The_Juan_An_Only]

Did it consume a lot of coolant when the heater core was bad?

[@JoelsDriveway]

Not right away but I did have to top off the coolant more frequently.

[@JohnStray569]

Great video.

[@JoelsDriveway]

Thanks boss! 🙏

[@frankbrila]

Has anyone seen a video where the show how to replace the metal hoses as well?

[@GeorgeSloss]

That nasty scape on your head cracked me up. Why because I got the exact one too. Lmao

[@nickvids]

What year is this car? Vehicle details?

[@JoelsDriveway]

@@nickvids 2012 VW Jetta Gli

[@nickvids]

@JoelsDriveway thank you!

[@drummingbigred]

How do you know if your heater core has gone bad? Asking for a friend.

[@JoelsDriveway]

No heat

[@bonperal]

Like Durty Dusty sez.....great video.

[@Marvin.45]

You can also purchase a core without those hoses at a significant price reduction.

[@levisouder5777]

Anyone know if this is the same for a mk5?

[@gripthvmb7306]

I ordered a heater core from o’reillys… did I fuck up?

[@jcool7817]

Shoulda did ecs tunning

[@pchitti241]

@@jcool7817 so he could still be waiting on it??

[@ronyleiva9028]

Exelente video me ayudo mucho. En un jetta Dios te bendiga

[@donwelke940]

Just did mine, what a pain! I hit my head three times on that bracket. Hey VW, if your gonna make a Mikey Mouse little core to be replaced every 60k, put it somewhere I don't need to ball up like a contortionist to change the thing, please. I'm too old.

[@alromero9561]

Omg hahahaha that diaper genius bro👏🏼

[@userunfound4320]

Is this the same for a tdi lol

[@Wolf420Man]

Ya not bad if you have a garage to work in im usually on the side of the road. This sucks to do in -35 weather

[@Resoxin]

crazy that the dealer wants 900-1000 to do this.

[@aarongutierrez1597]

Can you do mine 😢

[@Elizabethmcbride619]

Hey I enjoy your videos and actually own the same VW car and it's not cranking. The last thing I did was with the fuses, but after looking everywhere for a diagram and purchasing manuals etc. I am still not able to fix it. I have countless pictures of fuse boxes that are supposedly of MK6 GLI but the relays wouldn't be the same or whatever. So if you have the time could you send me a picture of your fuse boxes? I am not sure if you attach it here or if not I'll give you my email. Thanks again

[@travis9999able]

Dude I followed this shit step by step just for the fittings part to leak coolant every fucking where. I couldn’t get it done.

[@JoelsDriveway]

Oh no! Which fittings?

[@travis9999able]

@@JoelsDriveway both fittings into the core. I tried old and new o rings. Clips and clamps went right over and everything

[@JoelsDriveway]

Hmm...I would check the o rings. Make sure they're snug and pushed all the way into the core. It should snap in. The clamps should slide over the edges and be tight. Pull gently on the connections to see if they move. That should be it. That's pretty much the easy part of the job man. You're almost there. If it leaks again, see if its actually coming out of the connections and not from a defective/cracked core.

[@travis9999able]

@@JoelsDriveway it’s at a garage. I took it apart twice and put it together. It was literally coming out of the fitting and I got pissed and had a mechanic look at it and even he said he didn’t get it. Shits fucked it’s whatever. The video is still fire. It goes through everything and how to do it.

[@travis9999able]

@@JoelsDriveway where they connect it was coming out of. Maybe it was just really bad luck.