97 Windstar, No Heat, Its The Heater Core

I wrote earlier and thought that my 97 Windstar had no heat due to a thermostat. Its the heater core according to my reliable mechanic. Only thing is they don't do that kind of work. So, what am I looking at? Cost of heater core, special tools. They said I would have to remove the whole dash. Is this true? I want to fix this myself to of course save money. How much is a heater core? Am I saying it right? Core or Coil? Anyway, please help. I got pressure from the spouse and have to fix it immediately. Its getting colder everyday outside and also in the house if you know what I mean. Thanks.

T.

It is called the heater core, not coil. It looks like a small radiator. Do you have moisture or an anti-freeze smell inside the vehicle? If so, then your heater core is leaking. If not maybe it is clogged and that is why your mechanic says to replace it. You can get a genuine Ford heater core at www.y2kford.com for abour $75.00 or an aftermarket core at www.rockauto.com for about $40-$50 depending on which one you need. Both the Haynes manual and the Chilton manual give fairly explicit instructions on how to replace the core. I would purchase either manual and you should be set. It deosn't look like it is a very hard swap to do, but it might take an hour or two. You do not have to remove the whole dash, just the lower part. Also you might have to remove the wiper cowl to be able to disconnect the coolant hoses to the core.

No I don't have any coolant smell inside the vehicle. The air blows fine but not hot. Also, the auto mechanic place suggested that in reality the core is clogged. Maybe if you backflush the system then it will unclog. What do you think? I stopped by Oreilly's on the way home and asked them. They said that is an option but it might start leaking. If that happens then I am screwed. Any suggestions? I can replace it. Just need to get the Chilton or Haynes books. Thanks for the help again. Terry L. Burks

Get the manuals ... but before you start taking things apart do a simple test: Merely reach under the area of the heater core and see it that area gets warm (or hot).

If it does ... you have other issues ... having to do with air flow through the core (coil).

Get the manuals ... but before you start taking things apart do a simple test: Merely reach under the area of the heater core and see it that area gets warm (or hot).

If it does ... you have other issues ... having to do with air flow through the core (coil).


I appreciate the help. Can I reach up under there without taking anything off? I'm assuming that it is right next to that drawer compartment that wraps around the middle lower section. Also, it was recommended to me from the auto shop that I can backflush the system and unplug it (maybe), I don't know if I mentioned it earlier. They said they would do it for 70 dollars. Please advise. Thanks again.

Terry

You can reach it. It's just forward of that wrap-around trim that you mention ... and on the right side of it ... just above the top of it. (If your '97 is the same as my '99.)

If it proves to be the heater core, I would consider flushing it prior to replacing. I don't know how easy it is to get to the two hoses under the hood that connect the heater core on the Windstar's (I've never had a need to notice) but it is something normally that even a novice could attempt and usually with minimal costs.

Of course 12ounce's test is Step 1

If it proves to be the heater core, I would consider flushing it prior to replacing. I don't know how easy it is to get to the two hoses under the hood that connect the heater core on the Windstar's (I've never had a need to notice) but it is something normally that even a novice could attempt and usually with minimal costs.

Of course 12ounce's test is Step 1

If it proves to be the heater core, I would consider flushing it prior to replacing. I don't know how easy it is to get to the two hoses under the hood that connect the heater core on the Windstar's (I've never had a need to notice) but it is something normally that even a novice could attempt and usually with minimal costs.

Of course 12ounce's test is Step 1