Login to enhance your online experience. Login or Create an Account
Logo
Shopping Cart

Shopping Cart 0 Items (Empty)

Holden Colorado/Rodeo 2007-2012 factory workshop and repair manual download

Overview (theory up front)
- The heater core is a small radiator (tube-and-fin heat exchanger) inside the HVAC box. Engine coolant is pumped through it; the blower forces air through the core so warmed air enters the cabin. Temperature control routes more/less air or mixes with cold air, but the heat source is the core.
- Common faults: leaking core (coolant in cabin, sweet smell, fogging windows), internally clogged core (poor cabin heat despite engine warm), or severe corrosion sending debris into cooling system. Replacement restores a sealed heat exchanger and correct coolant flow, removing the source of coolant loss/clogging and restoring heat transfer.

Safety and preparations (why)
- Work on a cold engine; cooling system is pressurised and hot coolant causes severe burns.
- Disconnect negative battery to avoid electrical short/airbag deployment while removing dash components.
- Drain coolant to below heater hose level so hoses can be removed dry and to avoid spillage. Catch and dispose of coolant properly because it’s toxic.

Ordered procedure with theory and important points

1) Gather tools and parts
- Tools: basic hand tools, screwdrivers, trim tools, socket set, pliers, hose clamps, container for coolant, torque wrench for reassembly if needed.
- Parts: replacement heater core (correct fit), new heater hoses or hose ends if perished, new seals/gaskets/clips, coolant.
- Why: broken clips or old hoses commonly cause leaks later. Using correct core ensures proper fit and sealing in the HVAC box.

2) Drain cooling system
- Drain radiator to below the lower heater hose connection (or remove lower hose after draining) so coolant doesn’t spill when you disconnect heater hoses.
- Why: prevents coolant loss and contamination of interior; reduces mess and risk of burns.

3) Disconnect heater hoses at firewall
- From engine bay, disconnect the two heater core hoses at the firewall (note which is inlet/outlet). Cap the engine-side lines to avoid coolant loss while working.
- Why: separates the core from coolant circuit so the heater box can be removed; identify flow orientation to install new core correctly.

4) Remove dash trim and access HVAC box
- Remove required dash panels, glovebox, centre console, radio and HVAC control assembly, lower steering shroud per vehicle specifics until the heater box is accessible. For Colorado/Rodeo this is usually an involved dash removal — expect many trim clips, screws, connectors and sometimes steering column lowering.
- Why: the heater core is inside the sealed HVAC housing; to replace it the housing or one of its halves must be opened, which requires dash components removed. Disconnecting electrical connectors and airbags is necessary to avoid damage.

5) Remove the HVAC/heater box
- Remove the fasteners and detach the HVAC box from dash frame; disconnect any vacuum/actuator cables, ducts, and blend-door linkages that impede removal.
- Why: the heater core sits inside the box; separating the box gives access to the core and its seating and seals.

6) Open the heater box and extract old core
- Open the housing halves and gently remove the old heater core. Note foam seals and gaskets and how the core is oriented and supported.
- Why: inspecting the core and seals shows failure mode: visible pinhole leaks, crusted coolant, or blockage. Note orientation so replacement matches coolant flow and ducting.

7) Inspect and clean HVAC box and hoses
- Clean inside the housing of sludge, coolant crystals, and debris; replace deteriorated seals, foam and duct gaskets. Inspect/replace heater hoses and inlet/outlet fittings at firewall if corroded.
- Why: debris left behind will contaminate the new core and reduce effectiveness. New seals prevent air/coolant leaks and ensure proper airflow through the core.

8) Install new heater core
- Seat the new core in correct orientation with new gaskets/seals. Refit any clips/retaining plates and ensure it is seated and sealed to the housing halves.
- Why: proper seating prevents coolant leaks into the cabin and ensures the blower forces air through the core rather than bypassing it.

9) Reassemble HVAC box and reinstall in dash
- Reassemble housing, reconnect blend doors/actuators, ducts and electrical connectors. Reinstall box into vehicle and reattach dash components in reverse order of removal.
- Why: restoring the sealed HVAC system ensures correct air path and actuator function.

10) Reconnect heater hoses and refill cooling system
- Reconnect inlet and outlet hoses at the firewall, using new clamps where needed. Refill cooling system with the correct coolant mix.
- Why: proper hose attachment and coolant type/level are necessary for correct coolant flow and corrosion protection.

11) Bleed air from cooling system
- Start engine with radiator cap off (or use a bleed port if fitted), set heater to max hot and blower on, allow engine to reach operating temperature so thermostat opens, watch coolant level and top up until no air is visible and system circulates. Squeeze upper radiator hose to help free trapped air. Some models have bleeder screws near thermostat or heater hose—use them if present.
- Why: trapped air in the heater core or cooling loop prevents coolant circulation through the core, causing no cabin heat and possible overheating. Proper bleeding restores continuous coolant flow and heat transfer.

12) Test for leaks and operation
- With the engine at operating temperature, inspect all joints (hose ends, firewall connections, and housing seals) for leaks. Confirm cabin heat with blower on high and check no coolant odor or fogging; verify engine runs at normal temperature.
- Why: leak-free joints and restored heating prove the repair solved the original fault. Early detection prevents repeat interior damage.

How replacing the heater core fixes common faults (concise)
- Leak: a leaking core allows coolant into the HVAC box and cabin, causes coolant loss, fogging, and sweet smell. Replacement restores a sealed heat exchanger, stopping coolant loss and cabin contamination.
- Blockage/calcification: internal blockages reduce flow, lowering heat transfer to the air. A new core restores correct flow and heat exchange area, returning cabin heating performance.
- Corrosion/debris: a corroded core can contaminate the cooling system; replacing it and flushing the system removes the source of contamination and prevents further damage to the engine’s cooling passages.

Final notes (practical theory)
- Always flush cooling system if core failure left debris—otherwise the new core can quickly clog.
- Replace worn hoses, clamps and seals at the same time; the heater core is an intrusive job, so do associated preventive repairs.
- Proper bleed and thermostat operation are essential: even a perfect core won’t heat if air is trapped or the thermostat sticks open.

No further questions.
rteeqp73

You Might Also Like...

Kryptronic Internet Software Solutions