The heater core in the Pontiac Grand Am looks like a miniature radiator. The hot coolant from the engine passes through the core, and a blower pushes heat into the engine compartment. If the heater core has a clog, then the liquid cannot pass through, and all you will get is cold air from the blower. To restore heat, you need to replace the heater core. It will take a few hours to complete the project because you have to remove the console. It is best to take a full day to complete the project so that you do not feel as if you have to rush to complete it.
Instructions
- 1
Park your Gran Am on level ground and let the engine cool completely. Open the drain valve on the bottom right side of the radiator, using a wrench. Drain the engine coolant into the drain pan. Disconnect the negative cable from the battery using a wrench to loosen the terminal nut. Place a set of wheel chocks behind the rear wheels of the Grand Am. Lift the front of the car using the jack.
2Place a jack stand under the Grand Am near the jacking point and raise it to the frame. Detach the drain hose from the heater core by disconnecting the hose clamp with the screwdriver. Disconnect the heater hoses from the heater core using the screwdriver to loosen the hose clamps.
3Remove the jack stand from under the Grand Am and lower the vehicle to the ground. Remove the center console from the car if there is one. Unfasten the sound insulators using the screwdriver and remove them. Remove the steering column cover using the screwdriver. Remove the air ducts from the console outlet by unhooking the tubes.
4Remove the access cover from the heater core using the screwdriver. Remove the core clamps using a wrench and pull the heater core from the car. Wipe any water spillage up using the rags. Place the new heater core in the casing and secure the clamps using the wrench. Install the heater core cover and tighten the mounting screws with the wrench.
5Reinstall the air ducts by hooking them to the outlets. Reattach the steering column cover and tighten the screws with the screwdriver. Install the sound insulators and tighten the fasteners with the screwdriver. Lift the front of the car using the jack. Place a jack stand under the Grand Am and raise it to the frame.
6Crawl under the car and connect the hoses to the heater core. Tighten the hose clamps with the screwdriver. Connect the drain tube to the heater core. Remove the jack stand from under the Grand Am. Lower the car to the ground. Refill the radiator and reservoir with fresh engine coolant. Connect the negative cable to the battery and tighten the nut.
