Accessing the heater core

ww1dm1 · May 15th, 2017, 14:06

Here's the deal, I need to access the heater matrix/core on a 1999 V40. Under certain weather conditions turning on the heat results in immediate fogging up of the windshield before the mist is blown away (blowing cold air is fine). So I would like to take a peek at the matrix and see if I have leakage. Hopefully it's just some brittle o-rings dripping.

My current situation is that I have the whole dash off for replacing vent sealing foams. As far as I know this is mandatory for the heater core job anyways, so it's a good time to check. I see the huge black heater unit assembly that seems fully sealed, clearly I need to get into it somehow.

What would be the course of action to access the heater core with the possible intention of replacing it? It probably contains the A/C evaporator as well, so I have a feeling just straight removing the whole thing might have disastrous results. Any tips?

TEEKIZZLE · May 15th, 2017, 19:15

Deep within the bowels of the dash you will find the dreaded heater core. You do not need to get into that black AC box you are mentioning.

Bag and tag EVERYTHING. Take pictures. Start early in the light.

This is from a US model but it's buried in the middle. You need to get all the way to this. Attached is an album I have of the destruction - if it is helpful or not I can't say.... It's mostly disconnecting EVERYTHING without breaking it and remembering where it goes. Album

ww1dm1 · May 16th, 2017, 10:00

Wonderful, this will definitely help.

I assume the black assembly with the vents on top in the last picture of your post is that one that needs to be removed. And it is in the middle of the dash area and it is separate from the AC and blower assembly, which is on the passenger side does not need to be touched?

TEEKIZZLE · May 16th, 2017, 15:44

Correct. It is tucked back there and independent of the ac unit and that shouldn't need to be touched at all (at least on the left hand drive model).

This has illustrations maybe from Vida? My pics were terribly blurry.

http://www.justanswer.com/volvo/29v4...ater-core.html

ww1dm1 · May 17th, 2017, 08:26

Excellent, will try this out during the weekend.

patrick264 · May 19th, 2017, 07:32

Wow ,looks like ,when building a volvo they start with a heater core and build the volvo around that.

CopthorneMike · May 19th, 2017, 17:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by patrick264

Wow ,looks like ,when building a volvo they start with a heater core and build the volvo around that.

A bit like a Swedish house then - Sweden can be a pretty cold place in winter!

May 15th, 2017, 14:06	#1
ww1dm1 What is this I don't even Last Online: Aug 31st, 2017 08:01 Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: *	Accessing the heater core Here's the deal, I need to access the heater matrix/core on a 1999 V40. Under certain weather conditions turning on the heat results in immediate fogging up of the windshield before the mist is blown away (blowing cold air is fine). So I would like to take a peek at the matrix and see if I have leakage. Hopefully it's just some brittle o-rings dripping. My current situation is that I have the whole dash off for replacing vent sealing foams. As far as I know this is mandatory for the heater core job anyways, so it's a good time to check. I see the huge black heater unit assembly that seems fully sealed, clearly I need to get into it somehow. What would be the course of action to access the heater core with the possible intention of replacing it? It probably contains the A/C evaporator as well, so I have a feeling just straight removing the whole thing might have disastrous results. Any tips?

May 15th, 2017, 19:15	#2
TEEKIZZLE Member Last Online: Apr 28th, 2024 18:23 Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Doylestown	Deep within the bowels of the dash you will find the dreaded heater core. You do not need to get into that black AC box you are mentioning. Bag and tag EVERYTHING. Take pictures. Start early in the light. This is from a US model but it's buried in the middle. You need to get all the way to this. Attached is an album I have of the destruction - if it is helpful or not I can't say.... It's mostly disconnecting EVERYTHING without breaking it and remembering where it goes. Album __________________ 03' S40 89' 740 GLE Last edited by TEEKIZZLE; May 15th, 2017 at 19:19.

May 16th, 2017, 15:44	#4
TEEKIZZLE Member Last Online: Apr 28th, 2024 18:23 Join Date: Jan 2014 Location: Doylestown	Correct. It is tucked back there and independent of the ac unit and that shouldn't need to be touched at all (at least on the left hand drive model). This has illustrations maybe from Vida? My pics were terribly blurry. http://www.justanswer.com/volvo/29v4...ater-core.html __________________ 03' S40 89' 740 GLE

May 19th, 2017, 07:32	#6
patrick264 Senior Member Last Online: Apr 1st, 2018 08:04 Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Edinburgh MK Northampton Rugby Coventry Glasgow	Wow ,looks like ,when building a volvo they start with a heater core and build the volvo around that. __________________ Volvo s40 2.0 cd petrol b4204s 1999

May 16th, 2017, 10:00	#3
ww1dm1 What is this I don't even Last Online: Aug 31st, 2017 08:01 Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: *	Wonderful, this will definitely help. I assume the black assembly with the vents on top in the last picture of your post is that one that needs to be removed. And it is in the middle of the dash area and it is separate from the AC and blower assembly, which is on the passenger side does not need to be touched?

May 17th, 2017, 08:26	#5
ww1dm1 What is this I don't even Last Online: Aug 31st, 2017 08:01 Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: *	Excellent, will try this out during the weekend.

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