Top of Form

PATH:Heating, Ventilation, & Air ConditioningHeater CoreRemoval & InstallationFront

Front

  1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
  2. Drain the cooling system.
  3. Remove the instrument panel glove compartment.
  4. Tag and unplug all electrical leads as necessary.
  5. Remove the center air distribution duct from the floor.
  6. If necessary, remove the ECM and mounting tray.
  7. Remove the hinge pillar trim panels.
  8. Remove the blower motor cover and then remove the motor.
  9. Remove the steering wheel and tilt back the instrument panel slightly.
  10. Remove the coolant overflow tank. Disengage the heater hoses at the core connections.
  11. Unfasten the attaching screws and nut and then remove the heater case.
  12. Remove the seven screws and lift off the heater case cover.
  13. Remove the fasteners and brackets that hold the heater core to the case and lift the core from the case.

To install:

  1. Install the heater core in the case.
  2. Install the heater case bottom plate. Make sure there is a good seal.
  3. Install the heater case into the truck. Tighten the 4 lower screws to 17 inch lbs. (2 Nm); the upper screw to 97 inch lbs. (11 Nm); and the nuts to 25 inch lbs. (2.8 Nm).
  4. Connect the heater hoses at the core tubes.
  5. Install the coolant overflow tank.
  6. Install the instrument panel and the steering wheel.
  7. Install the blower motor and cover.
  8. Install the trim panels and if removed, the ECM. Install the air distribution duct and reconnect all electrical leads.
  9. Install the glove compartment. Fill the cooling system and connect the battery cable.

Steering Wheel- Removal & Installation

CAUTION
When performing service around the SIR system components or wiring, the SIR system MUST be disabled. Failure to do so could result in possible air bag deployment, personal injury or unneeded SIR system repairs.
  1. Disconnect the battery ground cable.
  2. On models equipped with a drivers side air bag, perform the following procedure:
  3. Disable the Supplemental Restraint System (if equipped).
  4. On all but 1996-98 models equipped with a air bag, unfasten the screws at the rear of the steering wheel.
  5. On 1996-98 models equipped with a air bag, turn the steering wheel 90° to access the rear shroud holes to the inflator module. Insert a screwdriver in the holes and push the leaf spring to release the pin. Turn the steering wheel 180° to access the remaining shroud holes and using the screwdriver, release the remaining pins.
  6. Tilt the inflator module rearward from the top to access the wiring. Tag and unplug the lead wire from the clip on the module, the lead wire from the clip on the steering wheel and the Connector Position Assurance (CPA) and retainer from the module.
  1. If not equipped with a drivers side air bag, remove the horn pad or button cap and disconnect the horn wires.

Remove the horn button cap
Click to Enlarge
Disengage the horn wiring
Click to Enlarge
If equipped, remove the snap ring from the steering shaft
Click to Enlarge
  1. Mark the steering wheel-to-steering shaft relationship.
  2. If equipped, remove the snap ring from the steering shaft.
  3. Remove the nut from the steering shaft.

WARNING
Don't hammer on the steering shaft!
  1. Remove the steering wheel with a puller.

To install:

  1. Install the wheel. The turn signal control assembly must be in the Neutral position to prevent damaging the canceling cam and control assembly. Tighten the nut to 30 ft. lbs. (40 Nm).
  2. Install the horn pad and horn contact (if equipped).
  3. If equipped with a drivers side air bag, install the inflator module as follows:
  4. Attach the lead wire to the clip on the module, the lead wire to the clip on the steering wheel and the Connector Position Assurance (CPA) and retainer to the module.
  5. On 1996-98 models, install the inflator module by pressing it firmly into the steering wheel so that all four notched pins in the leaf spring are fully engaged. Be very careful that you do not pinch any wires.
  6. On all but 1996-98 models equipped with a air bag, install the inflator module and tighten the screws to 27 inch lbs. (3 Nm).
  1. Connect the battery ground cable and enable the SIR system (if equipped).

Remove the nut and washer from the steering shaft
Click to Enlarge
Use a puller to separate the steering wheel
Click to Enlarge
Remove the steering wheel
Click to Enlarge