09 dodge journey heater core removal

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Heater core

By Patrick Carman March 4 in Engine & Transmission

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Patrick carman.

Heater core issues and maintenance are a growing frustration as vehicles evolve. But it doesn't have to be this way. Our current design engineers, (kids who went to college, but have no hands on experience) have decided to put often serviced components in areas that require a contortionist to push his limits. Case in point, the heater core. As you know, replacing a Journey heater core by the book requires a ridiculous amount of work. But it can be done much more quickly by a simple cut and splice technique of the aluminum lines by the heater core body, thus eliminating the need to dismantle the entire dash interior of your vehicle. Many you tube videos walk you through the process. With a little common sense this replacement could have been designed with quick couplers near the core location. Never try to remove the heater core pipes at the core to attempt to replace it. Believe me, it not only can, but will leak as your pliers are no match for the factory crimps. Speaking of dash removal to replace a heater core, that's like removing the vehicle body to get to the spare tire. Oops, I probably gave some young engineer a new thought. How about an access cover where two clamps are removed and the core then slides out and in in a matter of minutes? Oh, sorry, that's to much common sense and something today's engineering can't comprehend. Anyway , cut and splice your core pipes about 6 inches from the core and reconnect with a short hose and clamps. Damn, just saved about 3 hours of mickey motion!  Remember, analyze your repair and use common sense and you are way ahead.

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Dodge Workshop Service and Repair Manuals

Journey fwd v6-3.5l (2009), heating and air conditioning housing assembly hvac / component information service and repair / removal and replacement page 7200.

3. Drain the engine cooling system See: Engine, Cooling and Exhaust/Cooling System/Service and Repair. 4. Raise and support the vehicle.

CAUTION: DO NOT apply excessive force on underbody heater lines or rear heater tubes when disconnecting the connections. Excessive force

may damage or deform the tubes and or lines, causing an engine coolant leak.

NOTE: Replacement of the rubber heater hose ends will be required if the rubber hoses are cut for removal.

5. Release the spring type hose clamps (4) and disconnect the underbody heater lines (5) from the rear heater core tubes located behind the right rear

wheel housing.

6. Lower the underbody heater lines and drain any residual coolant from the lines into a suitable container. 7. Loosen the fitting nuts (1) that secure the underbody refrigerant lines (7) to the underbody refrigerant extension lines and sealing plate (2 and 6). 8. Disconnect the underbody refrigerant lines from underbody refrigerant extension lines and remove and discard the O-ring seals. 9. Remove the nut (3) that secures the underbody refrigerant extension lines and sealing plate to the rear A/C expansion valve.

10. Disconnect the extension lines and sealing plate from the rear A/C expansion valve and remove and discard the O-ring seals. 11. Install plugs in, or tape over the opened underbody refrigerant line fittings and rear expansion valve ports.

12. Lower the vehicle. 13. Remove the right D-pillar trim panel See: Body and Frame/Interior Moulding / Trim/Trim Panel/Service and Repair/Pillar Trim/D-Pillar

Trim/Removal.

14. Remove right quarter trim panel See: Body and Frame/Interior Moulding / Trim/Trim Panel/Service and Repair/Luggage Compartment

Trim/Quarter Trim Panel - Removal.

15. Remove the two bolts (2) that secure the upper seat belt bracket (1) to the right D-pillar (3) and remove the bracket. 16. Remove the two bolts (4) that secure the right seat belt retractor (5) to the right D-pillar and remove the retractor.

17. Remove the two retainers (4 and 5) that secure the rear ceiling distribution duct (3) to the right D-pillar (2). 18. Lift the rear ceiling distribution duct upward and disengage it from the rear heater-A/C housing (1).

CAUTION: Use care when removing the rear ceiling distribution duct from the heater-A/C housing to prevent damage to the molded plastic

support brace located on the top of the housing outlet. Failure to follow this caution could result in part of, or all of the support

Common Dodge Journey Problems: 1st Generation (2009 to 2020)

Common 1st gen Dodge Journey problems include no heat and issues with the throttle body. Learn the common problems on the 1st generation of the Dodge Journey, years 2009 to 2020, and their symptoms, causes, and fixes.

Top 5 Issues with the 1st Gen Dodge Journey (2009 to 2020)

1. heater core problems, symptoms of heater core problems.

• No heat when the heat is turned on
• Heat temperature is lower than normal

Causes of a Bad Heater Core

The heater core can clog on the 1st gen Journey from sediment in the coolant.

How to Fix a Bad Heater Core

As a temporary fix you can flush out the heater core by disconnecting the coolant hoses that lead into the firewall and connect to the heater core.

Replacing the heater core includes removing the dash, the steering wheel, and electronics like the radio. The A/C evaporative core is also part of the heater box, so the A/C system will need to be recovered and recharged.

2. Throttle Body Problems

Symptoms of throttle body problems on the 2009 to 2020 dodge journey.

• High RPMs at idle
• Rough running engine at idle
• Check engine light for code P2112 or P2110

How to Fix Throttle Body Problems

Cleaning the throttle body will not fix these problems on the 2009 to 2020 Dodge Journey. The problem is an issue with the internal sensors and motor, so the throttle body will need to be replaced.

3. Key Fob Failure

Symptoms of a bad key fob.

• Vehicle won’t start
• Door locks don’t work

How to Fix a Key Fob

If there is another remote, see if it works. If it doesn’t, replacing the key fob battery usually fixes this issue.

4. Thermostat Failure

Symptoms of a bad thermostat.

• Check engine light for code P0652

How to Fix a Bad Thermostat

To replace the thermostat, the thermostat needs to be replaced with the housing as one piece. Since a bad heater core can also cause the symptom of no heat, if the temperature gauge is not in its usual position, the thermostat likely has an issue.

5. Wiper Relay

Symptoms of wiper problems.

• Wiper speeds not working
• Windshield wipers not working

Causes of Windshield Wiper Problems

Windshield wiper problems on the 1st gen Dodge Journey tend to stem from issues with the wiper relay. If the wipers won’t turn on, it could be the motor relay, and if the wipers have issues with the settings, it could be the wiper speed relay.

How to Fix Wiper Problems

Remove the fuse box cover from the fuses in the engine bay.

Since the relays are the same part number, they could be swapped, so if the wipers are not turning on, try swapping them to see if it’s causing the issue.

If there is an issue with the wipers’ speed, the wiper speed relay will need to be swapped with a new relay to test it.

1st Generation Dodge Journey Model Years

• 2009 Dodge Journey
• 2010 Dodge Journey
• 2011 Dodge Journey
• 2012 Dodge Journey
• 2013 Dodge Journey
• 2014 Dodge Journey
• 2015 Dodge Journey
• 2016 Dodge Journey
• 2017 Dodge Journey
• 2018 Dodge Journey
• 2019 Dodge Journey
• 2020 Dodge Journey

Related Content

• Car Heater Not Working?
• Is Your Car Heater Not Blowing Air?
• How to Tell if a Relay is Bad in a Car, Truck, or SUV

Shop 1st Gen Dodge Journey Parts

• Engine & Engine Management
• Heating & Cooling

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Dodge Journey Leaking Heater Core Diagnosis

One of the most common problems that can happen to a vehicle is a heater core leak.  If your Dodge Journey has a leaking heater core, it is not a breakdown risk.  Although, it is necessary to make sure that the lost coolant is replaced.  It can cause damage to the vehicle in other ways, and should be addressed as soon as possible.

How a Heater Core Works:  Dodge Journey

A heater core is a small radiator that runs hot coolant to the inside of your Journey.  It functions exactly the same way the radiator does.  There is a line of hot coolant coming from the engine, and there is a return line.

The blower motor runs air over the heater core and the cabin warms up.  Temperature is controlled by the blend door, which the driver controls.  The more the heat is turned up, the higher the percentage of air passing over the heater core.  If you do end up needing a new one, they’re pretty cheap .

Bad or Leaking Heater Core Symptoms:  Dodge Journey

Here are the most common symptoms of a bad heater core in your Journey:

1. Coolant Smell

The nose and ears are our best auto diagnostic tools.  You can learn a lot about what is going on with a vehicle by what smells and sounds different.  In the case of a bad heater core, the smell you’ll be smelling is quite sweet.  It’ll smell like maple syrup or fruit.  Really, it’s whatever your engine coolant smells like.

2. Coolant Leaking into the Cabin

If you are able to easily smell coolant while driving your Journey, you’ll probably find that your passenger floorboard is wet.  A heater core that is slowly leaking will do damage to the sheet metal under the carpet.

The heater core is itself is almost always located on the passenger side of the vehicle.  Turn on the blower motor and follow the sound.  They are always close to one another.  Check the floorboard directly below the heater core and see if it is wet.  If coolant is allowed down there for a very long time the floorboards can rust.

If your Journey doesn’t have any heat at all, that can be a sign of a clogged heater core.  It could also be a sign that you are almost out of coolant .  If coolant can’t get to the heater core, it won’t produce any heat at all.

In the case that the heater isn’t putting out heat, check to make sure that the coolant level is full.  You shouldn’t need to pull the radiator cap off, just check the overflow and fill it up.  If it’s bone dry fill it up and let the cooling system pull it in as the car/truck warms up.

It is also possible that the blend door isn’t opening or closing properly.  Depending on how old and complicated the vehicle is, the blend door may be operated by cable, or it could be operated by an actuator.  It’s not unheard of for them to freeze up and not work until thawed back out.

If you aren’t getting heat at all, check out this Dodge Journey No Heat article before replacing the heater core.

4. Foggy Windows

Foggy windows are a sure sign of a bad heater core.  When you turn your heater on with the heater core is leaking, it’s effectively acting as a humidifier.  it’s not water causing the fog, it’s antifreeze.

Antifreeze is harmful and can be fatal if swallowed.  It’s not good to breath as a vapor either.

5. Overheating

An overheating engine can indicate that the heater core is leaking.  But, there are a lot of other reasons why a vehicle could overheat.  In fact, if you are overheating don’t start with the heater core unless you are getting obvious signs from inside the vehicle.  Make sure that the coolant is filled and start looking for a leak if it isn’t full.  If it is full and overheating, take a look at the thermostat first.

Bad Heater Core Causes

A leaking heater core is going to be caused by a crack that leaks coolant out, or it’s going to be clogged.  When it is clogged it doesn’t have a leak, but it also won’t pass coolant and provide heat to the cabin.

Conclusion:  Dodge Journey Bad Heater Core

Good luck determining whether or not your Journey’s heater core is bad.  If there is anything that you would like to add, please feel free to leave a comment below.

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2009 Dodge Journey

2009 Dodge Journey - Heater Core

Core width (in).

• 10-3/4 Inch

Core Height (in)

Related categories.

• Antifreeze Flush Kit/Test
• Bypass Hose
• Coolant Bypass Pipe
• Heater Control Valve
• Heater Hose
• Heater Hose Assembly
• Hose Clamp - Vehicle Specific

Murray Heat Transfer Heater Core

Replacing a heater core.

The heater core is a component of a vehicle's heating and cooling system that is responsible for providing heat to the cabin on cold days, and is usually located under the dashboard on the passenger side of the vehicle. Essentially a small radiator, the heater core uses warm coolant from the engine to heat its fins while the blower motor moves air over the core, warming the air that enters the vehicle's cabin through the air vents. Over time, a heater core can become clogged or damaged, or may suffer from corrosion that can create pinholes and allow coolant to leak. Heater cores are often not convenient to replace, and will likely require extensive disassembly and removal of the dash to access the box where the heater core is installed. If you notice reduced heat output or no heat being generated at all, these could be signs of a blocked heater core. In some cases, a leaking heater core can also cause a sweet smell from the vents, coolant leaking into the cabin and on the floorboard, or puddles of coolant under the cabin of the vehicle from the evaporator drain hose. Flushing a heater core may clear a blockage, but a leaky heater core must be repaired or replaced. If you need to replace your heater core, O'Reilly Auto Parts carries replacement heater cores for most vehicles to help you complete your heater repair.

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How to Heater Core

• Thread starter Bob M
• Start date Oct 6, 2008
• Oct 6, 2008

ADMIN wif a corner office (Deceased - RIP)

You don't have to pull the dash, but you will have to pull the entire heater box. Wait till you see what that heater core looks like:no:  

• Oct 7, 2008

:grin::grin:Finaly got it out it wasn't to bad after I started but took a while and I am glad that is out found a big mouse nest inside, now I will get the heater core tested and cleaned, I am going to try to find some company local that will test and clean the AC evarpator as the car has been setting at least three years with the evap. lines off. Bob M  

:grin::grin:Finaly got it out it wasn't to bad after I started but took a while and I am glad that is out found a big mouse nest inside, now I will get the heater core tested and cleaned, I am going to try to find some company local that will test and clean the AC evarpator as the car has been setting at least three years with the evap. lines off.  

Just take it to the radiator shop. They can test it for ya. Also make sure to check that heater valve that's inside the box, and "in front of" the core.  

• Sep 7, 2009

Bob M said: I have a 1972 Dodge Charger and I must remove the heater core and the ACEavporator core. Looking under the dash it looks like this will be a real job,has anyone done this I need all the help I can get. Do I have to take the entire dash out to get to the heater box under the dash? I purchase a new Dodge chassis service manual that covers Chargers but in the heater section it dose not list Charger, but it list Coronet & Challenger the heater box looks like the one in my car,I just can't find a way to get the screws out of the top of the heater box. Bob M Click to expand...

rumblefish360

Well-known member.

Gezzz, had to wait 50 seconds, but it was certainly worth it!  

• Oct 24, 2009

Heres this...  

• Sep 1, 2010

FBBO Gold Member

• Sep 2, 2010

I don't know if it will help but here's a link to mine all pulled apart. http://www.cardomain.com/ride/3164986/8  

• Nov 21, 2010

69 a/c drain tubes i`m going thru my 69 gtx a/c unit...i`m having problems replacing the copper drain tubes mine were kind of bent up so i yanked them, didnt want to chance a leak into the car. ANYWAY I thought the tubes were silver soldered into the drain pan. But i was wrong the silver solder wont stick very well to the steel. Next i`m going to try to braze them and see how that works after i mig in some patches and redrill where the old tubes attach. I did find a flaring tool does a great job on the new copper..the original copper was the bendable type - well i`m going with the thicker walled hard tube 3/8 i.d. If the brazing doesnt work i`m going to use a laith to custom size some steel tubes and mig em in. does anybody know how these tubes were attached originaly? also i`m going to move the temp. control valve under the hood where it should have been in the first place, instead of in the box with rubber hoses and o rings...i would like to know what moron dreamed this design up!  

• Nov 23, 2010

Got it finished today some good old 45% silver brazing rod with flux coating worked like a dream....it was 52 $ for a pack of 9 sticks but well worth it. So that must have been close to what chrysler used originaly... I answer my own questions alot. I used harris saftey-silv 45 part# 76324 In the next few days i`m going to jump on that heater core and eliminate the internal heater control valve and move it under the hood where it should be . I dont want to have to mess with this a/c heater box again EVER!  

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