I've removed my A/C recently and need to know how to remove the A/C evaporator under the dash. (also, because it looks like something may be growing in there lol)

i managed to remove the glove box and a few screws on the evap housing and got a peek inside of it. there is a big black thing that looks like a giant wad of electrical tape.

I want to remove the whole thing to save a little space (i'll find use of it later lol) and i want to use the holes in the firewall for extra wires, such as a battery cable, sensor wires, ect.


Any help is much appreciated, pictures would be awesome too!

 

I do not have any pictures, but I recently took the evaporator out of my car. I had to pull my dash for other reasons, but I'm not entirely sure if you can get the case out just by removing the glove box, as I believe there is a 10mm nut you have to access that is up high on the firewall.

Either way, You just have to pull your cluster, a/c trim and shifter panels. There will be two bolts on either side holding the reinforcement bar in place (behind the dash end panels). There will also be two bolts on either side near the spot where the dash meets the center console (should be behind those little panels. There is one bolt beneath the cover between the two upper defrost grilles. You may need to remove the two bolts that hold up the steering column. If memory serves me correct, this should free up the dash for removal. Just unplug all of your wires (label them), and you should be good to go. Then just remove the connectors from your evaporator case. There are a couple of 10mm nuts securing the case to the firewall, and your case should be free. Again, this is all from memory, but that should get you where you need to go.

If there is any information I am missing, surely another member will chime in and make corrections.

 

I found that nut you were talking about, if you're on the floor looking up at the top of the firewall there is a small enough grove to fit a 10mm socket and 6" extension. remove that nut and the one by the carpet and it comes right out.

Thanks for the help!

 

No problem. Glad you could get it without removing the dash.

 

I assume you're planning to maintain the blower/heat though. If that's the case, instead of replacing the housing, you can source ducting that's essentually a simplified tunnel that replaces the whole housing. That's what I did and it makes a bit more room for installing other things around the passenger footwell. You can source if from Malloy.

FD01-61-150b is the P/N.

 

How much does the evaporator and all that cost?

Yeah even on a race car, it's a bad idea to remove the heater. The one time your windows fog up your screwed.

 

I have coolant smell in the cabin when I put the heat on.
I was going to remove the dash to get to the heater box and change the heater.
Could you guys clarify a couple of things for me?

1) Heater and AC (coil?) are in the same box?
2) If so, do I have to drain the AC before I do anything?
3) Is it actually possible to remove the unit w/o removing the dash?

Thank you in advance

 

GodSquad, I think the last time I checked, the heater core was around $450, and the evaporator was around $650. You may be able to get a better price through Ray. These were just prices I found online. Also, it is advised that you replace the expansion valve and dryer at the same time you replace the evaporator. Although it isn't 100% necessary. I would just recommend that the system be vacuumed for a little while longer than average.

Gio,

1. The heater core and evaporator are in two separate cases. The heater core is in the center, on top of the transmission tunnel. The dash will have to come out for this.

2. Yes, the A/C will have to be discharged before any work on the system can be performed. Depending on the year, you will have to find a shop that is qualified to work on R12 systems. I believe it is illegal to discharge your A/C system into the atmosphere (although I don't think EPA cops are going to be patrolling the neighborhoods)

3.According to the OP, by removing the glove box and with some weaseling, you can sneak the evaporator out without removing the dash

 

Are you sure the dash has to come out? I was going to remove mine but i realized i had just put on new heater hoses so i didn't bother. I was able to reach the 2-3 nuts easily with a 3" extension. It seemed to come loose but maybe i'm missing something.

 

Hi, did you have any luck with a couple of pictures of the "problem area"?
Also, is there anybody who knows where to find the information about the heater core in the service manual? I have gone over every single page I have in my computer and there simply is no mention of it.

 

I've attached the locations of the nuts for the A/C Evaporator. Once those are removed you need to disconnect one connector at the top of it and you're done. also, you need to have the glovebox out.