Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
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HOMESERVICE MANUALSFORD2012EXPLORER FWD V6-3.5LREPAIR AND DIAGNOSISHEATING AND AIR CONDITIONINGHOUSING ASSEMBLY HVACSERVICE AND REPAIRCLIMATE CONTROL - DATC
2012 Ford Explorer FWD V6-3.5L
Climate Control - DATC
2012 Ford Explorer FWD V6-3.5LSECTION Climate Control - DATC
Heater Core And Evaporator Core Housing
Material(s)
Exploded View
Removal
NOTE: If a heater core leak is suspected, the heater core must be pressure leak tested before it is removed from the vehicle. REFER to Heater Core Component Test Component Test.
1. Remove the instrument panel assembly. REFER to Instrument Panel .
2. Position the instrument panel with the passenger side supported as shown.
3. Remove the 3 instrument panel insulator screws and remove instrument panel insulator.
4. Remove the 2 RFA (Remote Function Actuator) module nuts and remove the RFA (Remote Function Actuator) module.
5. Remove the 2 floor duct screws and remove the floor duct.
6. Detach the in-vehicle temperature sensor aspirator from the heater core and evaporator core housing.
7. Remove the 6 heater core and evaporator core housing bolts.
8. Disconnect the 3 electrical connectors and detach the wire harness pin-type retainer.
9. Detach the 4 wire harness pin-type retainers and disconnect the electrical connector.
10. Disconnect the 3 electrical connectors, detach the wire harness pin-type retainer and detach the instrument panel wire harness from the heater core and evaporator core housing.
11. Remove the heater core and evaporator core housing.
Installation
1. Install the heater core and evaporator core housing.
2. Attach the instrument panel wire harness to the heater core and evaporator, attach the wire harness pin-type retainers and connect the 3 electrical connectors.
3. Connect the electrical connector and attach the 3 wire harness pin-type retainers.
4. Attach the wire harness pin-type retainer and connect the 3 electrical connectors.
5. Install the 6 heater core and evaporator core housing bolts.
- Tighten to 7 Nm (62 lb-in).
6. Attach the in-vehicle temperature sensor aspirator to the heater core and evaporator core housing.
7. Install the floor duct and the 2 floor duct screws.
8. Install the RFA (Remote Function Actuator) module and install the 2 RFA (Remote Function Actuator) module nuts.
9. Install the instrument panel insulator and the 3 instrument panel insulator screws.
- Tighten to 3 Nm (27 lb-in).
10. Install the instrument panel. REFER to Instrument Panel .
RENDER: 1.0x
NO RELATED
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.