Common questions

What fluid runs through the heater hose?

What fluid runs through the heater hose?

While the coolant thermostat is closed, the liquid coolant circulates within the engine to allow for a quicker warm-up time. Many vehicles use a bypass hose system which allows the heated liquid coolant circulating through the engine to enter the heater core through the heater hoses.

How to remove the heater hose from a Chevy truck?

Removing the heater hose connector is simple with the right tool. Installing the new disconnect does not require the tool. Loading…

When did GM stop using heater hose disconnects?

All GM trucks and SUVs used plastic heater hose connectors (disconnects) for the heater hoses from 1999-2014. The problem with this is that over time, the plastic becomes brittle and breaks off. Because the connector breaks in the middle, you can’t just simply slide the hose over the heater barb and toss on a worm-clamp.

When to replace plastic heater hose connectors in GMC?

Replacing GM plastic heater hose connectors is often an emergency situation, where the hose has broken on the side of the road. It is not a bad idea to preemptively attack this problem and replace them before one breaks and leaves you stranded.

What should I do if my radiator hose breaks?

When one connector breaks, the other is usually not far behind. You should replace both connectors at once to avoid a repeat situation. One of the hoses has a plastic Y on it, one hose goes to the heater core, one comes from the radiator overflow canister, and the other side goes to the water pump.

How do you disconnect a GMC heater hose?

If this happens on the side of the road, the “get you home” fix is cutting the other heater hose and making a loop at the water pump. The disconnect tool works by releasing the spring fingers on the inside of the connector. The small plastic tool folds around the backside of the tube, and is slid into the connector until the fingers are released.

How do you replace the heater core on a Chevy Silverado?

Replace the heater core. Once the deed is done, take your time and re-install all of the dashboard components. Be wary of the screws and bolts you use to re-install the components, as some are slightly longer and will not fit all the way in. After everything is back together, top off the coolant and reconnect the negative battery cable.

What to do if your Chevy Silverado heater gets clogged?

A fan then pushes the heat through the ventilation system and into the cabin. If a heater core gets clogged or the blend door becomes jammed, the unit will need to be removed. This task is not for the faint of heart and requires the complete removal of the dashboard, including the radio, airbags, and climate control system.

When one connector breaks, the other is usually not far behind. You should replace both connectors at once to avoid a repeat situation. One of the hoses has a plastic Y on it, one hose goes to the heater core, one comes from the radiator overflow canister, and the other side goes to the water pump.

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Ruth Doyle