HVAC Housing - Removal

Removal

WARNING:
- On vehicles equipped with airbags, disable the airbag system before attempting any steering wheel, steering column, or instrument panel component diagnosis or service. Disconnect and isolate the battery negative (ground) cable, then wait two minutes for the airbag system capacitor to discharge before performing further diagnosis or service. This is the only sure way to disable the airbag system. failure to take the proper precautions could result in an accidental airbag deployment and possible personal injury.
- Review the warnings in the front of plumbing before performing the following operation.

1. Open the hood and disconnect the negative battery cable remote terminal from the remote battery post.

2. Remove the instrument panel from vehicle. Refer to Instrument Panel Assembly. Refer to: Body and Frame, Interior Trim, Dashboard/Instrument Panel, Service and Repair, Service and Repair

3. Recover the refrigerant from the system. Refer to: Heating and Air Conditioning, Service and Repair, Refrigerant System Recovery, Refrigerant System Recovery

4. Drain the engine cooling system.
5. Remove the air cleaner hose and air distribution duct from the engine.
6. Remove the spring type heater hose fasteners at the dash panel and remove the hoses from heater core. Plug the heater core inlet and outlet tubes to prevent anti-freeze from spilling on the vehicle interior during removal. If an appropriate plug cannot be found pull back carpet and use caution when removing the HVAC housing. Keep the heater tubes elevated to prevent spillage of coolant.
7. Remove one nut at expansion valve retaining both A/C lines to expansion valve. After removing the lines cap the expansion valve openings and the A/C hose openings. This will prevent any dirt or moisture from entering the refrigerant system during servicing.

CAUTION: The lubricant used in this air conditioning system absorbs moisture readily (similar to brake fluid). Do not leave any portion of the system open for extended periods of time.

8. Remove the three retaining nuts from the studs. These studs project through the dash panel into the engine compartment.
9. Remove two screws to the defrost duct and remove.
10. Remove two nuts, and two screws attaching the HVAC housing to the dash panel.
11. Remove four nuts retaining the rear seat heat duct, and remove.
12. Remove the rear seat heat duct elbow push pin fastener.
13. Disconnect the HVAC harness connector.
14. Gently pull the HVAC unit housing rearward from the dash panel, being careful not to spill any coolant into the passenger compartment.