Heater Core: Service and Repair

Fig. 37 Instrument panel removal. 1988 Civic (Wagon & CRX similar):

1. Disconnect battery ground cable, then drain cooling system.
2. Disconnect heater hoses at heater and install plugs in core tubes.
3. Disconnect control cable from heater valve.
4. Position front seats in full rearward position, then remove console.
5. Disconnect electrical connectors from fuse block, then remove fuse block attaching screws and lower fuse box.
6. Disconnect instrument panel ground wire from steering column.
7. Remove coin box, if equipped.
8. Remove side vent control lever, then remove screws attaching heater control to instrument panel.
9. Remove instrument cluster as described under ``Instrument Cluster, Replace.''
10. Remove center upper bolt cover from instrument panel, Fig. 37.
11. Remove defroster garnishes from each side of instrument panel.
12. Lower steering column, then remove instrument panel to cowl attaching bolts.
13. Lift and remove instrument panel.
14. Remove heater duct, then remove lower heater housing mounting nut.
15. Remove steering column bracket and duct assembly, the disconnect electrical connector at heater control.
16. Remove heater housing to cowl attaching bolts, then remove heater housing.

Fig. 38 Removing heater core from heater housing. 1988 Civic & CRX:

17. Remove heater core cover from heater housing, Fig. 38.
18. Remove heater core tube clamp, then remove heater core from heater housing.
19. Reverse procedure to install. When installing instrument panel, ensure panel is properly positioned on guide and that wiring harness are properly routed. Tighten instrument panel attaching bolts alternately and evenly, ensuring instrument panel remains properly aligned. After refilling cooling system, loosen engine cooling system bleed bolt located in upper radiator hose outlet. Start engine. Tighten bleed bolt when cooling system trapped air has escaped and coolant begins to flow.