heater core
 

I have a '97 Crown Vic P71 and am replacing the heater core. I have the dash pulled out about 6 inches. I don't know where to go from here. The manual refers to things I need to unfasten and unscrew near the floor distribution duct, which I can't get anywhere near. Does anyone have any advice on this, or does anyone know of a website that might give detailed instructions on this type of job?

RE: heater core
 

I just did a 97 a few weeks ago...

:(

I didn't follow the Tecnical Services info to the 'tee', but was able to complete the job cutting a 'few' corners.. I did pull both 'end' dash/pillar mounts, the center (left glove box area) support bracket, upper attachment screws, cut the column loose and laid it on the seat.. Lower floor heat defuser removed.. Removing/seperating the harness/s on the right kick area that weren't long enough for some 'moderate' ;) movement, as well as the vacuum motor hoses.. Swung the right side of the dash back and towards the seat as much as possible.. Has to be a fairly large amount.. Behind the blend door motor (topside of the heater box) is a semi hidden nut as well as the lower ones.. Tough to get to, and a inspection mirror/wobblies are a must.. Cut the heater box nuts loose from inside the engine compartment, and even with the nuts removed, is a bit tough to get it to move as they hang on their threads.. More so to get back in (at times), especially if trying to work around the lowered dash.. I was able to get the heater box loose and dropped just low enough to get access to the core cover screws without pulling it out from under the dash and completely disconnecting it .. Just barely enough to get the core to slide up and out of the heater box, but doable with some manuvering, but caution needed for the aluminium core.. The core insulation is glued complete to the old core.. Fun to peel it off, especially if soaked..

RE: heater core
 

The following Web-Site has all the step by steps for this task:
(Autozone.com); once you have entered your type car information, then go to Repair Info./Repair Manual section, then to Heating & A/C...there you find Heater Core Replacement steps for you particular model.