Need to replace heater core on 1997 grand am se where is it located and what has to be removed to get at it?

its hard job if first time doing mechanic work.problem could be the temperature control switch also.to get to the air door actutor you have to remove instrument panel cluster and remove lower right sound insulator and lower left sound insulator panel and knee bolster from below the steering column.first you need to disable airbag in the steering wheel and passenger side dash before working around the dash area.to disable airbags turn off radio disconnect negative battery cable wait 20 minutes let airbag discharge first before attempting to work around the dash or instrument cluster. like i said hard job if first time you have remove a lot of things to get to the heater core housing where air door actutor and defrost actutator locations.

The heater core is under the dash. Go to autozone.com and register with them. Look up heater core in repairs. They will give you free instructions on how to remove and install.

For heater core replacing procedure. I suggest you to go through this related help links.Its all complete step by step procedure: ----How to replace heater core for All car models?

Click the link below: ---

http://technoanswers.blogspot.com/2011/11/how-to-replace-heater-core-for-all-car.html

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How to Flush Heater Core?

http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.com/2011/12/how-to-flush-heater-core.html

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How to Remove Heater Core ?

http://howtobyme.blogspot.com/2011/12/how-to-remove-heater-core-on-2008-honda.html
Heater Core Replacement?

http://howtobyme.blogspot.com/2011/12/honda-heater-core-replacement.html

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To replace heater core?http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/02/how-to-replace-heater-core-on.html------

How to replace heater core?http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/02/how-to-replace-heater-core-on_10.html
How to replace heater core on Buick Regal?

http://howtobyme.blogspot.in/2012/02/how-to-replace-heater-core-on-buick.html
----------This will help.Thanks.

YOU HAVE TO REPLACE HEATER CORE ALL TOGETHER THE PIPE CANT BE REPLACED YOU HAVE TO REPLACE ENTIRE HEATER CORE.

If it is necessary to remove the heater assembly, the cooling system must be drained before removing the heater core.
When a heater core leaks, a new heater core is installed or the old one repaired.
Heater Housing

• The heater housing is usually under the dash and must be removed to gain access to the heater core.
• Procedures for replacing the heater core vary with the year, make, and model of car. It threfore necessary to consult the manufacturer's repair manuals for the proper procedure for replacement.

The heater housing is disassembled to get to the heater core. Heater Core

• Remove the access panels(s) or the split heater/air conditioning case to gain acess to the heater core.
• Remove the heater coolant hoses.
• Remove the cable and/or vacuum control lines (if equipped).
• Remove the heater core securing brackets and/or clamps.
• Lift the core from the case. Do not use force. Take care not to damage the fins of the heater core when removing.
• To reinstall the heater core, reverse the removal steps.

When the heater core leaks and must be repaired or replaced, it is a very difficult and time-consuming job primarily because of the core's location deep within the firewall of the car. For this reason always leak test a replacement heater core before installation.

If it is necessary to remove the heater assembly, the cooling system must be drained before removing the heater core.
When a heater core leaks, a new heater core is installed or the old one repaired.
Heater Housing

• The heater housing is usually under the dash and must be removed to gain access to the heater core.
• Procedures for replacing the heater core vary with the year, make, and model of car. It threfore necessary to consult the manufacturer's repair manuals for the proper procedure for replacement.

The heater housing is disassembled to get to the heater core. Heater Core

• Remove the access panels(s) or the split heater/air conditioning case to gain acess to the heater core.
• Remove the heater coolant hoses.
• Remove the cable and/or vacuum control lines (if equipped).
• Remove the heater core securing brackets and/or clamps.
• Lift the core from the case. Do not use force. Take care not to damage the fins of the heater core when removing.
• To reinstall the heater core, reverse the removal steps.

When the heater core leaks and must be repaired or replaced, it is a very difficult and time-consuming job primarily because of the core's location deep within the firewall of the car. For this reason always leak test a replacement heater core before installation.

Heater Core Removal & Installation To Remove:

1. Remove the HVAC housing.
2. Turn the HVAC housing over.
3. Remove the heater core case cover.
4. Remove the heater core bracket and screw.
5. Remove the heater core.

To Install:

1. Install the heater core to the HVAC housing.
2. Install the heater core bracket and screw.
3. Install the heater core case cover.
4. Install the HVAC housing.

Core is dead center in front of the shift console. There is a bunch of plastic that needs to be removed to get to it, including (on most) the console.
Hardest part of job is getting to the heater hose ends on the firewall (difficult to get to from above or underneath unless it's on a lift, but not impossible) Haynes and Chilton have pretty good instructions for that job and you can use the manuals for other stuff as well...(about $20)
Job takes some time but is much easier than a Jeep!!!! (all day job)
Good luck

You really need to go get a book at autozone or free at the library. Too many instructions to give here for this job

REMOVAL

1. Remove the heater-A/C unit from the vehicle. "Housing Assembly HVAC : Service and Repair" See: Heating and Air Conditioning\Housing Assembly HVAC\Service and Repair
2. Remove the heater core retaining screws.
3. Pull the heater core straight out of the housing.

INSTALLATION

1. Install the heater core into the housing.
2. Position the clips over the heater core tubes. Install and tighten the screws.
3. Install the heater-A/C unit into the vehicle. Under "Housing Assembly HVAC : Service and Repair" See: Heating and Air Conditioning\Housing Assembly HVAC\Service and Repair