Dashboard removal to replace heater core

timberstxs · 11-9-12, 17:59

I am trying to replace the heater core on a 1990 Mazda 626 DX. I read the procedures for this by gavin and am just about done with the removal of the dash. The only problem right now is his was the gt with the electronic center HVAC control panel. Mine is the old fashion kind with the levers and cables. With all the screws removed I can only move it forward from the dash about a centimeter or two. Does someone know how to remove this? Or can I just remove the remaining bolts for the dash and be able to move it enough out of the way to get to the heater core?

Also I went ahead and bought a spectra premium heater core from autozone. I hope that would be good enough.

**STW** · 11-9-12, 18:14

The cable operated HVAC panel is a bitch to remove, there's no way round that. The cables are still quite firmly attached to the dashboard frame; the quickest way is just to disconnect them from the HVAC devices. The one controlling flow around the car is on the driver side of the central unit; heat controller is in front and the recycling controller is above the fan. The plastic is brittle by now, so be careful. Fixing a broken HVAC controller horn is no fun task, I can tell from experience.

timberstxs · 11-9-12, 20:58

Ok thanks. So I will just be leaving the front panel controls there and disconnecting the cables where they end.

**chief tool** · 11-10-12, 2:54

yep, thats the way to do it.

Money for nothing and your chicks for free.......

timberstxs · 11-10-12, 19:14

Update. I have the dash off. The heater box out and the new heater core in the heater box. Not tomorrow I hope I remember how things go back together.

timberstxs · 11-11-12, 16:37

Thanks for everybody's help. I have the dash all put back together. Before i put the coolant in I will be replacing the water pump, timing belt, thermostat, crankshaft and camshaft seals. I should be then good to go for a few more years.

timberstxs · 11-14-12, 17:50

Looks like the worst now. I have my car up and running and the new heater core from autozone is spraying coolant all over the place. I am waiting on a call from the mazda dealer to see if they can get me a dealer part at a good price. I dont want to do this again.