How to Replace the Heater Core in a VW Beetle

by Editorial TeamUpdated November 07, 2017

Items you will need

Replacement heater core
Jack and jack stands
Wrench
Screwdriver
Clean container
Coolant (optional)

How to Replace the Heater Core in a VW Beetle. Replacing a heater core in the Volkswagen "New" Beetle isn't a simple matter of removing and installing the core itself. You must remove the car's entire instrument panel, air bag and steering wheel to reach the core, so make sure you know how to properly remove all these items before trying to replace the core yourself. These steps only pertain to the new Beetle, not the classic Beetle.

Removal

Disconnect the VW Beetle's negative battery cable. Jack up the car and drain the engine coolant from the cooling system by placing a container underneath the radiator directly below the drain plug. Remove the plug with a crescent wrench, allow all the coolant to drain, replace the plug and properly dispose of the used fluid.

Remove the driver's side air bag. With the steering column in its lowest position, turn the wheel 90 degrees in each direction and twist a 7-inch screwdriver counterclockwise in the hub hole to release each air bag clip. Remove the bag with the wheel turned straight ahead.

Disconnect the steering wheel. With the tires facing straight ahead, disconnect the horn's electrical connector and remove the wheel-to-steering column bolt to remove the wheel.

Detach and remove the instrument panel. Start by removing the screws and connectors on the driver's side, including the steering column. Disconnect all side covers, the glove box, the radio and all electrical connectors. You'll need two people to remove the panel at the end.

Loosen the crossmember-to-chassis bolts from the instrument panel and lift up the crossmember. Disconnect the heater hoses from the core.

Take the heater core out of the heater/ventilation or air conditioning housing assembly. On a ventilation assembly, partially remove the assembly and the retainer clips. On an AC system, discharge the refrigerant, disconnect the refrigerant lines and remove the ventilation ducts.

Installation

Install the new heater core to the heater/air conditioning or ventilation housing assembly. Connect the assembly back into the VW Beetle, reconnecting the refrigerant lines (if they were disconnected and if it is safe to do so yourself) and heater hoses.

Lower the crossmember and re-install the crossmember-to-chassis bolts for the instrument panel. Put the instrument panel back on (this may require an assistant).

Reinstall the steering wheel to the steering column and the air bag to the wheel.

Refill the cooling system and reconnect the negative battery cable. Evacuate, charge and leak test the air conditioner's refrigerant. (If your Beetle is equiped with R-12 refrigerant, then you can't complete this step yourself, and you'll need to take it to an EPA-certified technician.)

Start and operate the VW Beetle's engine to its normal operating temperature. Check the climate control operation and look for any leaks in the system.

Tips

Make sure you get the radio's anti-theft codes before you disconnect the battery, so you can re-enter them after reconnecting the battery cable. Collect the coolant in a clean container for reuse, but prepare to use new coolant, if the old coolant isn't of good quality. Use new O-rings when connecting the refrigerant lines and a new wheel-to-steering column bolt when connecting the steering wheel.

Warnings

If your VW Beetle is equipped with R-12 air conditioner refrigerant, then you can't discharge or recharge the air conditioning system as mandated by the Environmental Protective Agency. Only EPA-certified technicians can perform these tasks, so you may have no choice but to take it to a professional. Never work on an air conditioning system that contains R-12 refrigerant. It's against the law unless you're EPA-certified.

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