Warning! The vehicles covered in this Manual are equipped with an additional SRS safety system, better known as an airbag. Before performing any work in the vicinity of the airbag or steering column assembly, be sure to turn off the system to avoid injury if it is accidentally triggered (see Chapter On-board electrical equipment).
Warning! The air conditioning system is under constant high pressure. Never disconnect refrigeration lines or remove any system components without first discharging the system. Discharging the air conditioning system must be done by an experienced technician in a car service workshop. Always wear safety glasses when disconnecting refrigeration lines!
1. If the vehicle is equipped with an airbag, have the system discharged at a specialist workshop. Disconnect the negative battery cable. Disable the airbag (see Chapter On-board electrical equipment).
Warning! If the car stereo system is equipped with a security code, make sure you have the correct combination to activate the audio system before disconnecting the battery!
2. Drain the cooling system (see Chapter Routine maintenance).
3. Disconnect the heater valve drive cable (see accompanying illustration).
4a. In the engine compartment, disconnect the engine coolant hoses from the heater heat exchanger inlet and outlet pipes on the rear bulkhead of the engine compartment (see accompanying illustration).
4b. To collect any spilled liquid, place a drain container under the pipes. Loosen the heater assembly nut located directly above the heat exchanger inlet and outlet pipes on the rear bulkhead of the engine compartment (see accompanying illustration).
Caution: Be careful not to bend or otherwise damage the fuel lines and brake lines located near the nut.
5. On Integra models, remove the passenger airbag support frame (see accompanying illustration).
6. Remove the heater/air conditioner control assembly (see Removal and installation the heater and air conditioner control panel assembly, adjusting the drive cable).
7. Remove the instrument panel trim, console and instrument panel (see Chapter Body).
8. On models without A/C, remove the air duct sleeve located between the heater and heater fan units. On models equipped with A/C, also remove the evaporator unit (see Removal and installation of the evaporator K/V with expansion valve).
9. Remove the steering column bracket.
10. Remove the wiring harness retainer from the heater unit and remove the two mounting nuts (see accompanying illustration) and remove the unit from the vehicle.
11. Remove the two screws from the heater heat exchanger cover and remove the hose clamp. Remove the heat exchanger from the casing.
12. Installation is carried out in the reverse order. Do not forget to check the proper functioning of the control flaps. If necessary, carry out the necessary repairs, replacing broken or deformed components.
13. Fill the cooling system and remove air locks from it (see Chapter Routine maintenance). Connect the battery and start the engine. Check the heating system components for signs of leaks and proper operation. If equipped, have the air conditioning system recharged in a specialized workshop.