I discovered an interesting fact about my car. The heater core has been bypassed. I've just got 3 pipes sticking out of the firewall and no heat. I read all the old threads about checking the heater core for blockage and got out the water hose and found that the core was indeed leaking. I called my mechanic who quoted a "ball park" figure of $1400-$1500 to repair it. It's 10 hours of labor, I'm told. It seems the entire dash has to come out. I considered fixing it myself and bought a new heater core but after reading the repair manual, I'm having 2nd thoughts. Has anyone removed one of these before? I know the A/C has to be de-charged which I would have to have done. Other than that, is this a job a novice could do or just bite the bullet and pay to have it done? Is there anyway to replace the core without removing the dash? Any advice or comments would be appreciated.

 

It is NOT a job for anyone except a very experienced mechanic. Removing the dash and getting it all put back in correctly is a big pain. I have done it multiple times on much cheaper cars and I am not sure I would even attempt it on something so expensive as a Jaguar! You have a lot of chances to break stuff and all of it will be costly.

That's why your heater core is bypassed. But it also should make you think about what else the last "Genius" did to repair the car.
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I agree, although a bit disappointing. My mechanic quoted me $1200-1500 but added he didn't really want to do it and even the Jaguar dealer here in Houston was reluctant but for $2500 they would give it a try. So, I bought a 12volt heater/defroster for the few days of winter we actually get here. It still runs well and has given me no problems otther than a leaking oil pan gasket which I think I can fix.

 

If you buy the auto repair guide, you'll find that it isn't much more complex than a Ford of the same year/vintage. Not easy, by any means, but a lot of individual steps.


I have done many Mercedes and Volvo, but not a Jaguar. Wouldn't hesitate to do it right though.

 

i chose the same 12 volt heater solution. I remember changing heater cores in 1 hour years ago. I took one look at my citroen Xantia last year and bought the elec heater.

next job is to get ac working and fix oil leak .... all for a sunday driver