Heater Control Valve & Cooling Tube Repair Costs
Heater Control Valve Replacement
Labor time: 1-2 hours
Labor cost: $125-250
Parts cost: $75-200
Total estimated cost: $200-450
Heater Core Replacement
Labor time: 4-8 hours
Labor cost: $500-1,000
Parts cost: $150-400
Total estimated cost: $650-1,400
Radiator Hose Replacement
Labor time: 0.5-1 hour
Labor cost: $62-125
Parts cost: $20-50 per hose
Total estimated cost: $82-175
Coolant Flush Service
Labor time: 1 hour
Labor cost: $125
Materials cost: $30-50
Total estimated cost: $155-175
*Note: Costs are estimates and may vary based on vehicle make/model and extent of repairs needed. Additional parts or repairs may be required upon inspection.
Common Signs You Need Service:
- No heat from vents
- Coolant leaks
- Sweet smell inside vehicle
- Engine overheating
- Temperature control not working properly
Heater Control Valve Cooling Tube Repair Procedures
Leaking Heater Control Valve
Common Symptoms:Coolant leaks, sweet smell, low coolant warnings
Repair Steps:
- Verify the leak location at the heater control valve
- Drain the cooling system
- Remove the old heater control valve
- Clean the mounting surface
- Install new heater control valve with fresh O-rings
- Refill cooling system
- Pressure test to ensure proper seal
Cracked/Damaged Cooling Tubes
Common Symptoms:Visible cracks, coolant leaks along tubes, corrosion
Repair Steps:
- Drain cooling system
- Remove protective covers or shields
- Disconnect tube connections at both ends
- Remove damaged tubes
- Install new cooling tubes
- Replace all clamps and fasteners
- Refill cooling system
- Test for leaks
Clogged Cooling Tubes
Common Symptoms:Poor heater performance, uneven heating
Repair Steps:
- Remove tubes from system
- Flush tubes with cleaning solution
- Use compressed air to clear blockages
- Inspect for damage
- Replace if cleaning is unsuccessful
- Reinstall tubes
- Refill system with fresh coolant
- Test heater operation
Corroded Connections
Common Symptoms:Visible rust, weak connections, slow leaks
Repair Steps:
- Drain affected section
- Remove corroded fittings
- Clean connection points
- Install new fittings and clamps
- Apply anti-corrosion treatment
- Reconnect tubes
- Refill system
- Check for leaks
Important Notes:
- Always use manufacturer-recommended replacement parts
- Replace all O-rings and gaskets during repairs
- Use proper coolant mix ratio
- Perform thorough leak testing after repairs
Note: Repair procedures may vary by vehicle make and model. Always consult your vehicle's service manual for specific instructions.
Understanding Heater Control Valve Cooling Tubes

Heater Control Valve Cooling Tubes areessential componentsin a vehicle's heating and cooling system. These tubes connect the engine's cooling system to the heater core, allowing controlled flow of hot coolant to regulate cabin temperature.
Function and Purpose
The primary functions of Heater Control Valve Cooling Tubes include:
- Temperature Regulation:They transport engine coolant to and from the heater core, enabling temperature control in the vehicle's cabin
- Flow Control:Work in conjunction with the heater control valve to regulate the amount of coolant flowing through the system
- Heat Transfer:Enable efficient heat transfer from engine coolant to the cabin heating system
Construction and Design
These tubes are typically constructed from:
- Durable aluminum or steel materials
- High-grade rubber in some applications
- Corrosion-resistant materials to ensure longevity
Note: Regular inspection of these tubes is important as they can deteriorate over time and may need replacement to maintain optimal heating system performance.
Common Failure Symptoms of Heater Control Valve Cooling Tubes
Heater Control Valve & Cooling Tube Maintenance Guide
Heater Control Valve
Signs of Failure:
- No heat coming from vents when temperature is set to hot
- Heat stays on even when temperature is set to cold
- Coolant leaks under the passenger side dashboard
- Sweet smell (coolant) inside the vehicle
- Inconsistent heating performance
Typical Service Schedule:
- Inspect every 60,000 miles
- Replace if leaking or malfunctioning
- No set replacement interval - replace based on condition
Cooling Tubes
Signs of Failure:
- Visible coolant leaks around tubes or connections
- Rust or corrosion on tubes
- Engine overheating
- Low coolant warnings
- White steam from engine bay
Typical Service Schedule:
- Visual inspection during routine maintenance (every 15,000-30,000 miles)
- Pressure test cooling system annually
- Replace tubes if showing signs of wear, typically 8-10 years
- Consider preventive replacement in high-mileage vehicles (over 100,000 miles)
Note: Service intervals may vary based on vehicle make, model, and driving conditions. Always consult your vehicle's owner manual for specific maintenance schedules.
How It Works
- Get a quote online or set-up a time to have your vehicle looked at.
- Pick time slots that work for you, easily, online.
- We will confirm appointments and send reminders.
- Our mechanics bring everything that is needed to you.
- All you have to do is provided a safe area for the work to be performed.
What we need from you
- A safe place to work on your vehicle
- No working on the side of busy roads
- No working on unstable or steep surfaces.
- We do not perform repairs during severe weather.
- Authorization from a property owner or management.
- Repair work done in a parking lot or at your requires permission.
- We do not do repairs in areas restricted by law.
Common Questions
Service Area
Our primary service area is greater Grand Rapids and includes Comstock Park, East Grand Rapids, Grandville, Kentwood, Walker, and Wyoming
Our secondary service area is provided by our Belding location and includes: Belding, Greenville, Ionia and the sorrounding areas.
Contact us if you have any questions about where we provide services.