Heater core replacement.
Expert heater core replacement: keep your climate control running smoothly.
When your car's heating system fails or you notice a sweet smell and foggy windows, trust our certified technicians to professionally diagnose and replace your faulty heater core. We use quality parts, provide comprehensive testing, and ensure proper coolant circulation to restore your vehicle's heating system to optimal performance. Our experienced team handles everything from coolant drainage to dashboard disassembly — backed by our 24-month / 24,000-mile warranty.
// Certified technicians · OE-quality parts · 24mo / 24,000-mile warranty · we come to you
Typical cost
Cost varies significantly with the make and model of the vehicle. Because the heater core sits deep in the dashboard, labor is usually the largest part of the expense. A general breakdown:
- Parts (heater core): ~$75–$350; luxury or less-common vehicles run higher
- Labor: most vehicles need 6–8 hours, about $750–$1,000 at our $125/hr rate
- Total (parts + labor): typically $825–$1,350; more complex designs can exceed $1,500
- Additional: hoses, clamps or coolant can add $50–$150
- Repair vs. replacement: repair is uncommon — replacement is usually recommended due to the labor involved
Final cost depends on your vehicle. You'll receive a written estimate before any work begins.
Typical service procedure
What's generally involved to restore reliable cabin heat:
- Diagnosis to confirm the heater core — lack of heat, sweet smell, foggy windows or cabin coolant leakage
- Preparation — disconnect the battery and drain the coolant to prevent spills
- Dashboard removal (partial or complete) including panels, glove box and sometimes the steering column
- Heater core access through the HVAC housing, sometimes removing the blower motor or air ducts
- Remove the old core carefully from the heater hoses and housing, avoiding spills
- Install the new core with secure, leak-free connections to the heater hoses
- Reassembly of the HVAC housing, dashboard and all removed components
- Refill coolant with the correct type and amount, then bleed air pockets
- Testing for heat output, leaks and stable coolant levels
- Final inspection to confirm everything works and the area is clean
What is a heater core & what does it do?
A heater core transfers heat from the engine coolant to the warm air that flows into your vehicle's cabin through the ventilation system, providing heat for passenger comfort and windshield defrosting. Because it's part of the cooling system, a leaking or clogged heater core can affect both your heat and your engine's temperature.
Signs you need your heater core replaced
- Lack of heat from the vents — a clogged or leaking core can't transfer heat effectively
- Foggy windows — leaking coolant condenses on the inside of the glass
- Sweet smell inside the cabin — the distinctive odor of leaking coolant
- Coolant loss with no visible leak under the vehicle
- Wet carpet — coolant dripping onto the passenger-side floor
- Engine overheating from coolant lost through the core
- Gurgling or bubbling noises from the dashboard area (trapped air)
- Discolored coolant — rusty or contaminated fluid signals corrosion
Three steps. We come to you.
Get a Quote
Request a quote online or set up a time to have your vehicle looked at.
Pick a Time
Choose time slots that work for you. We confirm appointments and send reminders.
We Arrive
Our mechanics bring everything needed to you — just provide a safe area for the work.
A safe place to work.
Safe Location
A safe place to work — not on busy roads or unstable / steep surfaces.
Reasonable Weather
We don't perform repairs during severe weather, for safety and quality.
Permission
Authorization from the property owner or management — parking-lot work requires permission.
Legal Areas
We don't perform repairs in areas restricted by law.
Common questions.
How is Fixitfor.us different from other auto repair shops?
Do you service all makes and models?
What should I expect during my appointment?
Are you legitimate?
Why should I choose mobile vehicle repair?
What type of parts does Fixitfor.us use?
Do you perform roadside repairs?
Across West Michigan.
Primary: greater Grand Rapids — Comstock Park, East Grand Rapids, Grandville, Kentwood, Walker and Wyoming. Secondary, from our Belding location: Belding, Greenville, Ionia and the surrounding areas.
View Service Area →Get your heat working again.
Request an estimate or call now. We bring expert heater core replacement to your home or workplace.