Sportage Heater Core

D9615@EPIX.NET · 09-03-2008, 12:19 AM

My Heater Core Is Broken And Leaking Badly. I Jumpered The Hose To Isolate It From The Core So I Could Drive It. Should I Try To Replace The Core Myself Or Take It To A Shop? How Much Would Repairs/ Replacement Costs Be? If I Chose This Option?

MiaKiaTx · 09-29-2008, 02:22 PM

It cost me over $600 to replace it the first time on my 1995 Sportage a few years ago. They have to take the dash out and most of that cost was labor. When it failed again within the year, they said it was a bad core replacement and Kia covered the cost. The third time it failed, they charged me labor only - $300. That's been two years ago and I am hoping this one is a good one.

upyourkia · 10-02-2008, 03:21 PM

I was able to change mine out in less than 4 hours. I removed the hoses, removed the glove compartment part of the dash, and cut the hump out where it resides in the air delivery system, pulled out the old one, cleaned out any liquid, slid the new one in, attached the hoses, glued the hump that I cut out back in place with silicone sealer and put the dash back together.
I did this a few months ago and it has no issues and is working fine.
Otherwise, look at spending 500-1000 for someone to change it out for you....they have to pull the whole dash!!!
If you need some pictures, I can get some for you.
everet@upyourkia.com