This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the heater control valve on a 2011-2014 Ford F-150 with the 5.0L Coyote V8 engine, including coolant drainage and system refilling.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Heater control valve assembly × 1 — Motorcraft YF-2938 or equivalent
• Hose clamps (if reusing original clamps is not possible) × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Coolant hose (if damaged during removal) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• Motorcraft Orange Coolant — 2 qt

Preparation

1. Ensure the engine is completely cold to the touch before beginning work
2. Park the vehicle on level ground and set the parking brake
3. Disconnect the negative battery terminal to prevent accidental operation of HVAC system during repair
4. Place drain pan beneath the radiator and engine area to catch coolant spillage
5. Remove the engine cover by pulling upward on the front and rear pull tabs

Procedure

1. 1

   Drain cooling system partially
   Open the radiator petcock or remove the lower radiator hose to drain approximately 2 gallons of coolant into the drain pan. You do not need to drain the entire system, only enough to lower the coolant level below the heater control valve. Close the petcock or reinstall the lower hose when sufficient coolant has drained.
2. 2

   Locate the heater control valve
   Identify the heater control valve on the passenger side of the engine compartment near the firewall. The valve is inline with the heater hoses and has an electrical connector attached. Trace the heater hoses from the engine to confirm proper identification.
3. 3

   Disconnect electrical connector
   Press the tab on the electrical connector attached to the heater control valve and pull the connector straight off the valve. Move the wiring harness aside to provide clearance for valve removal.
4. 4

   Remove inlet hose clamp and hose
   Locate the inlet hose clamp (upstream from the valve, coming from the engine). Use a flathead screwdriver or hose clamp pliers to loosen the clamp and slide it back on the hose away from the valve. Twist the hose gently while pulling to remove it from the valve nipple. Be prepared for residual coolant spillage.
   Torque spec

   Hose Clamps3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove outlet hose clamp and hose
   Locate the outlet hose clamp (downstream from the valve, going to the heater core). Loosen the clamp and slide it back on the hose. Twist and pull the hose off the valve nipple. Allow any remaining coolant to drain into the pan.
   Torque spec

   Hose Clamps3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove valve mounting fasteners
   Remove the mounting bolt(s) securing the heater control valve to its bracket on the firewall or engine compartment structure. The valve may be secured with a single bolt or a mounting clip arrangement depending on production date.
   Torque spec

   Valve Mounting8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Remove heater control valve
   Lift the heater control valve out of the mounting bracket and remove it from the engine compartment. Inspect the hose connection points on the removed valve for damage or debris.
8. 8

   Prepare new valve and hoses
   Inspect both heater hoses for cracks, hardening, or deterioration at the connection points. Clean the hose ends with a wire brush if they are reusable. Verify the new heater control valve is the correct part and check that the inlet and outlet ports match the original orientation.
9. 9

   Install new heater control valve
   Position the new heater control valve in the mounting bracket with the inlet and outlet ports oriented correctly. Install the mounting bolt and tighten to specification. Ensure the valve is securely seated in any mounting clips or brackets.
   Torque spec

   Valve Mounting8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Connect inlet hose
    Push the inlet heater hose (from the engine) onto the valve inlet nipple until it is fully seated. Slide the hose clamp into position over the connection point and tighten to specification. Ensure the hose is not kinked or twisted.
    Torque spec

    Hose Clamps3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Connect outlet hose
    Push the outlet heater hose (to the heater core) onto the valve outlet nipple until fully seated. Position the hose clamp over the connection and tighten to specification. Verify both hose connections are secure.
    Torque spec

    Hose Clamps3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reconnect electrical connector
    Push the electrical connector onto the heater control valve until it clicks into place. Tug gently on the connector to verify it is fully locked.
13. 13

    Refill cooling system
    Using a funnel, refill the cooling system with the specified Motorcraft Orange Coolant mixture at the radiator cap or coolant reservoir. Fill to the appropriate level marking. If available, use a vacuum-type coolant filling tool to minimize air pockets in the system.
14. 14

    Bleed cooling system
    Start the engine and allow it to reach normal operating temperature with the heater controls set to maximum heat and fan on low. Watch the coolant level and add coolant as needed as air purges from the system. Squeeze the upper radiator hose several times to help release trapped air. Monitor for leaks at the heater control valve connections.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall the engine cover by aligning the mounting grommets and pressing down firmly until it clicks into place
2. Reconnect the negative battery terminal and tighten securely
3. Top off the coolant reservoir to the FULL COLD mark after the engine has cooled completely
4. Dispose of used coolant according to local environmental regulations

Verification

• Start the engine and verify the heater produces hot air when set to maximum temperature
• Check for coolant leaks at both heater control valve hose connections with the engine at operating temperature
• Verify the coolant level remains stable in the reservoir after several heat cycles
• Confirm there are no diagnostic trouble codes related to the heater control valve operation using a scan tool if available
• Test that heater temperature varies appropriately when adjusting the cabin temperature controls from cold to hot

More procedures for this vehicle