This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the heater control valve on a 2015-2020 Ford F-150 with the 3.5L EcoBoost engine, which regulates coolant flow to the heater core.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Heater control valve × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Coolant hose clamps × 2 — Spring-type or worm-drive 25-40mm
• Motorcraft Orange Coolant × 1 — VC-3DIL-B or equivalent

Fluids

• Motorcraft Orange Coolant — 1.5 qt

Preparation

1. Ensure the engine is completely cool to the touch (minimum 2 hours after last operation)
2. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
3. Open the hood and secure it in the open position
4. Disconnect the negative battery terminal and wait 2 minutes before proceeding
5. Locate the heater control valve on the passenger side of the engine bay near the firewall
6. Place a large drain pan beneath the work area to catch coolant spillage
7. Have shop towels ready to absorb coolant from hoses

Procedure

1. 1

   Relieve cooling system pressure
   Slowly turn the coolant reservoir cap counterclockwise to release any residual pressure in the system. Remove the cap completely and set aside. Verify the coolant level is visible in the reservoir before proceeding.
2. 2

   Disconnect electrical connector
   Locate the electrical connector on the heater control valve body. Press the locking tab and pull the connector straight off the valve. Move the wiring harness aside to provide access to the valve.
3. 3

   Position drain pan
   Position the drain pan directly below the heater control valve. Expect approximately 1-2 quarts of coolant to drain from the hoses when disconnected. Have additional shop towels ready.
4. 4

   Remove inlet hose clamp
   Using hose clamp pliers, compress or loosen the clamp securing the inlet coolant hose to the heater control valve. Slide the clamp back along the hose at least 2 inches away from the valve connection point.
   Torque spec

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

   Disconnect inlet hose
   Twist the inlet hose gently while pulling to break the seal and remove it from the heater control valve inlet port. Direct the hose downward into the drain pan and allow coolant to drain completely. Plug the hose end with a clean shop towel to minimize further dripping.
6. 6

   Remove outlet hose clamp
   Using hose clamp pliers, compress or loosen the clamp securing the outlet coolant hose to the heater control valve. Slide the clamp back along the hose at least 2 inches away from the valve connection point.
   Torque spec

   Hose Clamps3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Disconnect outlet hose
   Twist the outlet hose gently while pulling to remove it from the heater control valve outlet port. Direct the hose downward into the drain pan and allow coolant to drain completely. Plug the hose end with a clean shop towel.
8. 8

   Remove valve mounting fasteners
   Using an 8mm socket, remove the two mounting bolts securing the heater control valve to its bracket on the firewall or engine compartment mounting point. Note the orientation of the valve and any alignment features for installation.
   Torque spec

   Valve Mounting8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Remove heater control valve
   Carefully lift the heater control valve from its mounting position. Tilt it to drain any remaining coolant into the drain pan. Inspect the valve ports for debris or damage. Set the old valve aside.
10. 10

    Prepare new valve and hoses
    Inspect the inlet and outlet hoses for cracks, hardening, or damage. Replace if necessary. Clean the hose ends with a shop towel to remove old coolant residue. Inspect the new heater control valve to ensure it matches the old unit and has the correct port configuration.
11. 11

    Install new heater control valve
    Position the new heater control valve into the mounting bracket, aligning it in the same orientation as the original. Thread in the two mounting bolts by hand, then torque to specification using an 8mm socket and torque wrench.
    Torque spec

    Valve Mounting8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Connect inlet hose
    Push the inlet coolant hose firmly onto the heater control valve inlet port until it bottoms out against the port shoulder. Ensure the hose is fully seated. Slide the hose clamp into position over the connection point and tighten to specification.
    Torque spec

    Hose Clamps3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Connect outlet hose
    Push the outlet coolant hose firmly onto the heater control valve outlet port until it bottoms out against the port shoulder. Ensure the hose is fully seated. Slide the hose clamp into position over the connection point and tighten to specification.
    Torque spec

    Hose Clamps3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Reconnect electrical connector
    Align the electrical connector with the terminal on the heater control valve and push it on firmly until the locking tab clicks into place. Gently tug on the connector to verify it is secure.
15. 15

    Refill cooling system
    Using Motorcraft Orange Coolant, slowly fill the coolant reservoir to the COLD MAX line. Allow time for coolant to circulate through the system and for air bubbles to rise. Add coolant as needed. Install the reservoir cap and tighten securely.
16. 16

    Bleed cooling system
    Reconnect the negative battery terminal. Start the engine and allow it to idle with the heater set to maximum temperature and fan speed. Monitor the temperature gauge to ensure it remains in the normal range. Run the engine until the cooling fans cycle on, indicating the thermostat has opened. Turn off the engine and allow it to cool for 30 minutes, then recheck coolant level and top off if necessary.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all hose clamps are tightened to specification and positioned correctly over the hose-to-valve connections
2. Verify the electrical connector is fully seated and locked onto the heater control valve
3. Double-check the coolant reservoir is filled to the COLD MAX line after the bleeding procedure
4. Inspect the work area for tools and ensure no components were left disconnected

Verification

• Start the engine and set the climate control to maximum heat with fan on high
• Allow the engine to reach operating temperature and verify hot air is blowing from the vents
• Inspect all hose connections at the heater control valve for coolant leaks while the system is at operating temperature
• Monitor the coolant temperature gauge to ensure it remains in the normal operating range and does not overheat
• After a test drive of 10-15 minutes, recheck the coolant level in the reservoir when the engine is cool and top off if necessary
• Verify no warning lights are illuminated on the instrument cluster related to the cooling system

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