This procedure involves removing the instrument panel and HVAC housing to access and replace the heater core in a 2014 Ram 2500 with the 6.7L Cummins diesel engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Heater core × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Heater core foam seals × 1 — Included with heater core or separate
• Dashboard fastener assortment × 1 — Replace broken clips
• Coolant drain plug O-ring × 1 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• Mopar OAT Coolant (Purple) — 4 qt

Preparation

1. Ensure engine is completely cold. Park vehicle on level surface and apply parking brake.
2. Disconnect negative battery cable and wait minimum 2 minutes for airbag system capacitors to discharge.
3. Remove both front seats by unbolting from floor tracks to provide adequate workspace.
4. Drain cooling system at radiator petcock into suitable container. Dispose of used coolant properly.
5. Recover refrigerant from A/C system using proper equipment if A/C lines must be disconnected (not required on all configurations).
6. Cover steering column and front seats (if not removed) with protective material to prevent damage.

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove instrument panel top cover and components
   Remove the instrument panel top cover by releasing clips along the windshield edge. Remove A-pillar trim panels on both sides. Remove speaker grilles and disconnect speaker connectors. Remove defroster grilles. Remove the instrument cluster bezel and cluster itself after disconnecting the electrical connectors and shifting to lowest gear position for clearance.
2. 2

   Remove steering column and knee bolster
   Lower the steering column to its lowest position. Remove the steering column shrouds. Disconnect all electrical connectors from the column. Remove the four steering column mounting bolts and carefully lower the column, supporting its weight. Remove the knee bolster panel below the steering column and the reinforcement bracket behind it.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts37 Nm (27 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Disconnect instrument panel electrical and controls
   Locate and disconnect all electrical connectors behind the instrument panel including: body control module connectors, HVAC control head connectors, radio connectors, data link connector, and all switch connectors. Disconnect the parking brake release cable. Disconnect any remaining vacuum lines and ground straps attached to the panel structure.
4. 4

   Remove center console and floor components
   Remove the entire center console assembly including cup holders, armrest, and storage bins. Remove the floor console side panels and disconnect any electrical connectors for power outlets or USB ports. Remove the transmission shifter bezel (automatic transmission). Remove floor duct work for rear heating/cooling if equipped.
5. 5

   Remove instrument panel side covers and supports
   Remove both left and right instrument panel end caps. Remove the side cowl trim panels at both door jambs. Locate and remove the instrument panel side support bolts at both the driver and passenger sides where the panel meets the A-pillar area. There are typically 2-3 bolts per side.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts37 Nm (27 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove main instrument panel mounting fasteners
   Locate the main instrument panel mounting bolts along the top edge, center support area, and lower mounting points. There are typically 8-10 bolts total securing the panel. Remove dashboard screws along the top edge first, then remove the larger mounting bolts at structural points. Have an assistant support the panel weight during removal of final fasteners.
   Torque spec

   Dashboard Screws3 Nm (2 lb-ft)

   Mounting Bolts37 Nm (27 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Remove instrument panel assembly
   With all fasteners removed and all connections disconnected, carefully pull the instrument panel rearward to disengage any remaining clips. This is a large, awkward component - use two people to lift and maneuver it out through the passenger door opening. Set aside in a protected area where it will not be damaged.
8. 8

   Disconnect heater hoses at firewall
   From the engine compartment, locate the two heater hoses at the firewall. Place drain pan underneath to catch residual coolant. Loosen and remove the hose clamps, then carefully twist and pull the hoses from the heater core tubes. Cap or plug the heater core tubes to prevent additional coolant spillage.
   ⚠Residual hot coolant may still be present in heater core and hoses even after draining the radiator.
   Torque spec

   Heater Hose Clamps3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Remove HVAC housing assembly
   Locate the HVAC housing mounting bolts and nuts that secure it to the firewall and support brackets. There are typically 4-6 housing bolts at the firewall and 2-4 at floor brackets. Disconnect the blend door actuator and any remaining electrical connectors on the housing. Disconnect the evaporator temperature sensor. Remove all fasteners and carefully maneuver the entire HVAC housing out from under the dash area.
   ℹ️The HVAC housing is bulky and weighs approximately 25-30 lbs. Ensure clear path for removal.
   Torque spec

   Housing Bolts18 Nm (14 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Disassemble HVAC housing and remove heater core
    Place the HVAC housing on a clean work surface. Remove the cover screws securing the housing halves together. Carefully separate the housing halves, noting the position of any seals or foam gaskets. Remove the heater core mounting fasteners inside the housing. Carefully lift the old heater core from the housing, noting its orientation and the position of foam seals.
    Torque spec

    Cover Screws15 Nm (11 lb-ft)

    Heater Core Mounting8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Install new heater core
    Transfer any reusable foam seals to the new heater core, or install new seals as provided. Ensure all sealing surfaces are clean and free of debris. Position the new heater core into the HVAC housing in the same orientation as the original. Install heater core mounting fasteners and torque to specification.
    Torque spec

    Heater Core Mounting8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reassemble HVAC housing
    Inspect the housing halves for any damaged seals or foam gaskets and replace as needed. Carefully align the housing halves together, ensuring no wires or actuator linkages are pinched. Install all cover screws and torque to specification in a cross-pattern to ensure even sealing.
    Torque spec

    Cover Screws15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reinstall HVAC housing assembly
    Maneuver the HVAC housing back into position under the dash area, aligning mounting points with firewall and floor brackets. Install all housing bolts and torque to specification. Reconnect all electrical connectors including blend door actuators and temperature sensors. Verify all connections are secure.
    Torque spec

    Housing Bolts18 Nm (14 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Reconnect heater hoses
    From the engine compartment, remove caps or plugs from heater core tubes. Slide new hose clamps onto the heater hoses. Push hoses firmly onto the heater core tubes until fully seated. Position clamps over the connection area and torque heater hose clamps to specification.
    Torque spec

    Heater Hose Clamps3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Reinstall instrument panel and components
    Reverse the removal procedure to reinstall the instrument panel assembly. Ensure all electrical connectors are properly seated and locked. Install all mounting bolts and dashboard screws to specification. Reinstall steering column with mounting bolts torqued properly. Reinstall all trim panels, console components, seats, and verify all functions operate correctly.
    Torque spec

    Dashboard Screws3 Nm (2 lb-ft)

    Mounting Bolts37 Nm (27 lb-ft)
16. 16

    Refill and bleed cooling system
    Refill the cooling system with the specified Mopar OAT purple coolant. Use a vacuum fill tool if available for best results. With radiator cap off, start the engine and allow it to reach operating temperature while monitoring coolant level. Run heater on high to purge air from heater core. Add coolant as needed until system is full and no air bubbles are present. Install radiator cap and check for leaks.
    ⚠The 6.7L Cummins cooling system holds 18 quarts total. Air pockets can cause overheating - ensure proper bleeding.

Reassembly

1. Reconnect negative battery cable and verify all electrical systems function properly including airbag system (no warning lights).
2. Test all HVAC functions including temperature control, fan speeds, and mode selections to verify proper heater core operation.
3. Verify steering column locks, tilts, and telescopes properly with no binding.
4. Check all instrument panel mounting points for proper alignment and secure fitment with no rattles.

Verification

• Start engine and verify coolant level remains stable with no leaks at heater hose connections or under dash.
• Allow engine to reach full operating temperature and confirm heater produces hot air at all fan speeds.
• Check for coolant odor inside vehicle which would indicate a leaking heater core or poor seal.
• Verify no coolant drips from under passenger side dash area after extended operation.
• Confirm all instrument panel components, gauges, and controls function normally.
• Test all previously disconnected electrical systems including airbag warning light extinguishes after startup.

More procedures for this vehicle