gripples

Losing AF and Interior windshield is fogging, I suspect leaking heater core. Is the HC easily accessible, and replaceable with common tools?

sha4000

iTrader: (1)

Nope, the whole dash has to come out to replace it.

gripples

Guess the 1400 smackeroos is probably worth it.
Thanks

deanshark

Is that $1400 from the dealer? If so, I would go for it if you can afford it. I don't remember if it was $2500 or $3500 they told me in 2010. It is a massive amount of work to get to the heater core. Common tools, yes. Common knowledge, no. Make sure it IS leaking before having them change it. Check the passenger floor to see if it's wet close to the center console. When mine was bad I had steam coming out the defrost vents for the front windows on side of dash after turning car off.
Here's the thread when I did mine on my 93. https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls-...ater-core.html The windows fog b/c of the coolant that leaks into the heat ducts below the HC so make sure they clean that out or the windows will still fog.

dlcoffin

if it is definitely leaking, then a stop gap until getting it replaced is to disconnect and plug the water supply to the heater core from the engine bay. my experience. sure, it'll be cold driving, but then bundling up can't hurt.. heh.. my experience.

plexus914

No need to remove the dash.

https://www.autozone.com/repairguide...96b43f803790e1

deanshark

Too bad it's not that easy. EVERYTHING in the first diagram in your so called repair guide needs to be removed, including the center console cuz there's ducts under that which need to be disconnected. I ended up bending those out the way and taping them on install cuz, I think, the manual said remove front seats. (I wasn't gonna do that) Just to point out a couple things, the No. 2 heater to register duct in the diagram is located approximately right behind the radio and the dash pad needs to be off to get that duct out. Also the tubes coming out the back of the heater core go through the firewall so you need to have everything out for that clearance. Plus there's alot of other stuff those diagrams don't show.

sha4000

iTrader: (1)

Not to mention the diagram is for an ES 300.

deanshark

The LS400 diagram is scrolled down on the bottom Past the "Grand Cherokee".

sha4000

iTrader: (1)

Ok I didn't scroll that far but l have the manual and I know it's a massive job. Unless you have a spare car and a couple of days at the very least I would not attempt this replacement.

gripples

After seeing everything involved, I am going to leave it to the experts.