RubberFrog
Senior Member
I had this done on my 04 and never got around to it on my 07.
What is this for? The heater core is not completely isolated from the air system and constantly radiates heat whether you have the heater on or not. This is why the fresh air vent always feels hot, even on a cool night. Shutting off flow to the heater core allows you to actually enjoy cool air from the vent. Also, this will improve the function of your AC as you will not be releasing heat into the air after it is cooled down.
I typically shut mine off around May and turn it back on around October.
Here are a few pics and tips for anyone looking to do it. Use the top hose so it's easier to reach the valve when you need to change it. The hoses are 5/8". Don't try to use 3/4" barbs as they're too big and they'll leak. Also, watch the tails of your clamps so they're not rubbing the bottom hose or the valve cover. Use a 5/8" or 3/4" valve, any smaller and you'll restrict flow thru your heater core when you want to use it (less heat in the winter!). After clamping the hose, cut out a section of hose slightly shorter than the body of the valve (not including barbs). If you don't, the hose will be too long and the valve will hang to the side all funky.
What is this for? The heater core is not completely isolated from the air system and constantly radiates heat whether you have the heater on or not. This is why the fresh air vent always feels hot, even on a cool night. Shutting off flow to the heater core allows you to actually enjoy cool air from the vent. Also, this will improve the function of your AC as you will not be releasing heat into the air after it is cooled down.
I typically shut mine off around May and turn it back on around October.
Here are a few pics and tips for anyone looking to do it. Use the top hose so it's easier to reach the valve when you need to change it. The hoses are 5/8". Don't try to use 3/4" barbs as they're too big and they'll leak. Also, watch the tails of your clamps so they're not rubbing the bottom hose or the valve cover. Use a 5/8" or 3/4" valve, any smaller and you'll restrict flow thru your heater core when you want to use it (less heat in the winter!). After clamping the hose, cut out a section of hose slightly shorter than the body of the valve (not including barbs). If you don't, the hose will be too long and the valve will hang to the side all funky.