2003 Sonata Heater Core Replacement?

Question

We have a 2003 Sonata that needs to have the heater core replaced. The temp. is getting hot out here in the desert (AZ) and we'd like to get this replaced so we have A/C, but our money is really tight, so can't afford to have it done by either the dealer or a repair shop. So, I'm thinking about doing it myself, but cannot find any information about how to do it. Is there any online source/manual that will give me step-by-step directions on how to do this?

We have metric tools and fair mechanical ability, but at my age (64) and size, my physical dexterity is somewhat limited.

Thanks for any suggestions any of you can provide. Lee

hyundaitech · Accepted Answer

Unfortunately, you'll need to remove the dash. You can find repair manuals at

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I'm a little confused about why you need to replace the heater core to have a/c. The a/c should work regardless of whether you have a functioning heater core.

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Lee · Answer

Thanks for your response!  I gave your message to my son, who in turndiscussed a solution with his service provider. They agreed theproblem was the leaking heater core and it had nothing to do with thecoolant smell he got anytime he tried to run the A/C.  So, yeaterdaythey changed the hoses going to the heater core to bypass it, and thatsolved his problem.So now he's happy since it's starting to warm-up out here in thewestern desert.Lee

Mike Marlow · Answer

Thanks for your response!  I gave your message to my son, who in turndiscussed a solution with his service provider. They agreed theproblem was the leaking heater core and it had nothing to do with thecoolant smell he got anytime he tried to run the A/C.  So, yeaterdaythey changed the hoses going to the heater core to bypass it, and thatsolved his problem.So now he's happy since it's starting to warm-up out here in thewestern desert.LeeI sure hope he plans on finding a new mechanic and getting that heater fixed before he needs it this fall.  Talk about a cobbed up fix...I'd avoid that mechanic like the plague in the future.

Edwin Pawlowski · Answer

As a teenager, I did that to a couple of cars to get by for a while. I even drove my '61 Bonneville for a week with cardboard blocking the hole in the firewall until I got the heater core fixed and back in. That was a very cold week.

2003 Sonata Heater Core Replacement?

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