2002 heater core replacement difficulty

[hydroplaneu3]

Has anyone replaced a heater core and do you know how extensive a job this is?

 

[biddle]

Purchase a service manual on ebay. Typically a big job on any car.

 

[edward301]

I did a little over a year ago, it is quite a job, you have to remove the complete dash, and the whole air box, which includes
the ac evaporator coil.

 

[Brax]

Has anyone replaced a heater core and do you know how extensive a job this is?

It’s a major undertaking and a full shop manual is a must as @biddle says just make sure you buy the shop manual not the ford service bay manual . You basically have to pull the complete dash out, it’s not a fun job nor quick. You are looking at at least 12 hours and make sure you have an assistant and don’t break any of the plastic parts especially the top dash panel and trim pieces. Also buy a high end core a ford one if you can find one or you will be doing it again before you know it.