Answer
Apr 02, 2025 - 12:52 PM
Changing the heater core on a 2013 Altima (L33) is definitely doable, but fair warning — it’s a pretty big job because the core’s buried deep inside the dashboard. The manual shows the full step-by-step, and you’re basically looking at pulling most of the dash apart to get to it.
You’ll start by disconnecting the battery, then draining the coolant. After that, you’re removing the center console, glove box, and a bunch of trim panels to start freeing up the dash. Once you get the dash loosened (or fully pulled out, depending on how much room you want), you can access the HVAC housing.
The heater core sits inside that HVAC unit, and you’ll have to separate it to get the old core out. Definitely replace the core seals while you’re in there, and double-check the coolant hoses too (they get brittle over time).
The manual also gives you all the torque specs and diagrams so you don’t miss any hidden bolts or wiring plugs when pulling the dash. It’s not super complicated, just time-consuming. Plan for a full day if you haven’t done one before.
Good luck!
