Heater Core
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ToughOne or Ready-Aire Heater Core

Part No. 399142 Warranty  

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Our heaters are designed and tested to meet or exceed OE specifications for form, fit, and function. Using premium quality materials and a clear focus on the highest heat transfer performance possible, our engineers have designed this heater to perform at the highest standards to ensure a warm cab environment during those cold winter months.
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Core Height:6 in
Core Thickness:1 in
Core Width:6 in
Inlet Size(s):5/8 in
Outlet Size(s):5/8 in

REVIEW SNAPSHOT®

by PowerReviews
Ready-AireHeater Core
 
3.2

(based on 11 reviews)

Ratings Distribution

  • 5 Stars

     

    (2)

  • 4 Stars

     

    (3)

  • 3 Stars

     

    (2)

  • 2 Stars

     

    (3)

  • 1 Stars

     

    (1)

82%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Pros

    Cons

    • Difficult to install (6)

    Best Uses

    • Everyday driving (4)
    • Replacement (4)
      • Reviewer Profile:
      • Auto enthusiast (3)

    Most Liked Positive Review

     

    Worked with mods

    Have to mod heater box, but comes with instructions. No problem!

    Have to mod heater box, but comes with instructions. No problem!

    VS

    Most Liked Negative Review

     

    Tough, expensive job.

    this core is not exact fit, and I smell coolant inside my truck now where as i never did b4, it needs to be replaced, but the job was expensive and tedious, will ...Read complete review

    this core is not exact fit, and I smell coolant inside my truck now where as i never did b4, it needs to be replaced, but the job was expensive and tedious, will advance pay to have a new one installed? i doubt it, will advanced auto even allow this review to be seen.. I HIGHLY DOUBT THAT TOO. would i buy another core from advanced.. I HIGHLY DOUBT IT !!!!!

    Reviewed by 11 customers

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    Displaying reviews 1-10

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    2.0

    It not copper like the photo shows

    By Pokagon NDN

    from south bend, IN

    About Me Mechanic

    Verified Buyer
    Level 1

    Pros

    • Online Order And Pick Up

    Cons

    • Difficult To Install
    • Looks Very Cheap
    • Pain To Put In A Dodge

    Best Uses

    • Replacement

    Comments about Ready-Aire Heater Core:

    Parted looked very cheap

    Comment on this review(earn points)

     
    2.0

    did not fit

    By me

    from pa.

    Verified Buyer
    Level 1

    Pros

      Cons

      • Difficult To Install

      Best Uses

        Comments about Ready-Aire Heater Core:

        Too wide,i had to cut out tabs that hold heater core in place ,hope it doesnt break. did not have time to replace with proper core from different store

        Comment on this review(earn points)

         
        3.0

        Heater Core by Ready-Aire

        By Phinxter

        from upstate NY

        About Me Auto Enthusiast, Mechanic

        Verified Buyer
        Level 1

        Pros

        • Cheap Lifetime Warranty
        • Easy To Install

        Cons

        • Reduced Air Flow
        • Smaller Than The Original

        Best Uses

          Comments about Ready-Aire Heater Core:

          Not a perfect fit for my car but it beats having a leaky core. It is smaller than the original but all the aftermarket cores for my application are. I get less CFM through the ducts because of this, still gets the car plenty hot, for the price I can't complain too much.

          Comment on this review(earn points)

          (3 of 3 customers found this review helpful)

           
          5.0

          Worked with mods

          By Rojay

          from Indian Trail, NC

          About Me Auto Enthusiast

          Verified Buyer
          3 or more reviews submitted

          Pros

          • Works as expected

          Cons

          • Difficult To Install

          Best Uses

          • Everyday Driving

          Comments about Ready-Aire Heater Core:

          Have to mod heater box, but comes with instructions. No problem!

          Comment on this review(earn points)

           
          4.0

          Worked with mods

          By Rojay

          from Indian Trail, NC

          About Me Auto Enthusiast

          Verified Buyer
          3 or more reviews submitted

          Pros

          • Works as expected

          Cons

          • Difficult To Install
          • Needs heater box mod

          Best Uses

          • Everyday Driving
          • Replacement

          Comments about Ready-Aire Heater Core:

          Have to modify heater box for fit, but has detailed instructions with core. No problem!

          Comment on this review(earn points)

          (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

           
          2.0

          Mediocre

          By HoFFenSnoFFer

          from Gloucester, MA

          Pros

          • Updated Design

          Cons

          • Fit and finish
          • Not American made

          Best Uses

          • Replacement

          Comments about Ready-Aire Heater Core:

          Installed in 1993 Dodge Dakota.

          The updated design (shorter and thicker) means that the core is less likely to clog and has better heat transfer. Unfortunately the inlet and outlet tubes of this core are poorly bent and soldered to the mounting bracket. I had to desolder the bracket, align the tubes and resolder. If you have replaced a heater core before you should be able to handle this modification.

          • Car & Truck:
          • Mechanic

          Comment on this review(earn points)

          (3 of 3 customers found this review helpful)

           
          1.0

          Tough, expensive job.

          By CNY-Rider

          from syracuse new york, where heat is needed

          Verified Buyer
          Helpful Reviewer

          Pros

          • None

          Cons

          • Difficult To Install

          Best Uses

          • As a paperweight

          Comments about Ready-Aire Heater Core:

          this core is not exact fit, and I smell coolant inside my truck now where as i never did b4, it needs to be replaced, but the job was expensive and tedious, will advance pay to have a new one installed? i doubt it, will advanced auto even allow this review to be seen.. I HIGHLY DOUBT THAT TOO. would i buy another core from advanced.. I HIGHLY DOUBT IT !!!!!

          Comment on this review(earn points)

          (1 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

           
          4.0

          Heater Core by Ready-Aire

          By Tbird94

          from Canton, Ohio

          Verified Buyer
          Helpful Reviewer

          Pros

          • Upgrade over stock

          Cons

          • Difficult To Install

          Best Uses

          • Everyday Driving
          • Replacement

          Comments about Ready-Aire Heater Core:

          Old heater core was plugged completely, no heat. This was not an easy install, although worth it. Truck warms up now in 5-10 minutes. This replacement part is not a perfect replacement, and requires very slight mods to box, instructions are included. Ready for winter!

          • Car & Truck:
          • Auto Enthusiast, Truck Enthusiast

          Comment on this review(earn points)

          (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

           
          4.0

          Good product

          By Pete

          from Virginia Beach, VA

          Verified Buyer

          Pros

            Cons

              Best Uses

              • Everyday Driving

              Comments about Ready-Aire Heater Core:

              This product has different dimensions as compared to the original, so you have to modify the inside of the heater box slightly to make it fit properly. The modification is no big deal, though.

              • Car & Truck:
              • Truck Enthusiast

              Comment on this review(earn points)

              (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

               
              3.0

              Need some adjustment to fit.

              By DLTHAMES

              from Defuniak Springs, FL

              Verified Buyer

              Pros

              • Lightweight

              Cons

                Best Uses

                  Comments about Ready-Aire Heater Core:

                  This is a close fit for my vehicle not a direct fit. It needed an extra piece of foam to fit correctly.

                  • Car & Truck:
                  • Casual Driver

                  Comment on this review(earn points)

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                  Do you have questions about this product?(earn points for answers!)

                   

                  Ask a question, get answers from real customers and in-house experts. Or contact Customer Care by email or call 1-877-238-2623.

                  13 Questions | 16 Answers
                  Displaying questions 1-10Previous | Next »
                  • Q:

                    That's not what I asked. Is there a real person that will answer my question? Or is this all just auto generated e-mails now?
                    Asked on 2/6/2013 by Panfax from WI

                    1 answer

                    • CUSTOMER CARE

                      A:

                      We apologize for any inconvenience caused. To replace heater core on your 1996 Dodge Dakota 3.9L, follow these steps:
                      1) Disconnect battery cable
                      2) Remove first screw on door sill both sides (these are the pieces that hold your carpet down)
                      3) Remove kick panels and panel under steering wheel.
                      4) Remove two nuts holding up steering wheel.
                      5) Remove five screws where dash meets the windshield.
                      6) Remove 2 bolts on the left and right side of the dash up against the side of truck (under kick panels)
                      7) Dashboard can now be pulled free toward seat.
                      8) On passenger side of dash tie rope or wire to flange where bolt went into side of truck and lift dash up to expose fan box. Secure rope to handle on side of A-post
                      9) Remove vacuum lines and unclip electrical connections. (Hint: temperature control cable has to be removed with pliers by pulling straight up, removing the entire clip.)
                      10) There are two screws holding the box to the firewall on the inside (one has ground wire attached.) The other is in the upper right hand corner facing up.
                      11) There are four nuts holding it from the engine side of the firewall (one nut is accessed by removing the electrical panel on passenger side.) Remove all four nuts.
                      12) Remove heater hoses by removing clamps.
                      For any further assistance please feel free to call us at: 1-877-238-2623 or visit the nearest Advance Auto Parts store and one of our Parts Pros will gladly assist you with any questions or concerns you may have.

                      Answered on 2/7/2013 by John the Car-Doc from AAP
                  • Q:

                    On a 1999 Dakota w/AC, 4wd, the tag reads 5.3L. Does the whole dash need to be removed to replace the heater core?
                    Asked on 2/4/2013 by Panfax from WI

                    1 answer

                    • CUSTOMER CARE

                      A:

                      This part Ready-Aire Heater Core, Part No. 399142 is an exact fit for your 1999 Dodge Dakota w/AC. For help with your installation project, I would recommend purchasing a repair manual specifically for your vehicle. This should be able to assist you on how to repair or replace specific parts.
                      For any further assistance, please feel free to call us at 1-877-238-2623 or visit your nearest Advance Auto Parts store and our representatives would be more than happy to assist you.

                      Answered on 2/4/2013 by Aaron from AAP
                  • Q:

                    Where is the heater core on a 96 dodge Dakota with a 3.9
                    Asked on 1/25/2012 by Anonymous

                    1 answer

                    • CUSTOMER CARE

                      A:

                      Yes, this part Ready-Aire Heater Core, part number 399142 manufactured by Ready-Aire fits your 1996 Dodge Dakota with a 3.9. The Heater Core should be located on the interior side of the firewall.

                      Answered on 1/25/2012 by Aaron from AAP
                  • Q:

                    with ac or not
                    Asked on 12/15/2010 by jer from lansford pa

                    1 answer

                    • CUSTOMER CARE

                      A:

                      In order for us to further assist you would you please provide us with the year, make, model, and engine size of your application?

                      Answered on 12/16/2010 by Ron the Auto Parts Rebel from AAP
                  • Q:

                    Where is it located in my 98 Dodge Dakota?
                    Asked on 12/4/2010 by Tony from Cedar Rapids,IA

                    2 answers

                    • CUSTOMER CARE

                      A:

                      Behind the dash

                      Answered on 12/6/2010 by Anonymous
                    • A:

                      Next to the evaporator under the dash.

                      This is a very timely repair taking a qualified technician close to 3.5 hours. Before you consider this repair you need to understand one has to disable the airbags on the vehicle before anything else.

                      Safety is the number one priority.

                      Answered on 7/29/2011 by Marcus from Bham, AL
                  • Q:

                    aprox how long does it take to do for a 1993 plymouth acclaim
                    Asked on 10/17/2010 by moose from keansburg

                    1 answer

                    • CUSTOMER CARE

                      A:

                      Time will vary based on the experience of the shop or person doing the job.

                      Answered on 10/19/2010 by Kevin the King of Auto Parts. from AAP
                  • Q:

                    Someone replied to my question about using stop leak, and it sounds like that could cause some problems. Since the core is leaking and needs replacement, can anyone tell me how much dash dis assembly needs to be done? Are any special tools needed and about how long should this take a fairly competent shade tree mechanic?
                    Asked on 6/1/2010 by Lincoln from Gulf Breeze, Fl.

                    2 answers

                    • VERIFIED BUYER

                      A:

                      You have to remove the dash completely. There are two screws that hold a trim panel on the top of my dash. Pull that panel off and you should find four screws that have to be removed. The steering column has to be removed. Remove four 10MM bolts and rest the steering wheel and column on the driver seat. Then there is a 10MM bolt on each end of the dash that needs to be loosened but not removed. There is another 10MM bolt attached to lower right side of the dash under the glove box. Now disconnect the wire harness from the fire wall and all the other connections such as the vaccum lines that control the a/c and heat. Remove the dash and set it out of the way. Then you can remove the heater core by removing the four nuts on the engine side of the firewall that hold the heater core on. Take the heater hoses off of the heater core. Now pull the heater core box out and take it apart and replace the leaky core. I have done this in less than an hour and I'm not a mechanic.

                      Answered on 7/5/2010 by DLTHAMES from Defuniak Springs, FL
                    • CUSTOMER CARE

                      A:

                      Usually a good bit of the dash has to be removed or at least moved. On some vehicles, the heater core can be accessed from under the dashboard without removing the dashboard itself. You should only need basic tools such as a socket/ratchet set, wrenches, and pliers most likely. For better assistance with the project, visit one of our local stores and see if they have a repair manual for your vehicle.

                      Answered on 6/2/2010 by Mike from AAP
                  • Q:

                    With this being quite a time consuming replacement, would any one recommend trying some stop leak first? We are trying to help our son's teacher, who is financially a little strapped. We can help with the part, and I can do most parts replacements myself. But if the dash needs to be pulled, she could be without a vehicle for a while. Will stop leak hurt any other components of the cooling system, or is it worth trying before replacing the core?
                    Asked on 6/1/2010 by Lincoln from Gulf Breeze, Fl.

                    1 answer

                    • CUSTOMER CARE

                      A:

                      Using a stop leak product runs the risk of clogging the heater core all together and then you would have to pull the dash to replace the heater core.

                      Answered on 6/1/2010 by Mike from AAP
                  • Q:

                    on a 1998 dodge durango can the core be reached without taking the whole dash apart?
                    Asked on 4/22/2010 by jj from indiana

                    1 answer

                    • CUSTOMER CARE

                      A:

                      For step by step instructions i highly recommend that you go into your local Advance Auto Parts store and pick up a repair manual.

                      Answered on 4/30/2010 by Kevin from AAP
                  • Q:

                    can you clean out a clogged heater core?
                    Asked on 2/22/2010 by Coach from Kansas City

                    1 answer

                    • A:

                      Yes you can back flush a heater core with a garden hose to free up debrie, though does not always work.

                      Answered on 3/1/2010 by phil from Detroit, mi
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