2005 Chrysler Town & Country 3.8L Heater Control Valve Replacement

Introduction

If winter's setting in and your 2005 Chrysler Town & Country isn't warming the cabin well, isn't warming the cabin at all, or is leaking coolant, you likely have an issue with your heat flow/variable restrictor valve. This part is plastic and susceptible to damage, especially in older, high-mileage vehicles. This guide clearly will show you how to easily and quickly replace this part.

The valve is under the hood, right next to the firewall, and is responsible for managing the heat flow of coolant to the heating system. This can be a difficult area to maneuver in, so be careful with your hands when replacing the part.

It is very important to make sure your engine is completely cool before replacing your valve as you will be working right next to all of the hottest parts of your vehicle. Additionally, if your vehicle is not cool, some coolant might be lingering inside the heating system, which could result in coolant spilling on you, the ground, and your vehicle.

With that said, this is a relatively simple repair; all you need is the replacement valve, some pliers, and a pair of gloves.

What you need

Step 1 Heater Control Valve

2005 Chrysler Town & Country 3.8L Heater Control Valve Replacement, Heater Control Valve: step 1, image 1 of 3

2005 Chrysler Town & Country 3.8L Heater Control Valve Replacement, Heater Control Valve: step 1, image 2 of 3

2005 Chrysler Town & Country 3.8L Heater Control Valve Replacement, Heater Control Valve: step 1, image 3 of 3

Make sure your vehicle is off and your engine is completely cool before beginning.
Unlatch your hood by pulling the lever underneath the steering wheel.
Release the latch under the front of the hood.
Open the hood and insert the prop rod into the prop rod groove.

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Step 2

Locate the regulator valve under the windshield wiper assembly, just in front of the firewall.

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Step 3

2005 Chrysler Town & Country 3.8L Heater Control Valve Replacement: step 3, image 3 of 3

Use pliers to squeeze the clamp tabs on the right side of the valve.
While squeezing the clamp tabs, pull the hose to the right to disconnect it from the valve.

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Step 4

Take note of the original orientation of the valve before removal.
Use pliers to squeeze the clamp tabs on the left side of the valve.
While squeezing the left valve clamp tabs, disconnect the left side of the valve from the hose.

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Step 5

With your replacement valve in your free hand, squeeze the clamp tabs on the left hose and insert the replacement valve into the hose.
Make sure the hose is pressed all the way against the valve.
If there is an arrow on your new valve, it should point away from the heat intake (the hose going into your vehicle's cabin).

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Step 6

Ensure the clamp is snugly fit around the hose, and securely clamped down on the valve inside the hose, before you release the clamp tabs.
Leave about a quarter-inch gap between the clamp and the valve.

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Step 7

While squeezing the clamp tabs on the right hose with pliers, insert the hose into the right side of the valve.
Make sure the hose is pressed all the way against the valve.

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Step 8

Ensure the clamp is snug and squarely fit over the hose, and clamping down on the valve inside the hose, before you release the tabs.
Leave about a quarter inch gap between the clamp and the valve.

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Step 9

Start your vehicle outdoors and let the engine run until it reaches its normal operating temperature.
Ensure there are no leaks around the valve.

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Conclusion

If there are leaks on the valve, repeat steps 1-9. Make sure the valve is in the correct orientation and the clamps are snug and properly secured. If a problem still occurs, there may be a hose leak in need of diagnosis and repair.

2 other people completed this guide.