Removing the dashboard is not required in order to replace the evaporator core or the blower box.

Procedure

1. Disconnect the A/C lines sticking out of the firewall beneath the hood. They are quick disconnect fittings and require a disconnection too that is fairly cheap and available at any auto parts store.
2. Remove the 2 (7mm) screws holding the glove box in.
3. Remove the glove box.
4. Take out the 4 (7mm) screws in the plastic that is closest to the passengers door.
5. Remove the 3 screws (10mm) that hold the metal brace in that was behind the plastic previous removed.
6. Remove that metal bar going across the bottom of where the glove box used to be. That has 2 (10mm) screws holding it on.
7. Remove the wire harnesses that are attached to the blower motor. Optional: remove passenger kick panel.
8. Remove the 3 (10mm) nuts that are holding the blower box in place. 1 is in the middle of the passengers side firewall at the bottom of the box, the second is to the right of that one about a foot over and the 3rd is in the middle of the firewall right behind the cable that controls the outside/inside air.
9. Now remove the vent that goes to the windshield.
10. Look to the left of the box you are removing. Then yank out the evaporator until it comes out, it's strong enough to not worry about breaking anything during removal. Don't forget to unhook your a/c lines on the inside the engine bay prior to pulling the box out.
11. Install the replacement core in reverse order.

Also see

• Ford Escort & ZX2 section for the entire index of all Ford Escort and ZX2 related articles.