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Today we blew the left side heater hose. It was actually the plastic nipple comeing out of the firewall the hose ataches to. 1 can I just replace the nipple and how. Or 2 is it part of the heater core and how do I replace it.

@dragon883 this is an old question but somehow popped back up. Answering it just for completion sake since it may no longer be an issue by the OP but may help someone else looking for the same answers. “HEATER CORE REPLACEMENT Removal Procedure

  1. Remove the HVAC module assembly. Refer to HVAC Module Assembly Replacement .

  2. Remove the screws from the heater core cover.

  3. Remove the heater core cover (1) from the HVAC module assembly (2).

  4. Remove the heater core cowl gasket (1) from the heater core (2).

  5. Remove the heater core (1) from the HVAC module assembly (2). HVAC Module Assembly Replacement Tools Required J 43181 Quick Connect Connector Removal Tool Removal Procedure

  6. Drain the engine coolant. Refer to Draining and Filling Cooling System in Engine Cooling.

  7. Using the J 43181 disconnect the inlet heater hose from the heater core.

  8. Install the J 43181 to the heater core pipe.

  9. Close the tool around the heater core pipe.

  10. Firmly pull the tool into the quick connect end of the heater hose.

  11. Firmly grasp the heater hose. Pull the heater hose forward in order to disengage the inlet hose from the heater core.

  12. Using the J 43181 disconnect the surge tank outlet hose from the heater core.

  13. Install the J 43181 to the heater core pipe.

  14. Close the tool around the heater core pipe.

  15. Firmly pull the tool into the quick connect end of the heater hose.

  16. Firmly grasp the heater hose. Pull the heater hose forward in order to disengage the surge tank outlet hose from the heater core.

  17. Remove the accumulator. Refer to Accumulator Replacement .

  18. Remove the instrument panel carrier. Refer to Instrument Panel (I/P) Carrier Replacement in Instrument Panel, Gauges and Console.

  19. Remove the HVAC module drain hose.

  20. Disconnect the electrical harnesses and the ground connections from the HVAC module assembly.

  21. Remove the nuts (4) from the HVAC module assembly (2).

  22. Remove the bolts (3) from the HVAC module assembly (2).

  23. Remove the HVAC module assembly (2) from the vehicle (1).

It’s part of heater core it can be fixed but won’t last long, needs to be replaced with at least mid grade new heater core, if u buy cheap grade heater cores you’ll be having problems again in under 2 yrs. Know from experience the decision is yours, hope this helps and Gd luck

In case someone else comes along and sees this the above answers are incorrect. The metal heater core coming out of the firewall has these plastic connectors that the hose attaches to. The plastic connector is easy to replace and costs about $6 and the quick disconnect tool is about $9 from any local auto parts store. You do NOT need to replace the heater core or tear apart the dash to replace the plastic connectors that the hose attaches to. Takes about 30 minutes if you take your time.