Leaking heater core, replacement instructions?

[brian729]

My heater core is leaking antifreeze like a sieve. I didn't notice at first, but then I got the smell and realized that there was a ton of antifreeze under the rubber lined rugs on both the driver's and passenger's side. So I need to replace it. I did a preliminary search on how to do this, and asked a few mechanics, and most people and places said the console needs to be removed (for an '02 s40 at least). Now, this is super intricate (not saying not doable) but would cost close to $1500 if I didn't do it myself.

Here's my dilemma. I found instructions for an older Volvo on how to do just this. They are here:
volvospeed.com/vs_forum/topic/9717-pics-of-heater-core-install/

This is a super easy fix, but when I looked in my car, a few components were in different places. I have a few questions.
1. Can I vaguely follow this set of instructions successfully, or do I indeed need to remove the entire console?
2. Does anyone have step by step instructions like these for a 2002 s40?
3. For 2 technically and mechanically inclined people (but not mechanics), how long should this job take?

Thank you for any and all responses!

Brian

[precopster]

The S40/V40 platform is not a full Volvo product and was shared with a Mitsubishi model named the Charisma.

From what I've read the dashboard requires removal on this series of car as it shares little apart from cut-down into 4 cylinder 850/V70/S70 engines and shared gearboxes.

I've attached a parts diagram of the manual climate unit for LHD

[brian729]

So because I haven't gotten any responses in regard to the process, I started taking apart the dash anyway. I came upon the passenger side airbag, and I don't know the proper way to go about working around it (if I actually do need to work close to it). 2 questions:

How do I disassemble what I need to disassemble in terms of the airbag/how to I disable it?
Do I need to remove the ENTIRE dash (including the upper dash and the component tower) or just the underside plastic pieces that protect everything?

Thanks in advance!

Brian

[precopster]

Order of disassembly are docs:
128622
064530
064531
128624
064535

Hope this helps