Gates 12544 HVAC Heater Hose - Heater (Lower)

Gates 12544 Molded Heater Hose Overview

The Gates 12544 Molded Heater Hose is a factory-molded, OEM-style coolant hose built for tighter engine bays where a straight hose will not route correctly. Made from EPDM, it is suitable for coolant, water, and air service, and it is also approved for marine applications.

Compatible With Ford Explorer heater lower applications, Ford Taurus heater lower applications, and Lincoln MKS heater lower applications, this molded hose supports direct-fit replacement needs for vehicles with compact underhood packaging.

Key Features

• Gates Molded Heater Hose product line for OE-style routing and fit
• Part number 12544
• EPDM construction for heater and coolant service
• Factory-molded shape for smaller, tighter engine compartments
• End 1 inside diameter: 0.72 in. (18 mm)
• End 2 inside diameter: 0.72 in. (18 mm)
• Centerline length: 13.5 in. (343 mm)
• Approved for coolant, water, air, and marine applications

Detailed Description

Gates 12544 is a molded heater hose built to follow the original routing used in select Ford, Lincoln, and related HVAC heater lower applications. Its EPDM construction and molded profile help it match the space constraints found in modern engine compartments, where precise hose shape matters for proper routing and service access. This part cross-references Bosch 13544 for the same application.

Fits 2014-2019 Ford Explorer, Heater (Lower); Fits 2010-2019 Ford Taurus, Heater (Lower); Fits 2010-2016 Lincoln MKS, Heater (Lower). The Gates 12544 molded heater hose is a direct replacement choice when the original lower heater hose needs to be restored to OE-style form and function.

Common Repair Uses

• Replacing a cracked or deteriorated lower heater hose
• Restoring coolant flow through the heater circuit
• Correcting hose routing in tight engine compartments
• Addressing leaks at molded hose bends or connection points
• Replacing a hose that no longer matches the original OE shape

Installation Notes and Tips

Verify end diameters, centerline length, and molded routing against the removed hose before installation. Confirm the vehicle application is the lower heater position and check for auxiliary heater requirements on the Ford Explorer listing. Inspect adjoining clamps, fittings, and nearby hoses for wear before reassembly.

Quality Assurance

Gates manufactures this molded heater hose as an OE-style replacement part for coolant-system service. The EPDM material and factory-molded construction support consistent fitment in the listed Ford Explorer, Ford Taurus, and Lincoln MKS applications.