Operation CHARM: Car repair manuals for everyone.

Radiator Replacement




Radiator Replacement

Special Tools

J 38185 - Hose Clamp Pliers

Removal Procedure

Warning

Unless directed otherwise, the ignition and start switch must be in the OFF or LOCK position, and all electrical loads must be OFF before servicing any electrical component. Disconnect the negative battery cable to prevent an electrical spark should a tool or equipment come in contact with an exposed electrical terminal. Failure to follow these precautions may result in personal injury and/or damage to the vehicle or its components.

For Vehicles equipped with OnStar(R) (UE1) with Back Up Battery:

The Back Up Battery is a redundant power supply to allow limited OnStar(R) functionality in the event of a main vehicle battery power disruption to the VCIM (OnStar(R)module). Do not disconnect the main vehicle battery or remove the OnStar(R) fuse with the ignition key in any position other than OFF. Retained accessory power (RAP) should be allowed to time out or be disabled (simply opening the driver door should disable RAP) before disconnecting power. Disconnecting power to the OnStar(R) module in any way while the ignition is On or with RAP activated may cause activation of the OnStar(R) Back-Up Battery (BUB) system and will discharge and permanently damage the back-up battery. Once the Back-Up Battery is activated it will stay on until it has completely discharged. The BUB is not rechargeable and once activated the BUB must be replaced.

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection (LGD/LZE) (Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection).
2. Remove the air cleaner assembly. Refer to Air Cleaner Assembly Replacement (Service and Repair) for the 3.5L engine or Air Cleaner Assembly Replacement (Service and Repair) for the 3.9L engine.
3. Drain the cooling system. Refer to Cooling System Draining and Filling (9C1, 9C3 Static Fill) (9C1, 9C3 Static Fill)Cooling System Draining and Filling (LZE, LGD Static Fill) (Static Fill)Cooling System Draining and Filling (LZE, LGD GE47716 Fill) (GE47716 Fill).
4. Remove the engine mount struts. Refer to Engine Mount Strut Replacement (Engine Mount Strut Replacement) for the 3.5L engine or Engine Mount Strut Replacement (Engine Mount Strut Replacement) for the 3.9L engine.
5. Use J 38185 - Hose Clamp Pliers to reposition the upper radiator hose clamp from the radiator.
6. Remove the upper radiator hose from the radiator.
7. Remove the powertrain control module (PCM) harness clip from the fan shroud.
8. Remove the condenser tubes bracket bolt from the fan shroud.




9. Remove the bolt that connects the fan shroud to the condenser hold down bracket.
10. Remove the condenser hold down bracket from the radiator and condenser.




11. Remove the cooling fan shroud bolts.
12. Remove the coolant reservoir hose from the fan shroud LS4 only.
13. Remove the radiator vent hose from the right upper radiator tank LS4 only.




14. Remove the radiator upper support brackets and bolts that connect to the fan shroud.
15. Disconnect the engine cooling fan motors electrical connectors.
16. Remove the cooling fan motors electrical harness from the fan shroud clips.
17. Remove the cooling fan shroud.
18. Use J 38185 - Hose Clamp Pliers to reposition the lower radiator hose clamp from the radiator.
19. Remove the lower radiator hose from the radiator.
20. Disconnect the transaxle oil cooler pipes from the radiator. Refer to Transmission Fluid Cooler Hose/Pipe Quick-Connect Fitting Disconnection and Connection (Transmission Fluid Cooler Hose/Pipe Quick-Connect Fitting Disconnection and Connection).
21. Tilt the top of the radiator rearward.




22. Lift the condenser from the mounting tabs on the radiator (2). Position the condenser aside.
23. Remove the radiator.

Installation Procedure




1. Install the radiator to the lower mounts.





Note: Verify that the condenser is fully seated in the radiator mounting tabs.

2. Install the condenser to the mounting tabs on the radiator (2).
3. Install the condenser hold down bracket (1) to the radiator and condenser.
4. Install the lower radiator hose to the radiator.
5. Use J 38185 - Hose Clamp Pliers to install the lower radiator hose clamp to the radiator.





Note: Ensure the right and left edge of the fan shroud engages the radiator slots.

6. Install the cooling fan shroud.

Caution: Refer to Fastener Caution (Fastener Caution).

7. Install the condenser tubes bracket bolt to the fan shroud and tighten to 10 Nm (89 lb in).
8. Install the cooling fan motors electrical harness to the fan shroud clips.
9. Connect the engine cooling fan motors electrical connectors.
10. Install the cooling fan shroud bolts and tighten to 10 Nm (89 lb in).
11. Connect the transaxle oil cooler pipes to the radiator. Refer to Transmission Fluid Cooler Hose/Pipe Quick-Connect Fitting Disconnection and Connection (Transmission Fluid Cooler Hose/Pipe Quick-Connect Fitting Disconnection and Connection).




12. Install the radiator upper support brackets and bolts that connect to the fan shroud and tighten to 6 Nm (53 lb in).




13. Install the bolt that connects the fan shroud to the condenser hold down bracket and tighten to 6 Nm (53 lb in).
14. Install the PCM harness clip on to the fan shroud.
15. Install the upper radiator hose to the radiator.
16. Use J 38185 - Hose Clamp Pliers to install the upper radiator hose clamp to the radiator.
17. Install the air cleaner assembly. Refer to Air Cleaner Assembly Replacement (Service and Repair) for the 3.5L engine or Air Cleaner Assembly Replacement (Service and Repair) for the 3.9L engine.
18. Install the coolant reservoir hose to the fan shroud.
19. Install the radiator vent hose to the right upper radiator tank and fill neck.
20. Install the engine mount struts. Refer to Engine Mount Strut Replacement (Engine Mount Strut Replacement) for the 3.5L engine or Engine Mount Strut Replacement (Engine Mount Strut Replacement) for the 3.9L engine.
21. Fill the cooling system. Refer to Cooling System Draining and Filling (9C1, 9C3 Static Fill) (9C1, 9C3 Static Fill)Cooling System Draining and Filling (LZE, LGD Static Fill) (Static Fill)Cooling System Draining and Filling (LZE, LGD GE47716 Fill) (GE47716 Fill).
22. Connect the negative battery cable. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection (LGD/LZE) (Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection).

Caution: Do NOT overfill the transaxle. The overfilling of the transaxle causes foaming, loss of fluid, shift complaints, and possible damage to the transaxle.

23. Adjust the transaxle fluid level.