Radiator: Service and Repair

RADIATOR

REMOVAL

WARNING: DO NOT OPEN THE RADIATOR DRAINCOCK WITH THE SYSTEM HOT AND UNDER PRESSURE BECAUSE SERIOUS BURNS FROM COOLANT CAN OCCUR.

NOTE: It is not necessary to discharge the air conditioning system to remove the radiator.

1. Disconnect throttle body air intake hose from air cleaner housing assembly.
2. Remove air cleaner housing assembly.
3. Disconnect negative battery cable. Disconnect positive battery cable.
4. Remove battery and battery tray.
5. Raise vehicle on hoist.

NOTE: When the transaxle cooler lines are removed from the rolled-groove type fittings at the cooler and transaxle, damage to the inner wall of hose will occur. To prevent potential leakage, the cooler hoses and clamps must be replaced.





6. Disconnect and cap the automatic transmission cooler hoses, if equipped.
7. Drain cooling system.





8. Disconnect radiator fan motor electrical connector.
9. Disconnect lower radiator hose.
10. Remove two fasteners attaching transmission oil cooler to radiator.





11. Remove two lower fasteners attaching radiator fan shroud to radiator.





12. Dislodge lower radiator air seal from side radiator air seals.
13. Lower vehicle.
14. Remove grille.
15. Remove upper radiator support crossmember.
16. Remove upper radiator hose from the radiator.
17. Remove remaining fasteners attaching radiator fan shroud to radiator.
18. Remove radiator fan/shroud assembly.
19. Remove remaining fasteners attaching AC condenser to radiator. Reposition AC condenser.
20. Remove radiator assembly by lifting it up from the engine compartment. Care should be taken not to damage the cooling fins and tubes during removal.
21. Remove the lower air seal from radiator.

CLEANING
Clean radiator fins are necessary for good heat transfer. The radiator and air conditioning fins should be cleaned when an accumulation of debris has occurred. With the engine cold, apply cold water and compressed air to the back (engine side) of the radiator to flush the radiator and/or A/C condenser of debris.

INSPECTION
Inspect the radiator tanks for cracks, broken or missing fittings also inspect the joint where the tanks seam up to the radiator core for signs of leakage and/or deteriorating seals.
Inspect radiator core for corroded, bent or missing cooling fins. Inspect the core for bent or damaged cooling tubes.

INSTALLATION
1. Install the lower air seal to radiator.
2. Position radiator into mounting position.
3. Position A/C condenser against radiator. Hand start lower fasteners.
4. Install radiator fan/shroud assembly. Hand start upper fasteners and remaining side fasteners that hold AC condenser also.
5. Raise vehicle on hoist.
6. Connect the lower air seal to the side air seals.
7. Install two remaining lower radiator fan shroud fasteners to radiator. Torque fasteners to 6 Nm (55 inch lbs.).
8. If equipped, install fasteners attaching transmission oil cooler to radiator. Torque fasteners to 8 Nm (70 inch lbs.).
9. Connect lower radiator hose. Align the hose and position the clamp so it will not interfere with engine components.
10. Connect the radiator fan motor electrical connector.

NOTE: When the transaxle cooler lines are removed from the rolled-groove type fittings at the cooler and transaxle, damage to the inner wall of hose will occur. To prevent potential leakage, the cooler hoses and clamps must be replaced.

11. Replace automatic transmission hoses and clamps (if equipped).
12. Close radiator draincock.
13. Lower vehicle.
14. Torque radiator fan shroud fasteners to 6 Nm (55 inch lbs.).
15. Torque AC condenser fasteners to 8 Nm (70 inch lbs.).
16. Install upper radiator hose. Align the hose and position the clamp to prevent interference with the engine or hood.
17. Install upper radiator support crossmember.
18. Install grille.
19. Install battery tray and battery.
20. Connect positive battery cable. Connect negative battery cable.
21. Install air cleaner housing assembly.
22. Connect throttle body air intake hose to air cleaner housing assembly.
23. Fill cooling system with coolant.
24. Operate engine until it reaches normal operating temperature. Check cooling system and automatic transmission for correct fluid levels.