Radiator Replacement

Removal Procedure

Notice: When adding coolant, use DEX-COOL (R) coolant. If silicated coolant is added to the system, premature engine, heater core or radiator corrosion may result. In addition, the engine coolant will require change sooner-at 50,000 km (30,000 mi) or 24 months.

Caution: Refer to Battery Disconnect Caution in Service Precautions.





1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Disable the SIR system. Refer to Disabling the SIR System in Restraint Systems.
3. Drain the engine coolant. Recover the coolant. Refer to Draining and Filling Cooling System.
4. Remove the hood latch support from the radiator upper tie bar. Refer to Hood Latch Support Replacement.
5. Remove the right and left headlamp assemblies. Refer to Headlamp Replacement (Chevrolet) or Headlamp Replacement (Pontiac).
6. Remove the radiator upper mounting bolts (1) and the upper radiator mounts (2).
7. Raise the vehicle. Refer to Vehicle Lifting.
8. Disconnect the forward discriminating sensor harness. Refer to Enabling the SIR System in Restraint Systems.
9. Remove the cooling fan assembly.
^ Refer to Cooling Fan Replacement.





10. Disconnect the radiator outlet hose from the radiator.





11. Disconnect the lower transmission oil cooler line from the radiator.
12. Lower the vehicle.
13. Remove the hood latch support bracket and the forward discriminating sensor with the harness. Refer to Hood Latch Support Replacement.
14. Disconnect the upper transmission oil cooler line from the radiator.
15. Disconnect the radiator inlet hose from the radiator.





16. Disconnect the surge tank inlet hose and the clamp (1) from the radiator.





17. Remove the condenser from the radiator, if equipped. it is not necessary to discharge the A/C System.
18. Remove the radiator assembly from the vehicle.

Installation Procedure





1. Install the radiator assembly to the vehicle.
2. Install the condenser to the radiator.





3. Connect the surge tank overflow hose to the radiator.
4. Install the hood latch bracket. Refer to Hood Latch Support Replacement.
5. Route the forward discriminating sensor harness. Refer to Inflatable Restraint Front End Discriminating Sensor Replacement Supplemental Inflatable Restraint (SIR) System.
6. Raise the vehicle. Refer to Vehicle Lifting.
7. Install the cooling fan assembly.
^ Refer to Cooling Fan Replacement.

Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.





8. Connect the lower transmission oil cooler line to the radiator.
^ Tighten the lower transmission oil cooler line to 36 Nm (27 ft. lbs.).





9. Connect the radiator outlet hose to the radiator.
10. Connect the forward discriminating sensor harness connector. Refer to Inflatable Restraint Front End Discriminating Sensor Replacement in Restraint Systems.
11. Lower the vehicle.
12. Connect the radiator inlet hose to the radiator.





13. Connect the upper transmission oil cooler line to the radiator.
^ Tighten the upper transmission oil cooler line to 36 Nm (27 ft. lbs.).





14. Install the upper radiator mount bolts (1) to the upper tie bar.
^ Tighten the radiator upper mount bolts to 10 Nm (89 inch lbs.).
15. Install the hood latch support. Refer to Hood Latch Support Replacement.
16. Install the right and the left headlamp assemblies. Refer to Headlamp Replacement (Chevrolet) or Headlamp Replacement (Pontiac)
17. Install and adjust the hood latch assembly. Refer to Hood Latch Support Replacement.
18. Refill the cooling system. Refer to Draining and Filling Cooling System.
19. Enable the SIR system. Refer to Enabling the SIR System in Restraint Systems.
20. Connect the negative battery cable.
^ Tighten the negative battery cable bolt to 15 Nm (11 ft. lbs.).
21. Start the engine. After the engine reaches normal operating temperature, check for coolant leaks.