Contents: Radiator ↳ Expansion tank ↳
Note: See warning in paragraph 1 this chapter.
Radiator
Removal
Note: If you are removing your radiator due to leaks, please note that small leaks can often be sealed with radiator sealant without removing the radiator.
1. On 4-cylinder models, remove the radiator fan and fan shroud (paragraph 5). On V6 models, disconnect the fan assembly from the radiator (paragraph 5) and move it rearward as far as possible.
2. To make it easier for you to lower the radiator and remove it, apply the parking brake, lift the front end and place it on supports. Remove the lower radiator cap.
3. Disconnect the lower hose from the radiator, as well as the upper one, if you have not disconnected it yet.
4. On models with automatic transmission, disconnect the transmission cooler lines and plug the resulting holes.
5. On models with air conditioning, remove the condenser support nuts or bolts. Then disconnect the condenser from the radiator and tie it to the front crossmember of the engine compartment. Disconnect the wiring from the compressor and the minimum pressure switch of this system.
Warning: Do not disconnect the refrigerant hoses.
6. Unscrew the radiator support bracket bolts from the subframe. Note that the brackets are different, like mirror images, and are therefore marked for correct installation (see Fig. 7.6,a,b). Assemble the lower rubber supports, taking into account which side they are installed on, and fold them for storage.
7. Carefully lower the radiator and remove it from the car (see Fig. 7.7).
Inspection
8. Once the radiator is removed, it can be checked for leaks and damage. If it needs repair, take it to dealers or specialists.
9. Dirt and insects can be removed from the radiator with a soft brush or a stream of water from a hose. Do not bend the fins.
Installation
10. Installation - in the reverse order of removal.
- a) On V6 models, first lift the fan assembly back toward the engine as close as possible. Then install the radiator in place and then secure the fan (paragraph 5).
- b) Make sure the rubber mounts have settled into place in the base of the radiator.
- c) After installation, fill the cooling system with coolant of the specified composition (chapter 1).
- d) Start the engine and check for leaks. Once normal operating temperature is reached and the upper radiator hose is hot, recheck the coolant level and top up the system if necessary.
- d) On models with automatic transmission, check the level and add transmission fluid (chapter 1).
Expansion tank
11. When the engine has cooled down completely, remove the expansion tank cap to relieve pressure in the system, then reinstall the cap.
12. Disconnect the hoses from the tank, disconnecting the top one first. After disconnecting the hoses, drain the contents of the tank into a clean container. If you use the liquid again, store it in a closed container,
13. Unscrew the two tank support bolts and disconnect the coolant level sensor connector (if available) (see Fig. 7.13, a, b).
14. Wash the tank and inspect it for cracks or abrasions. Replace it if necessary.
15. Installation - in the reverse order of removal. Fill the cooling system with a mixture of antifreeze and water in the appropriate ratio (chapter 1). Then start the engine and when it warms up to normal operating temperature (when the upper radiator hose becomes hot), recheck the level and top off the system.