GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Tools Required

J 38185 Hose Clamp Pliers

Removal Procedure

    Caution: 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.

  1. Remove the battery. Refer to Battery Replacement in Engine Electrical.
  2. Remove the upper diagonal brace from the right front fender. Refer to Front Fender Upper Diagonal Brace Replacement in Body Front End.

  3. Object Number: 788409  Size: SH
  4. Drain the cooling system. Refer to Cooling System Draining and Filling .
  5. Remove the cooling fan and shroud. Refer to Cooling Fan and Shroud Replacement .
  6. Remove the lower air deflector. Refer to Radiator Air Lower Baffle and Deflector Replacement .

  7. Object Number: 455227  Size: SH
  8. Use J 38185 to remove the outlet hose clamp from the radiator.
  9. Remove the outlet hose from the radiator.
  10. Remove the coolant reservoir hose from the radiator overflow neck.

  11. Object Number: 161040  Size: SH
  12. Disconnect the transaxle oil cooler pipes from the radiator.
  13. Pull the plastic cap back from the quick connect fitting and down along the transaxle oil cooler line.

  14. Object Number: 104737  Size: SH
  15. Using a bent-tip screwdriver, pull on one of the open ends of the retaining ring in order to rotate the retaining ring around the quick connect fitting until the retaining ring is out of position and can be completely removed.

  16. Object Number: 104739  Size: SH
  17. Remove and discard the old retaining ring from the quick connect fitting.

  18. Object Number: 104740  Size: SH
  19. Pull the transaxle oil cooler pipe straight out from the quick connect fitting.
  20. Lower the vehicle.
  21. Remove the radiator.

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 455227  Size: SH
  1. Install the radiator to the lower mounts.

  2. Object Number: 161040  Size: SH
  3. Install the transaxle oil cooler pipes.

  4. Object Number: 104741  Size: SH

    Important: Do NOT push the new retaining ring onto the fitting. This will bend the retaining ring.

  5. Install a NEW retaining ring onto the fitting.

  6. Object Number: 104743  Size: SH
  7. Hook one of the open ends of the retaining ring into one of the slots in the quick connect fitting.

  8. Object Number: 104746  Size: SH
  9. Rotate the retaining ring around the fitting until the retaining ring is positioned with all 3 ears through the 3 slots on the fitting.

  10. Object Number: 104664  Size: SH
  11. Ensure that the three retaining ring ears are seen from inside the fitting and that the retaining ring moves freely in the fitting slots.

  12. Object Number: 104740  Size: SH
  13. Install the transaxle oil cooler pipes into the radiator quick connect fitting.

  14. Object Number: 104752  Size: SH
  15. Insert the ends of the pipe into the quick connect fitting until you hear or feel a click.

  16. Object Number: 104750  Size: SH

    Important: Do not use the plastic cap on the transaxle oil cooler pipe in order to install the transaxle oil cooler pipe into the fitting.

  17. Pull back sharply on the pipe in order to ensure that the pipe is fastened into the quick connect fitting.

  18. Object Number: 104753  Size: SH
  19. Position the plastic cap onto the fitting. Do not manually depress the retaining ring when installing the plastic cap onto the quick connect fitting.
  20. Fully seat the plastic cap against the fitting.

  21. Object Number: 104754  Size: SH
  22. Allow no gap between the cap and the fitting.

  23. Object Number: 104753  Size: SH
  24. Ensure that the yellow identification band on the tube is hidden within the quick connect fitting. A hidden yellow identification band indicates proper joint seating.
  25. Install the outlet hose to the radiator.
  26. Install the coolant reservoir hose to the radiator overflow neck.
  27. Use J 38185 to install the outlet hose clamp to the radiator.
  28. Install the lower air deflector. Refer to Radiator Air Lower Baffle and Deflector Replacement .

  29. Object Number: 788409  Size: SH
  30. Install the fan shroud. Refer to Cooling Fan and Shroud Replacement .
  31. Install the battery. Refer to Battery Replacement in Engine Electrical.
  32. Install the upper diagonal brace to the right front fender. Refer to Front Fender Upper Diagonal Brace Replacement in Body Front End.
  33. Fill the cooling system. Refer to Cooling System Draining and Filling .
  34. Notice: Do NOT overfill the transaxle. The overfilling of the transaxle causes foaming, loss of fluid, shift complaints, and possible damage to the transaxle.

  35. Adjust the transaxle fluid level.