GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Removal Procedure

When you replace the radiator, transfer all of the fittings.

    Notice: When adding coolant, use DEX-COOL® 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.

  1. Remove the air cleaner and duct assembly.
  2. Drain the coolant. Refer to Cooling System Draining and Filling .
  3. Remove the engine strut brace bolts from the upper tie bar. Rotate the strut and brace rearward. Refer to Engine Mount Strut Replacement in Engine Mechanical.
  4. Important: In order to prevent shearing of the rubber bushings, loosen the bolts on the engine mount struts before swinging the strut.


    Object Number: 70049  Size: SH
  5. Remove the radiator upper bracket screws and the brackets from the upper radiator mounting panel.

  6. Object Number: 3348  Size: SH
  7. Disconnect the radiator inlet hose and the outlet hose and clamps from the radiator.
  8. Disconnect the electrical connector from the low coolant level indicator module. Refer to Coolant Level Indicator Module Replacement .
  9. Disconnect the transaxle upper and lower oil cooler lines from the radiator. Refer to Automatic Transaxle.
  10. Remove the radiator from the condenser, if equipped. Refer to HVAC.
  11. Lift the radiator up and out from the vehicle.

  12. Object Number: 25882  Size: SH
  13. Remove the fan mounting bolts and the fan.
  14. Remove the electrical connector from the fan.

Installation Procedure

  1. Install the radiator to the lower mounts.
  2. Connect the radiator to the condenser, if equipped. Refer to HVAC.
  3. Connect the transaxle upper and lower oil cooler lines to the radiator.
  4. Tighten
    Tighten the nuts to 27 N·m (20  lb  ft).

  5. Install the coolant level indicator module to the radiator. Connect the module electrical connector. Refer to Coolant Level Indicator Module Replacement .

  6. Object Number: 3348  Size: SH
  7. Connect the radiator inlet hose and the outlet hose and the clamps to the radiator.
  8. Connect the radiator overflow hose to the radiator filler neck.

  9. Object Number: 70049  Size: SH
  10. Install the upper radiator brackets and screws.
  11. Tighten
    Tighten the screws to 24 N·m (18 lb ft).

    Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.


    Object Number: 25882  Size: SH
  12. Install the fan and the fan mounting bolts to the radiator.
  13. Tighten
    Tighten the bolts to 10 N·m (89 lb in).

  14. Install the electrical connector to the fan.
  15. Install the engine strut to the proper position. Refer to Engine Mount Strut Replacement in Engine Mechanical.
  16. Refill the coolant. Refer to Cooling System Draining and Filling .
  17. Install the air cleaner and duct assembly.
  18. Tighten
    Tighten the bolt to 5 N·m (44  lb  in).

    Important: Use the air bleed vents, in order to properly fill a system that has been completely drained.

  19. Start and run the engine. After the engine reaches normal operating temperature, check for coolant leaks.