GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Radiator Replacement L61

Special Tools

J 38185 Hose Clamp Pliers

Removal Procedure

  1. Drain the coolant. Refer to Cooling System Draining and Filling .
  2. Remove the left headlamp. Refer to Headlamp Assembly or Headlamp Bulb and/or Cornering, Sidemarker, Park, Turn Signal Bulb Replacement .
  3. Remove the right headlamp. Refer to Headlamp Assembly or Headlamp Bulb and/or Cornering, Sidemarker, Park, Turn Signal Bulb Replacement .

  4. Object Number: 1202407  Size: SH
  5. Loop a rope around each of the 2 tabs of the condenser and tie the rope around the upper tie bar.
  6. Remove the upper radiator support bracket bolts.

  7. Object Number: 1202411  Size: SH
  8. Remove the upper radiator support brackets.
  9. Reposition the radiator outlet hose clamp at the radiator using the J 38185 .
  10. Remove the radiator outlet hose from the radiator.

  11. Object Number: 1203448  Size: SH
  12. Reposition the radiator inlet hose clamp at the radiator using the J 38185 .
  13. Remove the radiator inlet hose from the radiator.

  14. Object Number: 1203453  Size: SH

    Object Number: 1203537  Size: SH
  15. Raise the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .
  16. Remove the lower radiator air deflector retainers.
  17. Remove the lower radiator air deflector.

  18. Object Number: 1203534  Size: SH
  19. Remove the right front fender liner. Refer to Front Fender Liner Replacement .
  20. Remove the right radiator air deflector retainers.
  21. Remove the right radiator air deflector.

  22. Object Number: 1203536  Size: SH
  23. Remove the left radiator air deflector retainers.
  24. Remove the left radiator air deflector.
  25. Place a drain pan under the transmission oil cooler pipes.
  26. Remove the transmission oil cooler pipes attachment nut from the transmission.
  27. Remove the transmission oil cooler pipes from the transmission.

  28. Object Number: 1203519  Size: SH

    Object Number: 1203468  Size: SH
  29. Remove the lower radiator support bracket bolts.
  30. Remove the lower radiator support brackets.
  31. Remove the radiator lower mounts.
  32. Remove and discard the condenser mounting bolts.

  33. Object Number: 1203511  Size: SH
  34. Push upward on the radiator and downward on the condenser to unsnap the condenser mounting tabs from the radiator clips.

  35. Object Number: 1201922  Size: SH
  36. Remove and discard the condenser mounting nuts from the radiator.

  37. Object Number: 1336545  Size: SH
  38. Remove the radiator air side seals.

  39. Object Number: 1202420  Size: SH
  40. Remove the radiator, cooling fan shroud and transmission oil cooler pipe assembly.
  41. Remove the transmission oil cooler pipes from the radiator. Refer to Transmission Fluid Cooler Hose/Pipe Quick-Connect Fitting Disconnection and Connection .
  42. Pry upward on the fan shroud tabs at the radiator clips.

  43. Object Number: 1202424  Size: SH
  44. Remove the cooling fan and shroud assembly from the radiator.

Installation Procedure

  1. Install the cooling fan and shroud assembly to the radiator.

  2. Object Number: 1212433  Size: SH
  3. Snap the fan shroud tabs into the radiator clips.
  4. Install the transmission oil cooler pipes to the radiator. Refer to Transmission Fluid Cooler Hose/Pipe Quick-Connect Fitting Disconnection and Connection .

  5. Object Number: 1202420  Size: SH
  6. Install the radiator, cooling fan shroud and transmission oil cooler pipe assembly.

  7. Object Number: 1336545  Size: SH
  8. Install the radiator air side seals onto the condenser mounting tabs on the radiator.
  9. Notice: The bolt retaining the condenser to the radiator end tank is a special length and should be the ONLY bolt used upon reinstallation. The use of a longer bolt will damage the radiator end tank.

    Important: Replace the condenser mounting bolts and nuts.


    Object Number: 1201922  Size: SH
  10. Install the condenser mounting nuts to the radiator.
  11. Insert the condenser mounting tabs into the radiator clips.
  12. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.

  13. Install the condenser mounting bolts.

  14. Object Number: 1203511  Size: SH

    Tighten
    Tighten the bolts to 6 N·m (53 lb in).


    Object Number: 1336474  Size: SH
  15. Bend the radiator air side seals and insert the seals into the channel of the intake air splash shields.

  16. Object Number: 1337348  Size: SH
  17. The radiator air side seals must be in the proper position for proper air flow.
  18. Important: Replace the radiator lower mounts as a pair or vibration may result.

  19. Install the radiator lower mounts.

  20. Object Number: 1203468  Size: SH
  21. Install the lower radiator support brackets.
  22. Install the lower radiator support bracket bolts.
  23. Tighten
    Tighten the bolts to 60 N·m (44 lb ft).

  24. Install the transmission oil cooler pipes to the transmission.

  25. Object Number: 1203519  Size: SH
  26. Install the transmission oil cooler pipes attachment nut to the transmission.
  27. Tighten
    Tighten the nut to 7 N·m (62 lb in).


    Object Number: 1203536  Size: SH

    Important: Radiator air deflectors must be properly installed or reduced A/C and engine cooling system performance could occur.

  28. Install the left radiator air deflector.
  29. Install the left radiator air deflector retainers.

  30. Object Number: 1203534  Size: SH
  31. Install the right radiator air deflector.
  32. Install the right radiator air deflector retainers.
  33. Install the right front fender liner. Refer to Front Fender Liner Replacement .

  34. Object Number: 1203537  Size: SH
  35. Install the lower radiator air deflector.
  36. Install the lower radiator air deflector retainers.
  37. Lower the vehicle.
  38. Install the radiator inlet hose to the radiator.

  39. Object Number: 1203453  Size: SH
  40. Reposition the radiator inlet hose clamp at the radiator using the J 38185 .
  41. Install the radiator outlet hose to the radiator.

  42. Object Number: 1203448  Size: SH
  43. Reposition the radiator outlet hose clamp at the radiator using the J 38185 .
  44. Remove the rope attached to the condenser and upper tie bar.

  45. Object Number: 1202411  Size: SH
  46. Install the upper radiator support brackets.
  47. Important: Do not allow the upper bracket to twist when tightening the screw or vibration may result.


    Object Number: 1212430  Size: SH
  48. Install the upper radiator support bracket bolts.
  49. Tighten
    Tighten the bolts to 10 N·m (89 lb in).

  50. Install the right headlamp. Refer to Headlamp Assembly or Headlamp Bulb and/or Cornering, Sidemarker, Park, Turn Signal Bulb Replacement .
  51. Install the left headlamp. Refer to Headlamp Assembly or Headlamp Bulb and/or Cornering, Sidemarker, Park, Turn Signal Bulb Replacement .
  52. Fill the coolant. Refer to Cooling System Draining and Filling .
  53. Inspect the transmission fluid level. Refer to Transmission Fluid Check .

Radiator Replacement LZ4

Special Tools

J 38185 Hose Clamp Pliers

Removal Procedure

  1. Drain the coolant. Refer to Cooling System Draining and Filling .
  2. Remove the left headlamp. Refer to Headlamp Assembly or Headlamp Bulb and/or Cornering, Sidemarker, Park, Turn Signal Bulb Replacement .
  3. Remove the right headlamp. Refer to Headlamp Assembly or Headlamp Bulb and/or Cornering, Sidemarker, Park, Turn Signal Bulb Replacement .

  4. Object Number: 1202407  Size: SH
  5. Loop a rope around each of the upper 2 tabs of the condenser and tie the rope around the upper tie bar.

  6. Object Number: 1202411  Size: SH
  7. Remove the upper radiator support bracket bolts.
  8. Remove the upper radiator support brackets.

  9. Object Number: 1215548  Size: SH
  10. Reposition the surge tank outlet hose clamp at the radiator using the J 38185 .
  11. Remove the surge tank outlet hose from the radiator.

  12. Object Number: 1203452  Size: SH
  13. Reposition the radiator inlet hose clamp at the radiator using the J 38185 .
  14. Remove the radiator inlet hose from the radiator.
  15. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle .

  16. Object Number: 1203537  Size: SH
  17. Remove the lower radiator air deflector retainers.
  18. Remove the lower radiator air deflector.

  19. Object Number: 1203530  Size: SH
  20. Remove the right front fender liner. Refer to Front Fender Liner Replacement .
  21. Remove the right radiator air deflector retainers.
  22. Remove the right radiator air deflector.

  23. Object Number: 1203535  Size: SH
  24. Remove the left radiator air deflector retainers.
  25. Remove the left radiator air deflector.

  26. Object Number: 1203449  Size: SH
  27. Reposition the radiator outlet hose clamp at the radiator using the J 38185 .
  28. Remove the radiator outlet hose from the radiator.

  29. Object Number: 1203519  Size: SH
  30. Place a drain pan under the transmission oil cooler pipes.
  31. Remove the transmission oil cooler pipe attachment nut from the transmission.
  32. Remove the transmission oil cooler pipes from the transmission.

  33. Object Number: 1203468  Size: SH
  34. Remove the lower radiator support bracket bolts.
  35. Remove the lower radiator support brackets.
  36. Remove the radiator lower mounts.

  37. Object Number: 1203511  Size: SH
  38. Remove and discard the condenser mounting bolts from the radiator.

  39. Object Number: 1201922  Size: SH
  40. Push upward on the radiator and downward on the condenser to unsnap the condenser mounting tabs from the radiator clips.
  41. Remove and discard the condenser mounting nuts from the radiator.

  42. Object Number: 1336545  Size: SH
  43. Remove the radiator air side seals.

  44. Object Number: 1202423  Size: SH
  45. Remove the radiator, cooling fan shroud and transmission oil cooler pipe assembly.
  46. Remove the transmission oil cooler pipes from the radiator. Refer to Transmission Fluid Cooler Hose/Pipe Quick-Connect Fitting Disconnection and Connection .

  47. Object Number: 1202424  Size: SH
  48. Pry upward on the fan shroud tabs at the radiator clips.
  49. Remove the cooling fan and shroud assembly.

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 1212433  Size: SH
  1. Install the cooling fan and shroud assembly to the radiator.
  2. Snap the fan shroud tabs into the radiator clips.
  3. Install the transmission oil cooler pipes to the radiator. Refer to Transmission Fluid Cooler Hose/Pipe Quick-Connect Fitting Disconnection and Connection .

  4. Object Number: 1202423  Size: SH
  5. Install the radiator, cooling fan shroud and transmission oil cooler pipe assembly.

  6. Object Number: 1336545  Size: SH
  7. Install the radiator air side seals onto the condenser mounting tabs on the radiator.

  8. Object Number: 1201922  Size: SH

    Notice: The bolt retaining the condenser to the radiator end tank is a special length and should be the ONLY bolt used upon reinstallation. The use of a longer bolt will damage the radiator end tank.

    Important: Replace the condenser mounting bolts and nuts.

  9. Install the condenser mounting nuts to the radiator.
  10. Insert the condenser mounting tabs into the radiator clips.
  11. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.


    Object Number: 1203511  Size: SH
  12. Install the condenser to the radiator bolts.
  13. Tighten
    Tighten the bolts to 6 N·m (53 lb in).


    Object Number: 1336474  Size: SH
  14. Bend the radiator air side seals and insert the seals into the channel of the intake air splash shields.

  15. Object Number: 1337348  Size: SH
  16. The radiator air side seals must be in the proper position for proper air flow.
  17. Important: Replace the radiator lower mounts as a pair or vibration may result.

  18. Install the radiator lower mounts.

  19. Object Number: 1203468  Size: SH
  20. Install the lower radiator support brackets.
  21. Install the lower radiator support bracket bolts.
  22. Tighten
    Tighten the bolts to 60 N·m (44 lb ft).


    Object Number: 1203519  Size: SH
  23. Install the transmission oil cooler pipes to the transmission.
  24. Install the transmission oil cooler pipes attachment nut to the transmission.
  25. Tighten
    Tighten the nut to 7 N·m (62 lb in).


    Object Number: 1203449  Size: SH
  26. Install the radiator outlet hose to the radiator.
  27. Reposition the radiator outlet hose clamp at the radiator using the J 38185 .

  28. Object Number: 1203535  Size: SH

    Important: Radiator air deflectors must be properly installed or reduced A/C and engine cooling system performance could occur.

  29. Install the left radiator air deflector.
  30. Install the left radiator air deflector retainers.

  31. Object Number: 1203530  Size: SH
  32. Install the right radiator air deflector.
  33. Install the right radiator air deflector retainers.
  34. Install the right front fender liner. Refer to Front Fender Liner Replacement .

  35. Object Number: 1203537  Size: SH
  36. Install the lower radiator air deflector.
  37. Install the lower radiator air deflector retainers.
  38. Lower the vehicle.

  39. Object Number: 1203452  Size: SH
  40. Install the radiator inlet hose to the radiator.
  41. Reposition the radiator inlet hose clamp at the radiator using the J 38185 .

  42. Object Number: 1215548  Size: SH
  43. Install the surge tank outlet hose to the radiator.
  44. Reposition the surge tank outlet hose clamp at the radiator using the J 38185 .
  45. Remove the rope attached to the condenser and upper tie bar.

  46. Object Number: 1212430  Size: SH
  47. Install the upper radiator support brackets.

  48. Object Number: 1202411  Size: SH

    Important: Do not allow the upper bracket to twist when tightening the screw or vibration may result.

  49. Install the upper radiator support bracket bolts.
  50. Tighten
    Tighten the bolts to 10 N·m (89 lb in).

  51. Install the right headlamp. Refer to Headlamp Assembly or Headlamp Bulb and/or Cornering, Sidemarker, Park, Turn Signal Bulb Replacement .
  52. Install the left headlamp. Refer to Headlamp Assembly or Headlamp Bulb and/or Cornering, Sidemarker, Park, Turn Signal Bulb Replacement .
  53. Fill the coolant. Refer to Cooling System Draining and Filling .
  54. Inspect the transmission fluid level. Refer to Transmission Fluid Check .