GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Chevrolet 🢒 1998 🢒 Prizm 🢒 Engine 🢒 Engine Cooling 🢒 Radiator Replacement

Removal Procedure
  1. Drain the cooling system. Refer to Cooling System Draining and Filling in Engine Cooling.
  2. Raise the vehicle. Support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  3. Remove the right and left engine splash shields.

    4. Object Number: 422205 Size: SH
  4. Place a pan under vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission in order to catch any transmission fluid that may leak.
  5. Disconnect the hose clamps and transmission fluid cooler hoses from the radiator, on vehicles with automatic transmission.
  6. Loosen the lower radiator outlet hose clamp and disconnect the lower radiator outlet hose from the radiator.
  7. Lower the vehicle.

    8. Object Number: 233533 Size: SH
  8. Remove the 2 upper radiator bracket bolts.
  9. Remove the four A/C condenser bracket bolts (if equipped).
  10. Disconnect both cooling fan electrical connectors.
  11. Loosen the upper radiator inlet hose clamp and disconnect the upper radiator inlet hose from the radiator.
  12. Loosen the radiator overflow hose clamp.

    13. Disconnect the radiator overflow hose (1) from the radiator filler neck.

  13. Remove the radiator and the cooling fan assembly from the vehicle.
  14. Transfer all necessary components onto the replacement radiator.

Installation Procedure

    Object Number: 233533 Size: SH
  1. Install the radiator and cooling fan assembly into the vehicle.

    2. 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.

  2. Use the 2 upper bolts in order to secure the radiator.

    3. Tighten
    Tighten the radiator bolts to 13 N·m (9 lb ft).

  3. Secure the A/C condenser bracket bolts to the radiator.

    4. Tighten
    Tighten the A/C condenser bracket bolts to 10 N·m (89 lb in).

  4. Use the following steps in order to connect the overflow hose (1) to the radiator filler neck:
    5. 4.1. Position the hose over the filler neck flares.
    4.2. Use a hose clamp in order to secure the hose.
  5. Use the following steps in order to connect the radiator inlet hose to the radiator:
    6. 5.1. Position the hose over the radiator flares.
    5.2. Use a hose clamp in order to secure the hose.
  6. Reconnect the cooling fan electrical connectors.
  7. Raise the vehicle. Support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.

    8. Object Number: 422205 Size: SH
  8. Install the transmission fluid cooler hoses to the radiator, on vehicles with automatic transmission.
  9. Use hose clamps in order to secure the hoses.
  10. Connect the radiator outlet hose to the radiator.
  11. Position the hose over the radiator flares.

    12. Use a hose clamp in order to secure the hose.

  12. Install the right and left engine splash shields.
  13. Lower the vehicle.
  14. Use an approved coolant in order to fill the radiator. Refer to Cooling System Draining and Filling in Engine Cooling.
  15. Fill the radiator to the base of the radiator filler neck.

    16. Important: Watch for a potential overheating condition while the engine is operating with the radiator cap off.

  16. Start and run the engine until the coolant is at operating temperature.
  17. The coolant is at operating temperature when the following conditions exist:
    18. • The hoses feel warm.
    • The coolant is moving in the radiator.
  18. Add coolant to the radiator until the coolant level reaches the radiator filler neck.
  19. Install the radiator cap.
  20. Inspect the following components for leaks:
    21. • The radiator
    • The coolant reservoir
    • The coolant pipe connections
    • The hose connections
  21. Tighten any loose connections as necessary.
  22. Install the radiator cap to the radiator.
  23. Inspect the transmission fluid level, on vehicles with automatic transmission. Refer to Automatic Transmission Fluid and Filter Replacement in Automatic Transmission.