Section 4 (Engine Cooling System - 2.4L Engine): Radiator: Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different variant/trim than selected.

WARNING: DO NOT REMOVE THE CYLINDER BLOCK DRAIN PLUGS OR LOOSEN THE RADIATOR DRAINCOCK WITH THE SYSTEM HOT AND UNDER PRESSURE. SERIOUS BURNS FROM COOLANT CAN OCCUR. REFER TO COOLING SYSTEM DRAINING.

Do not waste reusable coolant. If the solution is clean, drain the coolant into a clean container for reuse.

WARNING: CONSTANT TENSION HOSE CLAMPS ARE USED ON MOST COOLING SYSTEM HOSES. WHEN REMOVING OR INSTALLING, USE ONLY TOOLS DESIGNED FOR SERVICING THIS TYPE OF CLAMP, SUCH AS SPECIAL CLAMP TOOL (NUMBER 6094). SEE Fig 1. SNAP-ON CLAMP TOOL (NUMBER HPC-20) MAY BE USED FOR LARGER CLAMPS. ALWAYS WEAR SAFETY GLASSES WHEN SERVICING CONSTANT TENSION CLAMPS.

CAUTION: A number or letter is stamped into the tongue of constant tension clamps. See Fig 2. If replacement is necessary, use only an original equipment clamp with matching number or letter.

Fig 1: Identifying Hose Clamp Tool - Typical

Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

Fig 2: Locating Clamp Number/Letter - Typical

Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

CAUTION: When removing the radiator or A/C condenser for any reason, note the location of all radiator-to-body and radiator-to-A/C condenser rubber air seals. See Fig 3. These are used at the top, bottom and sides of the radiator and A/C condenser. To prevent overheating, these seals must be installed to their original positions.

Disconnect the negative battery cable at battery.
Drain coolant from radiator. Refer to DRAINING COOLING SYSTEM .
Remove the front grill.
Remove the cooling fan from the engine, if equipped.
Remove the two radiator mounting bolts.

Fig 3: Locating Air Seals - Typical
Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.
Disconnect both transmission cooler lines from radiator.
Disconnect the connector for the electric fan.
Disconnect the power steering cooler line from cooler.
Disconnect the radiator upper and lower hoses.
Disconnect the overflow hose from radiator.
The lower part of radiator is equipped with two alignment dowel pins. See Fig 4. They are located on the bottom of radiator tank and fit into rubber grommets. These rubber grommets are pressed into the radiator lower crossmember.

Fig 4: Locating Radiator Alignment Dowels - Typical
Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

WARNING: THE AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED) IS UNDER A CONSTANT PRESSURE EVEN WITH THE ENGINE OFF. REFER TO REFRIGERANT WARNINGS IN, HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING BEFORE HANDLING ANY AIR CONDITIONING COMPONENT.

NOTE: The radiator and radiator cooling fan can be removed as an assembly. It is not necessary to remove the cooling fan before removing or installing the radiator.
Gently lift up and remove radiator from vehicle. Be careful not to scrape the radiator fins against any other component. Also be careful not to disturb the air conditioning condenser (if equipped).