Engine Cooling System & Automatic Transmission Cooling System: Radiator: Removal

WARNING: DO NOT REMOVE THE CYLINDER BLOCK DRAIN PLUGS OR LOOSEN THE RADIATOR DRAINCOCK WITH THE SYSTEM HOT AND PRESSURIZED. SERIOUS BURNS FROM THE COOLANT CAN OCCUR.

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. ALWAYS WEAR SAFETY GLASSES WHEN SERVICING CONSTANT TENSION CLAMPS.

Fig 1: Identifying Hose Clamp Tool - Typical

Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

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

Fig 2: Locating Clamp Number/Letter - Location

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. 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.

Fig 3: Identifying Air Seals - Typical

Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

Disconnect negative battery cable at battery.
Observe the previous WARNING. Remove the radiator cap.
Remove the condenser lower seal from the lower core support.

Fig 4: Removing Condenser Lower Seal
Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.
Drain cooling system. See STANDARD PROCEDURE . Drain coolant into a clean container for reuse.
Remove radiator upper and lower hose clamps. Remove radiator hoses.
Disconnect coolant reserve/overflow tank hose from radiator.
2.4L ONLY - Remove the electric cooling fan. See RADIATOR FAN .
4.0L ONLY - Remove the reservoir tank and power steering reservoir and position out of the way.
4.0L ONLY - Remove the four fan shroud mounting bolts. Position the fan shroud back over the fan blades.

Fig 5: Removing & Installing Radiator
Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.
If equipped, disconnect and plug automatic transmission fluid cooler lines.
Remove six radiator mounting bolts. Position the front axle vent hose to the side.
The lower part of radiator is equipped with two alignment dowel pins. 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 6: Identifying Radiator Alignment Dowels - Typical
Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.
Lift radiator straight up and out of vehicle taking care not to damage radiator fins.
When removing radiator, note position of the rubber seals located on the top and bottom of radiator (on certain models only). To prevent possible overheating, these seals must be installed to their original positions.