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DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.

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HOMESERVICE MANUALSCHEVROLET2003TRAILBLAZER 4.2 S, 4WDREPAIR AND DIAGNOSISEXTERNAL PAGESDIFFERENT CARSECTION 598 (ENGINE COOLING SYSTEM)REPAIR INSTRUCTIONSRADIATOR REPLACEMENTINSTALLATION PROCEDURE

2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer 4.2 S, 4WD

Installation Procedure

2003 Chevrolet TrailBlazer 4.2 S, 4WDSECTION Installation Procedure

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Buick Regal and 2002 Buick Century. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Install the radiator to the lower mounts.
Lubricate the O-ring seal of the coolant level sensor with coolant.
Place the snap clip leg in place.
Install the coolant level sensor.
Connect the coolant level sensor electrical connector to the coolant level sensor.

Fig 1: Radiator And Hoses
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Install the transaxle oil cooler pipes.
Important: Install new retaining rings into the quick connect fittings.
Ensure the following procedures are performed when installing the new retaining ring onto the fitting.

Fig 2: Transaxle Oil Cooler Pipes
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Hook one of the open ends of the retaining ring in one of the slots in the quick connect fitting.

Fig 3: Hook One Of The Open Ends Of The Retaining Ring
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Rotate the retaining ring around the fitting until the retaining ring is positioned with all three ears through the three slots on the fitting.

Fig 4: Positioning Retaining Ring
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Important: DO NOT Push the new retaining ring onto the fitting.
Installing the retaining ring on to the fitting this way will bend the retaining ring.

Fig 5: Incorrect Retainer Positioning
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Ensure that the three retaining ring ears are seen from inside the fitting and that the retaining ring moves freely in the fitting slots.

Fig 6: Inspecting Retaining Ring
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Install the transaxle oil cooler pipes into the radiator quick connect fitting.

Fig 7: Install The Transaxle Oil Cooler Pipes
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Insert the transaxle oil cooler pipe ends into the quick connect fitting until you hear or feel a click.

Fig 8: Insert The Transaxle Oil Cooler Pipe Ends Into The Quick Connect Fitting
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Do not use the plastic cap on the transaxle oil cooler pipe in order to install the transaxle oil cooler pipe into the fitting.
Pull back sharply on the transaxle oil cooler pipe in order to ensure that the transaxle oil cooler pipe is fastened into the quick connect fitting.

Fig 9: Install The Transaxle Oil Cooler Pipe Into The Fitting
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Position the plastic cap onto the fitting. Do not manually depress the retaining ring when installing the plastic cap onto the quick connect fitting.
Fully seat the plastic cap against the fitting.

Fig 10: Fully Seat The Plastic Cap Against The Fitting
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Allow no gap between the cap and the fitting.

Fig 11: Allow No Gap Between The Cap And The Fitting
Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
Ensure that the yellow identification band on the tube is hidden within the quick connect fitting. A hidden yellow identification band indicates proper joint seating.
NOTE: DO NOT overfill the transaxle. The overfilling of the transaxle causes foaming, loss of fluid, shift complaints, and possible damage to the transaxle.
Adjust the fluid level.
Raise the vehicle.
Install the outlet hose to the radiator.
Use J 38185 to install the outlet hose clamp to the radiator.
Install the lower air deflector. Refer to Radiator Air Baffle and Deflector Replacement - Lower
Lower the vehicle.
Install the cooling fan assembly. Refer to Cooling Fan Replacement - Electric
Fill the cooling system. Refer to Draining and Filling Cooling System
Install the battery.