Radiator Replacement

Radiator Replacement (L26 - 3.8L)

Tools Required

J 38185 Hose Clamp Pliers


Removal Procedure


Caution: Unless directed otherwise, the ignition and start switch must be in the OFF or LOCK position, and all electrical loads must be OFF before servicing any electrical component. Disconnect the negative battery cable to prevent an electrical spark should a tool or equipment come in contact with an exposed electrical terminal. Failure to follow these precautions may result in personal injury and/or damage to the vehicle or its components.

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection (L26 - 3.8L) (Service and Repair)Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection (LS4 - 5.3L) (Service and Repair) .
2. Remove the air cleaner assembly. Refer to Air Cleaner Assembly Replacement (Service and Repair) .
3. Drain the cooling system. Refer to Cooling System Draining and Filling (L26 - 3.8L GE 47716 Fill) (Service and Repair)Cooling System Draining and Filling (L26 - 3.8L Static Fill) (Service and Repair) .
4. Remove the right and the left engine mount struts. Refer to Engine Mount Strut Replacement - Left Side (Service and Repair) and to Engine Mount Strut Replacement - Right Side (Service and Repair) .




5. Use J 38185 to remove the inlet hose clamp from the radiator.
6. Remove the inlet hose from the radiator.
7. Remove the PCM harness clip from the fan shroud.
8. Remove the transmission oil cooler lines from the retainer clip at the bottom of the cooling fan shroud.
9. Remove the fan shroud clip from the condenser tubes.




10. Remove the bolt that connects the fan shroud to the condenser hold down bracket.
11. Remove the air deflectors from the top of the radiator.




12. Remove the cooling fan shroud bolts.
13. Remove the coolant reservoir hose from the radiator overflow neck.




14. Remove the radiator upper support brackets and bolts that connect to the fan shroud.
15. Disconnect the engine cooling fan motors electrical connectors.
16. Remove the cooling fan motors electrical harness from the fan shroud clips.
17. Remove the cooling fan shroud.




18. Use J 38185 to remove the outlet hose clamp from the radiator.
19. Remove the outlet hose from the radiator.




20. Disconnect the transaxle oil cooler pipes from the radiator. Refer to Transmission Fluid Cooler Hose/Pipe Quick-Connect Fitting Disconnection and Connection (Service and Repair) .
21. Tilt the top of the radiator rearward.




22. Remove the condenser hold down bracket (1) from the radiator.
23. Lift the condenser from the mounting tabs on the radiator (2). Position the condenser aside.
24. Remove the radiator.



Installation Procedure





1. Install the radiator to the lower mounts.





Important: Verify that the condenser is fully seated in the radiator mounting tabs.


2. Install the condenser to the mounting tabs on the radiator (2).
3. Install the condenser hold down bracket (1) to the radiator and condenser.
4. Install the outlet hose to the radiator.
5. Use J 38185 to install the outlet hose clamp to the radiator.




6. Connect the transaxle oil cooler pipes to the radiator. Refer to Transmission Fluid Cooler Hose/Pipe Quick-Connect Fitting Disconnection and Connection (Service and Repair) .





Important: Ensure the lower edge of the fan shroud engages the clip at the bottom of the radiator.


7. Install the cooling fan shroud.
8. Install the cooling fan motors electrical harness to the fan shroud clips.
9. Connect the engine cooling fan motors electrical connectors.
10. Install the fan shroud clip to the condenser tubes.
11. Install the cooling fan shroud bolts.

Tighten the bolts to 10 N.m (89 lb in).





12. Install the radiator upper support brackets and bolts that connect to the fan shroud.

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





13. Install the air deflectors to the top of the radiator.
14. Install the bolt that connects the fan shroud to the condenser hold down bracket.

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

15. Install the PCM harness clip on to the fan shroud.
16. Install the inlet hose to the radiator.
17. Use J 38185 to install the inlet hose clamp to the radiator.
18. Install the air cleaner assembly. Refer to Air Cleaner Assembly Replacement (Service and Repair) .
19. Install the coolant reservoir hose to the radiator overflow neck.
20. Install the right and left engine mount struts. Refer to Engine Mount Strut Replacement - Right Side (Service and Repair) and to Engine Mount Strut Replacement - Left Side (Service and Repair) .
21. Install the transmission oil cooler lines to the retainer clip at the bottom of the cooling fan shroud.
22. Fill the cooling system. Refer to Cooling System Draining and Filling (L26 - 3.8L GE 47716 Fill) (Service and Repair)Cooling System Draining and Filling (L26 - 3.8L Static Fill) (Service and Repair) .
23. Connect the negative battery cable. Refer to Battery Negative Cable Disconnection and Connection (L26 - 3.8L) (Service and Repair) .

Notice: Do NOT overfill the transaxle. The overfilling of the transaxle causes foaming, loss of fluid, shift complaints, and possible damage to the transaxle.

24. Adjust the transaxle fluid level.