Radiator: Service and Repair

REMOVAL

WARNING: Never open or disassemble any portion of the cooling system until the engine temperature has dropped to ambient air temperature. Engine coolant escaping under heat and resulting pressure can cause severe burns and blindness.

1. Disconnect the ground cable from the battery terminal.
2. Disconnect the fan motor connector.
3. Loosen the radiator drain plug to drain the coolant.





4. Disconnect the upper and lower hoses and overflow tube after making marks on the radiator hose and the hose clamp.
5. For vehicles with automatic transaxle, disconnect the oil cooler hoses from the automatic transaxle.

CAUTION: Cover or plug the hose and nipple part of the radiator so that dust, foreign materials, etc. do not enter after the hose has been disconnected from the radiator.





6. Remove the radiator mounting bolt.
7. Remove the radiator together with the fan motor.
8. Remove the radiator fan motor, condenser fan motor from the radiator.

INSPECTION
1. Check for foreign material between radiator fins.
2. Check the radiator fins for damage and straighten if necessary.
3. Check the radiator for corrosion, damage, rust or scale.
4. Check the radiator hoses for cracks, damage or deterioration.
5. Check the reserve tank for damage.
6. Check the automatic transaxle oil cooler hoses for cracking, damage or deterioration.

INSTALLATION
1. Fill the radiator and reservoir tank with clean coolant mixture.
2. Run the engine until the coolant has warmed up enough so that the thermostat valve opens, and then stop the engine.
3. Remove the radiator cap and pour the coolant to the filler neck of the radiator. Fill the reservoir tank with the coolant to the upper level.
4. Check that there is no leakage from the radiator, hoses or connections.