Note. Wait until the engine has completely cooled down before starting this procedure.
Disassembly
1. Disconnect the wire from the negative battery terminal.
2. Drain the liquid from the cooling system (see chapter 1, section 29). If the coolant is relatively fresh, save it for later use.
3. Remove the rear fan (see section 4). On vehicles with a 3.8L engine, also remove the air filter intake (see chapter 4, section 8).
4. To remove the radiator, follow the steps shown in the series of photographs, pay attention to each signature.
5.4a. Unscrewing the bolts (indicated by arrows), disconnect the bracket on the radiator support | 5.4b. Loosen the bolt securing the rubber bushing and unscrew the radiator bracket |
5.4c. Loosen the radiator hose clamps and remove the upper and lower radiator hoses. Use a spill tray. If the hoses "stuck" to the pipes, grab the hose near the end with pliers and twist to break the seal, but be careful not to deform the radiator pipe | 5.4g Using a special wrench (if available), disconnect the pipelines (one of them is indicated by an arrow) from the top... |
5.4d....and bottom corners of the radiator (plug holes to prevent excessive liquid splashing and contamination) | 5.4f. Disconnect the expansion tank hose from the radiator neck |
5.4g. Plug or cap pipes and fittings to prevent spillage of coolant or hydraulic fluid when removing the radiator | 5.4z. Loosen the bolts from the radiator mounting panels (indicated by arrows),... |
5.4i....then remove the mounting panel and carefully lift the heatsink up. Be careful not to spill coolant on the vehicle or scratch the paintwork. Be careful not to dislodge or loosen the bottom cushions
5. When the radiator is removed, it can be checked for leaks and damage. If it needs to be repaired, have the work done by a specialized radiator repair shop or a maintenance shop, as this requires special tools.
6. Dirt and insect debris can be removed from the radiator using compressed air or a soft brush. Do not bend the heatsink fins when performing this procedure.
7. Check for frayed heatsink mounts, and when installing the heatsink, make sure nothing gets caught in the mounts.
Installation
8. Assembly is carried out in the reverse order.
9. After installation, fill the cooling system (see section 2 and chapter 1, section 4). Don't forget to bleed the system (chapter 1, section 29).
10. Start the engine and check for leaks. Allow the engine to warm up to normal operating temperature as indicated by warming of the upper radiator hose (it will get hot). Recheck the coolant level and top up if necessary.
11. Check and, if necessary, add hydraulic fluid to the gearbox (see chapter 1, section 6).