GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Radiator Replacement Gasoline Engines

Removal Procedure

    Caution: Refer to Battery Disconnect Caution in the Preface section.


    Object Number: 1291128  Size: SH
  1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
  2. Drain the engine cooling system. Refer to Cooling System Draining and Filling .
  3. Remove the main and the auxiliary cooling fans. Refer to Engine Cooling Fan Replacement .
  4. Remove the upper radiator retaining bolt.
  5. Remove the upper radiator retaining bracket.
  6. Remove the upper radiator hose clamp.
  7. Disconnect the upper radiator hose from the radiator.

  8. Object Number: 1291137  Size: SH
  9. Remove the hose clamp from the surge tank hose at the radiator.
  10. Disconnect the surge tank hose from the radiator.
  11. Remove the lower radiator hose clamp.
  12. Disconnect the lower radiator hose from the radiator.
  13. Disconnect the transaxle cooler pipes from the lower radiator tank, if equipped.
  14. Remove the bolt and the transaxle pipe support clamp from the radiator.
  15. Important: The radiator still contains a substantial amount of coolant. Drain the remainder of the coolant from the radiator into a drain pan.

  16. Remove the radiator from the vehicle.

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 1291137  Size: SH
  1. Set the radiator into place in the vehicle with the radiator bottom posts in the rubber shock bumpers.

  2. Object Number: 1291128  Size: SH
  3. Connect the transaxle cooler pipes to the lower radiator tank, if equipped.
  4. Install the transaxle pipe and support clamp to the radiator with a bolt.
  5. Connect the surge tank hose to the radiator.
  6. Secure the surge tank hose with a hose clamp.
  7. Connect the upper radiator hose and the lower radiator hose to the radiator.
  8. Secure each hose with a hose clamp.
  9. Position the radiator retainers in place.
  10. Install the upper radiator retainer bracket.
  11. Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in the Preface section.

  12. Install the upper radiator retaining bolt.
  13. Tighten
    Tighten the radiator retaining bolt to 8 N·m (71 lb in).

  14. Install the main and the auxiliary cooling fans. Refer to Engine Cooling Fan Replacement .
  15. Refill the engine cooling system. Refer to Cooling System Draining and Filling .
  16. Connect the negative battery cable.