Attention! Do not proceed with the procedures until the engine has completely cooled down. See also the warning at the beginning of the Section Antifreeze - general information.
Expansion tank
1. The expansion tank of the cooling system is located near the radiator in the right front (4-cylinder models) or right front (V6 models) corner of the engine compartment (next to the battery).
2. Run the overflow hose from the radiator neck to the top of the expansion tank. Remove the cover together with the hose connected to it. Remove the tank by pulling it vertically up and out of the support bracket.
3. Drain the coolant from the expansion tank into the prepared container.
4. Rinse the tank, wipe the outside and check for cracks or other damage. Replace if necessary. The level of the liquid inside the tank should be easily read through the translucent walls.
5. Installation is carried out in the reverse order.
Radiator
Withdrawal
1. Disconnect the negative cable from the battery.
Attention! If the stereo system installed in the car is equipped with a security code, before disconnecting the battery, make sure that you have the correct combination to activate the audio system!
2. Apply the parking brake and chock the rear wheels. Jack up the front of the car and place it on jack stands. If equipped, remove the radiator splash screen.
3. Empty the cooling system (see chapter Settings and ongoing maintenance). If the coolant was recently changed, keep it for future reference (see warning in Section Antifreeze - general information).
4. On models with AT, disconnect the lines of the ATF cooling path from the radiator (see accompanying illustration). Prepare to collect spillage by capping open ends of tubing and fittings immediately.
5. Disconnect the cooling fan wiring connector (see Section Checking the condition of the cooling system fans and their switching circuits; fan replacement).
6. Release the clamps and disconnect both (upper and lower) hoses. If the hoses "stuck" to the connecting pipes, use tongs or a knife (with the subsequent replacement of hoses). Disconnect also the hose going to a broad tank.
7. Remove fans (see Section Checking the condition of the cooling system fans and their switching circuits; fan replacement).
8. Loosen and remove the small brackets securing the upper edge of the radiator to the carrier beam.
9. Carefully remove the radiator from the engine compartment. Be careful not to spill coolant on painted body panels or cut your fingers on sharp heat exchanger plates.
10. Once removed from the vehicle, the radiator can be inspected for signs of leaks, damage, or abnormalities in the internal patency of the heat exchanger. Any repairs should be carried out only in a specialized workshop using the necessary equipment.
11. The remains of insects and vegetation can be removed from the space between the heat exchanger plates by blowing with compressed air (don't forget to wear safety goggles!), or scrubbing with a soft brush. Take care not to bend the thin heat exchanger plates or cut your fingers on them.
12. Check up a condition of rubber support of a radiator, in case of need make replacement of the failed components.
Installation
1. Installation is carried out in the reverse order. Make sure the radiator is properly positioned on its supports.
2. Upon completion of installation, fill the system with the correct composition of the coolant (see chapter Settings and ongoing maintenance), if necessary, release air plugs from the tract through a special outlet valve.
3. Start the engine and check for signs of leaks. Warm up the engine to normal operating temperature (both radiator hoses should feel hot to the touch). Check the coolant level, top up if necessary.
4. On models with AT, check the ATF level, top up if necessary.