Contents: Removal ⇊ Expansion tank ⇊
Warning! Do not proceed with the procedures until the engine has cooled down completely. See also warning at the beginning Antifreeze - general information.
Removal
Radiator
1. Disconnect the negative cable from the battery.
Warning! If the car stereo system is equipped with a security code, make sure you have the correct combination to activate the audio system before disconnecting the battery!
2. Set the parking brake and support the rear wheels with wheel chocks. Jack up the front of the vehicle and place it on supports. If so equipped, remove the radiator splash shield.
3. Drain the cooling system (see Chapter Routine maintenance). If the coolant has been changed recently, save it for future use.
4. On models with AT, disconnect the ATF cooling lines from the radiator. Be prepared to collect any spilled fluid.
5. Disconnect the fan wiring connector.
6a. Loosen the clamps and disconnect the upper hose from the radiator (see accompanying illustrations).
6b. Disconnect the lower hose from the radiator. If the hoses are "stuck" to the connecting pipes, use pliers or a knife (with subsequent replacement of hoses).
7. Remove the fan (see Checking the condition of the cooling system fan and its switching circuit; fan replacement).
8. Unbolt and remove the small brackets securing the top edge of the radiator to the support beam (see accompanying illustration).
9. Carefully remove the radiator from the engine compartment. Be careful not to spill coolant on painted body panels and do not cut your fingers on the sharp fins of the heat exchanger.
10. After removal, the radiator can be checked for signs of leaks, damage and violations of the internal permeability of the heat exchanger. Any repairs should be carried out only in a specialized workshop using the necessary equipment.
11. Remains of insects and vegetation can be removed from the space between the heat exchanger plates by blowing with compressed air or by cleaning with a soft brush. Try not to bend the thin heat exchanger plates or cut your fingers on them.
Attention! Don't forget to wear safety glasses!
12. Check the condition of the radiator rubber supports; replace if necessary.
Installation
1. Installation is carried out in the reverse order. Make sure that the rubber pads of the lower part of the radiator are correctly positioned.
2. After installation is complete, fill the system with a mixture of antifreeze and water of the required composition (see Chapter Routine maintenance).
3. Start the engine and check for signs of leaks. Warm the engine up to normal operating temperature (both radiator hoses should be hot to the touch). Check the coolant level and add the appropriate amount of mixture if necessary.
4. On models with AT, check the ATF level and top up if necessary.
Expansion tank
1. The expansion tank of the cooling system is located near the radiator in the right front corner of the engine compartment.
2. Follow the overflow hose from the radiator filler neck to the top of the expansion tank. Remove the cap with the hose attached to it. Remove the tank by pulling it straight up and freeing it from the support brackets.
3. Drain the coolant from the expansion tank into the prepared container.
4. Rinse the tank and check it for cracks and other damage. Replace it if necessary. Wash the outside of the tank with warm water and soap and a brush - the level of the liquid inside should be easy to read through the translucent walls.
5. Installation is carried out in reverse order.