GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Radiator Replacement LA1

Tools Required

    • J 38185 Hose Clamp Pliers
    • J 39400-A Halogen Leak Detector

Removal Procedure

  1. Recover the refrigerant from the A/C system. Refer to Refrigerant Recovery and Recharging in Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning.
  2. Drain the cooling system. Refer to Cooling System Draining and Filling .
  3. Remove the cooling fans with the cooling fan shroud. Refer to Engine Cooling Fan Replacement .

  4. Object Number: 825403  Size: SH
  5. Reposition the hose clamp at the water pump housing using the J 38185 .
  6. Disconnect the radiator outlet hose from the water pump housing.
  7. Raise the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
  8. Reposition the hose clamp at the radiator using the J 38185 .
  9. Disconnect the radiator outlet hose from the radiator.
  10. Remove the radiator outlet hose.
  11. Disconnect the lower TOC line from the radiator. Refer to Transmission Fluid Cooler Hose/Pipe Quick-Connect Fitting Disconnection and Connection in Automatic Transaxle - 4T65-E.
  12. Lower the vehicle.

  13. Object Number: 628885  Size: SH
  14. Remove the nut which secures the A/C discharge hose to the condenser block.
  15. Disconnect the A/C discharge hose from the condenser block.
  16. Remove and discard the sealing washer.
  17. Important: Cap or tape off the open A/C hose immediately to prevent system contamination.

  18. Cap or tape off the A/C discharge hose.

  19. Object Number: 825404  Size: SH
  20. Remove the bolt which secures the evaporator inlet tube to the condenser block.
  21. Disconnect the evaporator inlet tube from the condenser block.
  22. Cap or tape off the evaporator inlet tube.

  23. Object Number: 825405  Size: SH
  24. Remove the radiator and condenser assembly.
  25. Remove the condenser tube clip bolt.
  26. Remove the condenser mounting bolts.
  27. Remove the condenser from the radiator.

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 825405  Size: SH
  1. Install the condenser to the radiator.
  2. Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

  3. Install the mounting bolts that secure the condenser to the radiator.
  4. Tighten
    Tighten the bolts to 6 N·m (53 lb in).

  5. Install the condenser tube clip bolt.
  6. Tighten
    Tighten the bolt to 2.5 N·m (22 lb in).

  7. Install the radiator and condenser assembly.
  8. Remove the cap or the tape from the evaporator inlet tube.
  9. Install a new seal washer to the evaporator inlet tube. Refer to Sealing Washer Replacement .

  10. Object Number: 825404  Size: SH
  11. Install the evaporator inlet tube and the bolt to the condenser block.
  12. Tighten
    Tighten bolt to 16 N·m (12 lb ft).

  13. Remove the cap or the tape from the A/C discharge hose.
  14. Install a new sealing washer to the A/C discharge hose. Refer to Sealing Washer Replacement .

  15. Object Number: 628885  Size: SH
  16. Install the A/C discharge hose and the nut to the condenser block.
  17. Tighten
    Tighten the nut to 16 N·m (12 lb ft).

  18. Raise the vehicle.
  19. Connect the lower TOC line to the radiator. Refer to Transmission Fluid Cooler Hose/Pipe Quick-Connect Fitting Disconnection and Connection in Automatic Transaxle - 4T65-E.

  20. Object Number: 825403  Size: SH
  21. Install the radiator outlet hose.
  22. Connect the radiator outlet hose to the radiator.
  23. Reposition the hose clamp at the radiator to secure the hose using the J 38185 .
  24. Lower the vehicle.
  25. Connect the radiator outlet hose to the water pump housing.
  26. Reposition the hose clamp at the water pump housing to secure the hose using the J 38185 .
  27. Install the cooling fans with the cooling fan shroud. Refer to Engine Cooling Fan Replacement .
  28. Fill the cooling system. Refer to Cooling System Draining and Filling .
  29. Evacuate and recharge the A/C system. Refer to Refrigerant Recovery and Recharging in Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning.
  30. Leak test the fittings of the component using the J 39400-A .
  31. Inspect the transmission fluid level. Refer to Transmission Fluid Check in Automatic Transaxle - 4T65-E.