Disconnect the cable from the negative battery terminal. If the radio in your vehicle is equipped with an anti-theft system, make sure you have the correct activation code before disconnecting the battery. Set the parking brake and block the rear wheels. Raise the front of the vehicle and support it securely on jackstands. Remove the splash pan beneath the radiator. Drain the cooling system. If the coolant is relatively new or in good condition, save it and reuse it. If the vehicle is equipped with an automatic transaxle, disconnect the cooler lines from the radiator. Use a drip pan to catch spilled fluid and plug the lines and fittings. Disconnect the electrical connector for the cooling fan motor. Loosen the hose clamps, then detach the radiator hoses from the fittings. If they're stuck, grasp each hose near the end with a pair of slip joint pliers and twist it to break the seal, then pull it off - be careful not to damage the radiator fittings! If the hoses are old or deteriorated, cut them off and install new ones. Remove the engine cooling fan. Unbolt and remove the small brackets that attach the upper end of the radiator to the radiator support. Carefully lift out the radiator. Don't spill coolant on the vehicle or scratch the paint. Inspect the radiator for leaks and damage. If it needs repair, have a radiator shop or dealer service department perform the work as special techniques are required. Bugs and dirt can be removed from the radiator by spraying with a garden hose from the back side. Check the radiator mounts for deterioration and replace if necessary. Installation is the reverse of the removal procedure. Guide the radiator into the mounts until they seat properly. After installation, fill the cooling system with the proper mixture of antifreeze and water. Start the engine and check for leaks. Allow the engine to reach normal operating temperature, indicated by the upper radiator hose becoming hot. Recheck the coolant level and add more if required. If you're working on an automatic transaxle equipped vehicle, check and add fluid as needed.
