Yes I am a woman and that is why I am asking a question that you most of you already know the answer to. I have replaced several parts on different cars in the past but never a radiator. I have the repair manual for my dodge grand caravan but figured there has to be an easier way to remove a radiator. If anyone can give me simple instructions on how to do this I would greatly appreciate it.
Thank You
RickMN
08-17-2007, 11:05 PM
What year is your van?
XDGT03
08-18-2007, 08:59 AM
REMOVAL
1. Disconnect negative cable from battery. WARNING: DO NOT REMOVE THE CYLINDER BLOCK PLUG OR THE RADIATOR DRAINCOCK WITH THE SYSTEM HOT AND UNDER PRESSURE BECAUSE SERIOUS BURNS FROM COOLANT CAN OCCUR.
2. Drain cooling system.
3. Remove air intake resonator.
4. Remove coolant reserve/recovery system container to filler neck tube hose.
5. Disconnect electrical connector from cooling fans. Connector is located on the left side of the fan module.
6. Remove the Coolant Recovery System (CRS) container retaining screw from the upper radiator closure panel crossmember.
7. Disconnect the upper radiator mounting screws from the crossmember.
8. Disconnect the engine block heater wire, if equipped.
9. Remove the upper radiator closure panel crossmember.
10. Remove air cleaner assembly.
11. Disconnect automatic transmission oil cooler lines at radiator. Plug cooling lines to prevent excessive spillage.
12. Disconnect coolant inlet and outlet hoses from the radiator. Remove the lower hose clip from the fan module.
13. Remove A/C condenser fasteners and separate the condenser from the radiator. Verify the condenser is supported in position.
14. Remove A/C filter/dryer mounting bracket, two bolts to the fan module, and two nuts to the filter/dryer.
15. Radiator can now be lifted free from engine compartment. Care should be taken not to damage radiator cooling fins or water tubes during removal.
stephanie0125
08-18-2007, 01:37 PM
its a 97....
RickMN
08-18-2007, 03:52 PM
It comes out the top. But first you have to remove the radiator support cross member. To do that, you have to remove the bolts holding the top radiator support and the electric fans.
The hardest part of this job is removing the front grille to get access to the bolts that hold the A/C condenser to the front of the radiator. Once that it off, the rest of it is fairly easy.
Rick
joe wilkerson
08-20-2007, 11:03 PM
Don't forget to check prices online at www1800radiators( or something close to that) . The last three units I got from them were very reasonable. 82 lincoln, 88 nissan, and one other and all were under $130 delivered to my door the next day. I checked Kragen Auto Parts and they were always almost twice the online price.........
