Warning 1: The air conditioning system is under high pressure. Do not loosen couplings or remove components without first discharging the system when contacting a branded or specialized service station. Disconnecting the air conditioning system couplings should be done while wearing safety glasses or a mask.
Warning 2: Before proceeding with this procedure, you should wait until the engine has completely cooled down.
Note: the vehicles described use spring radiator hose clamps. If you decide to continue using the hoses, before securing them with spring clamps, make sure that the surface of the hose located on the nozzle is clean and dry. Do not secure replacement hoses with spring clamps - replace them with worm-type fasteners.
1. If the procedure is performed on a car without additional (rear) air conditioning system, drain the refrigerant (see Warning at the beginning of this subsection).
2. Disconnect the negative cable from the battery.
3. Drain the coolant from the system (see chapter 1), then remove the fan along with the casing and drive coupling (see subsection 5).
4. Raise the vehicle and install vertical supports.
5. Disconnect the lower hose from the radiator.
6. If necessary, remove the radiator bracket shield.
7. Disconnect the transmission cooling lines from the radiator (see illustration). First you need to disconnect the plastic ring, then remove the clamp and disconnect the quick release coupling. Once disconnected, plug the lines to prevent coolant from leaking out. A suitable container must be prepared to catch any spilled liquid. Before subsequent installation, it is necessary to inspect the O-rings of the transmission cooling lines.
6.7. Typically, to disconnect the transmission coolant line quick release coupling, you will need to disconnect the plastic ring and remove the clamp
Note: Do not remove the coupling clamp by simply pulling it out. Holding one side with your fingers, grab the outer edge with tweezers (with curved tips) and remove the clamp using a rotating motion. The clamp is installed using a similar method, without direct pressing.
8. Lower the vehicle onto the supporting surface.
9. Remove the radiator support jumper (see illustration) and a coolant hose connected to the expansion tank.
6.9. Radiator support jumper fasteners
10. Detach the side panels and remove the radiator.
Note: On models without rear air conditioning, the condenser is removed along with the radiator. The separation of the elements occurs when the capacitor bracket bolts are unscrewed.
11. Before installing the radiator, if necessary, replace damaged hoses and clamps.
12. The radiator is installed in the reverse order of removal. After installation, make sure that the radiator is securely seated in the lower seats, as well as that the upper brackets are securely fastened. Before connecting the transmission cooling lines, install the clamps into the quick release couplings, then secure the lines with the couplings. Don't forget to secure the coupling clamps with plastic rings.
Note: If the plastic rings do not connect easily to the couplings, the assembly has not been done correctly.
13. After installation, charge the cooling system (see chapter 1) and check the engine oil and automatic transmission fluid levels.
14.If the car is not equipped with a rear air conditioning system, contact a specialized station to charge the system with refrigerant.