Radiator

Tiny
STEVERON1
  • MEMBER
  • 1999 DODGE CARAVAN
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 69,000 MILES
How do you remove and replace the radiator in the van?
Friday, October 9th, 2009 AT 11:30 AM

15 Replies

Tiny
JALOPYPAPA
  • MEMBER
  • 467 POSTS
Generally, they're all about the same: Drain radiator, remove hoses, remove transmission cooler lines (label upper and lower), remove any shroud, remove bolts and lift out. Slide new one in and replace components.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
-1
Friday, October 9th, 2009 AT 11:47 AM
Tiny
HEAVENBOUND
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1999 DODGE CARAVAN
  • 3.3L
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 303,000 MILES
I am trying to get my radiator out but seems to be welded to the condenser. Not really welded but looks like there is a bold in the front from the condenser to the radiator, I cant really see down there. Have you replaced a radiator on a 1999 before? Do I have to take the front bumper cover off. I see no other way to get to those two bolts. I may be looking at it wrong but something is still holding the radiator to the condenser and I cant figure it out. The part seems to be the same for 1996-1999 and it (radiator) has brackets on the front side, which seems to be my hold up, if that is what they are for. I cant seem to figure out how to get the bumper cover off either. Seems like a huge ordeal ffor what should be pretty simple process.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, January 5th, 2020 AT 6:28 PM (Merged)
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
Disconnect negative cable from battery.
Drain cooling system.
Remove air intake resonator.
Remove coolant reserve system tank to filler neck tube hose.
Disconnect fans from the connector located on the left side of the fan module.
Remove the coolant recovery system tank retaining screw from the upper radiator closure panel crossmember.
Disconnect the upper radiator closure panel crossmember.
Remove air cleaner assembly.
Disconnect inlet and outlet hoses from the radiator. Remove the lower hose clip from the fan module.
Remove A/C condenser fasteners and separate the condenser from the radiator. Verify the condenser is supported in position.
Remove A/C filter/drier mounting bracket, 2 bolts to the fan module, and 2 nuts to the filter/drier.
CAUTION: Care should be taken not to damage radiator cooling fins or water tubes during removal.

Radiator can now be lifted free from engine compartment.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, January 5th, 2020 AT 6:28 PM (Merged)
Tiny
CLEENMAN
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 1997 DODGE CARAVAN
  • 6 CYL
  • AWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 130,000 MILES
I have two quick questions.
#1 - How difficult is it to change the radiator in my 1997 Dodge Grand Caravan? (3.8 liter all wheel drive) I have what appears to be a crack in the side of the radiator just below the neck for the top hose. I was going to try some JB-Weld that says it works on radiators but was told by a friend that probably wouldn't work.
Dies it take about 2 hours to replace this and do I need to jack up the van to get to some of the parts to remove it?

#2 - I have had my oil pan gasket replaced and the oil was recently changed. However, when I am sitting at a light or turning into a parking spot and need to turn the wheel, the oil light comes on for a quick second and then goes off. I have plenty of oil in the van. What might be causing this?

Any advice would be helpful
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, January 5th, 2020 AT 6:28 PM (Merged)
Tiny
RACEFAN966
  • MECHANIC
  • 5,029 POSTS
Ok the radiator calls for 2.2 hrs to change so I would say in the driveway about 3.5 hrs or so. You need to drain the radiator and remove the upper hose the cooling fan and lower hose and remove the bolts that hold it on the top side and take it out. Now the oil light is probably the level sensor going bad.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, January 5th, 2020 AT 6:28 PM (Merged)
Tiny
SAYSAX
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1994 DODGE CARAVAN
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 156,000 MILES
I have a new engine (1200 miles or so) on my 1994 base model 2.5 liter Caravan, new hoses, etc.---- Hit a deer(sorry) and sustained some damage on the front--Needs radiator. I have the new radiator--Are there any step by step instructions on the net? I grew up a STM (shade tree mechanic) so I do my own brakes, etc. How hard is this? The engine compartment has LOTS of room because of the 2.5 motor--are there any instructions out there on the net?The Mitchell that 2carpros sells on the net ha NOTHING about it (found out AFTER I bought IT!
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
-1
Sunday, January 5th, 2020 AT 6:28 PM (Merged)
Tiny
BMRFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
  • 19,053 POSTS
Make sure the new radiator going to fit and no twisted and bent metal in the way
its usually easy to do
specially the engine was replaced recently

what you see is what need to be taken off
simple
disconnect hoses and tranny lines
fan
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
+1
Sunday, January 5th, 2020 AT 6:28 PM (Merged)
Tiny
MCCOY3
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1995 DODGE CARAVAN
Engine Cooling problem
1995 Dodge Caravan 6 cyl Automatic

Can you please tell me how much fluid this radiator will hold?
Also, is it possible to remove the anti-freeze coolant resivior to clean it out?
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, January 5th, 2020 AT 6:28 PM (Merged)
Tiny
BLUELIGHTNIN6
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,542 POSTS
Depends on your engine size but will be between 10 and 12 quarts of coolant. Yes you can remove the resevoir tank
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, January 5th, 2020 AT 6:28 PM (Merged)
Tiny
BONITA TURNER
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • DODGE CARAVAN
I have a 1996 Dodge Caravan with 55000 plus miles. The car is in the process of having the transmission rebuilt. The mechanic called me today and said that the radiator needs to be replaced as well. He said they tried to clean it but could not get all the particles out and if I do not replace it, it would damage the transmission. He said I had no choice, this had to be done. Is this correct.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, January 5th, 2020 AT 6:28 PM (Merged)
Tiny
NEW_TO_DODGE
  • MEMBER
  • 35 POSTS
I can't honestly say that I have ever heard of replacing the radiator because it may damage the transmission. I have had transmissions rebuilt in the past and have never had an issue with the radiator.

The only thing I can think of is if you have a transmission cooler they are talking about.

Good Luck
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, January 5th, 2020 AT 6:28 PM (Merged)
Tiny
CLEMENTNMELITTA
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1994 DODGE CARAVAN
Engine Cooling problem
1994 Dodge Caravan 4 cyl

How Do I know what size Radiator to get to replace the existing one
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, January 5th, 2020 AT 6:28 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JDL
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,098 POSTS
Hello, if your getting a new one, you tell the parts store, year- make- model- engine size. They look it up in their partsbook. If your going to get one at a salvage-yards, the better yards have catalogs. You could measure the height and width, mounting points on the old radiator and compare.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
-1
Sunday, January 5th, 2020 AT 6:28 PM (Merged)
Tiny
DODGEGONEIT
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 1989 DODGE CARAVAN
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 195,000 MILES
I need to replace the radiator and would like to know how to flush out the old water/antifreeze before I put the new radiator on.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, January 5th, 2020 AT 6:28 PM (Merged)
Tiny
BLUELIGHTNIN6
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,542 POSTS
Do this prior to removing old radiator.

Locate the radiator cap on the top of your radiator and remove it. This is normally located closest to you when facing your vehicle from the hood area, around the middle of your vehicle's width. To remove, most require that you push down on the cap while turning. Place this somewhere that it will not get lost.

Find the radiator drain. Under your vehicle, normally on the left side when facing the hood, is the drain for your radiator. This can be seen clearly by lying underneath and facing the front bumper of your car. On most cars, find a butterfly screw that is unscrewed by hand. Before unscrewing, place your drainage bucket underneath to catch the drainage. Now unscrew your drain and leave for a few minutes. Depending on the size of your radiator, it can take 2 to 5 minutes to drain completely.

Re-screw the butterfly screw underneath your vehicle in the opposite direction as you unscrewed it. Place the funnel inside the mouth of your radiator. Fill your pitcher with water, and refill your radiator through the funnel. Remove the funnel and replace the cap. Run your engine until it reaches normal operating temperature, then shut it back off. Allow your vehicle to cool for about a half an hour. Dispose of the drainage as your local laws require.

Unscrew the radiator cap again, and put it in a place where it will not get lost. Replace the drainage bucket underneath your radiator drain plug under the left side of your vehicle if you are facing the hood. Unscrew the butterfly screw again, and allow your radiator to drain completely. This will again take anywhere from 2 to 5 minutes depending on your radiator size.

Replace the butterfly screw as soon as you have removed the drainage bucket. Dispose of your drainage again as your laws require. Replace the funnel in the mouth of your radiator. Open and pour the first gallon of coolant into the funnel. Once this is in, you will hear gurgles. Turn your engine on so that the coolant circulates through the system and gets rid of any air bubbles in the lines. Continue pouring the second gallon into your radiator until it is full. Check fullness by removing the funnel and looking straight into your radiator mouth. You should see a green fluid close to the upper neck of your radiator when it is full.

Replace the radiator cap when it is full. Go over to the side of your vehicle where the reservoir is located for your overflow of coolant. Pull the lid up and away, and pour the remainder of your coolant into the reservoir until it reaches the fill line drawn on the side. Replace the lid. You have just flushed and replaced your engine coolant.
Was this
answer
helpful?
Yes
No
Sunday, January 5th, 2020 AT 6:28 PM (Merged)

Please login or register to post a reply.

Sponsored links