How to Replace a Radiator in an Oldsmobile Alero

How to Replace a Radiator in an Oldsmobile Alero. If you need to replace the radiator on your Oldsmobile Alero, you may be able to do it yourself if you have mechanical experience. However, if your Alero is equipped with air conditioning, Oldsmobile advises that you take the vehicle to a certified technician as replacing the radiator means recovering the A/C system.

Things You'll Need:

• Resealable container
• Replacement radiator hoses, if necessary
• Replacement radiator
• Engine coolant
• Water

1. Turn the car off and leave the ignition in the off or lock position

Turn the car off and leave the ignition in the off or lock position before beginning the process of removing the radiator, and disconnect the negative battery cable. Remove the battery and the battery tray.

2. Drain the coolant into a resealable container

Drain the coolant into a resealable container, and remove the upper radiator hose, upper transaxle cooler line, coolant surge tank hose, condenser inlet fitting and cooling fan electrical connection.

3. Raise the vehicle with jacks and remove the lower closeout panel

Raise the vehicle with jacks and remove the lower closeout panel, lower radiator hose, lower transaxle cooler line, evaporator line, and lower radiator mounting panel.

4. Remove the radiator from the vehicle

Remove the radiator from the vehicle, and take off the fan and condenser. Unhook the condenser and fan shroud from the radiator.

5. Install the fan shroud and condenser on the new radiator and tighten the bolts according to specifications

Install the fan shroud and condenser on the new radiator and tighten the bolts according to specifications. Install the radiator assembly and the radiator mounting panel, and tighten the bolts according to specifications.

6. Reconnect the lower radiator hose and the lower panel

Reconnect the lower radiator hose and the lower panel. Lower the vehicle with the jack and install the cooling fan connection, and the lower transaxle cooler line, tightening the bolts according to specifications. Connect the condenser inlet to the discharge hose and install the coolant hose and upper transaxle cooler line.

7. Attach the upper radiator hose

Attach the upper radiator hose. Fill the radiator with a mixture of half engine coolant and half water, and check the level to make sure you've added the correct amount. Install the battery tray and battery, and reattach the negative battery cable.

Tips and Warnings

Engine coolant can be reused if it isn't old or contaminated. However, if you choose not to reuse it, take it to a garage or a hazardous waste facility for proper disposal.

Be sure to keep engine coolant in a sealed container out of the reach of children and pets, and if any is spilled, clean it up immediately. Remember that cats and dogs are attracted to antifreeze, which can be fatal if ingested. To avoid scalds, wear gloves and protective clothing, and always be sure the engine is cool before replacing the radiator.

Video showing how to replace a radiator:

Helpful comments on this video:

• Dude. This was amazing!
• First ever repair job on my car and it went smoothly, with replacing my radiator. I’ve been following your channel for a while but finally put the knowledge I learned to good use. Thanks for saving me a ton of money, and learning a new skill in life