How to Remove a Radiator in a 2000 Pontiac Sunfire

by Chris Moore

Removing the radiator from a 2000 Pontiac Sunfire is not the easiest task. The radiator on this model is mounted and connected to the air conditioning condenser. It is possible to remove the radiator from the car without directly working on the compressor or air conditioning system, meaning you won't need to have the AC system professionally discharged first. Due to the high temperature the engine coolant can reach, you need to perform this when the car is completely cool.

Step 1

Disconnect the car's negative battery cable.

Step 2

Raise the car and support it on jack stands. Unbolt and remove the splash shield using a wrench (likely a Torx wrench).

Step 3

Open the screw-like drain petcock from the bottom of the radiator and let the engine coolant drain into a drain pan or other large container.

Step 4

Detach the upper transmission cooler line, using a wrench on the fittings if needed, and plug the lines with rubber. Disconnect the upper radiator hose and the overflow hose from the radiator.

Step 5

Tie a piece of mechanic's wire or other strong wire to the air conditioning condenser to support it.

Step 6

Remove the mounting bolt for the cooling fan with your wrench. Disconnect the electrical connector and remove the fan from out the bottom of the car.

Step 7

Disconnect the lower radiator hose from the radiator followed by the lower transmission cooler line. Remove the suspension support arm's front bolt, loosen its rear bolt and swing the arm out of the way.

Step 8

Remove the retaining clips on the radiator support bar for both the wire harness and the splash shield. Unbolt and remove the support bar with the wrench, then have an assistant support the radiator as you remove the bolts connecting it to the condenser.