How to Remove a Radiator From a PT Cruiser
by Carl Pruit
Occasionally, you will need to replace the radiator of your Chrysler PT Cruiser due to the radiator malfunctioning or just wearing out, preventing the engine from cooling properly. Removing the radiator of the PT Cruiser is fairly simple to do. You can remove the radiator in about 3 or 4 hours and have it ready to install a new radiator.
Step 1
Detach the air intake hose from the air cleaner of the PT Cruiser by pulling the hose straight out by hand.
Step 2
Take the air cleaner housing off the top of the engine by removing the nut with a pair of pliers.
Step 3
Disconnect the positive and negative battery cables from the car's battery with an open-ended wrench and lift the battery out of the engine compartment, setting it out of the way.
Step 4
Locate the drain valve cock on the bottom of the radiator, and place a drain pan underneath the valve.
Step 5
Remove the radiator cap from the top of the radiator by turning the cap by hand and lifting it off. Take the cap off the coolant overflow tank the same way.
Step 6
Turn the drain valve on the bottom of the radiator with the open-ended wrench and allow the fluid to drain into the drain pan.
Step 7
Locate the transmission coolant lines next to the drain valve and loosen the lines with the open-ended wrench, allowing the coolant to drain into the pan.
Step 8
Disconnect the electrical plug of the radiator cooling fan by pulling the electrical connector away from the fan by hand.
Step 9
Locate the upper and lower radiator hoses and unscrew the screw clamps with a screwdriver, then disconnect the hoses from the radiator.
Step 10
Detach the bolts that are holding the fan blade shroud from around the fan blade with a socket wrench and remove the shroud.
Step 11
Locate the transmission oil cooler lines that are attached to the radiator and remove the fasteners with a pair of pliers.
Step 12
Find the cross members that are holding the radiator in place and use a socket wrench to remove the cross members.
Step 13
Locate and unfasten all bolts that are holding the radiator to the vehicle frame and lift the radiator out of the engine compartment of the Chrysler PT Cruiser.
Things You'll Need
- Pliers
- Open-ended wrench
- rain pan
- Screwdriver
- Socket wrench set
Warnings
- Let the engine cool down before trying to take the cap off the radiator.
Writer Bio
Carl Pruit has been a freelance writer since 2005, specializing in service journalism and travel. His work has appeared on various websites. Born and raised in California, Pruit attended Contra Costa Community College in San Pablo, Calif. and received an associate degree in the administration of justice.
