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.

Instructions

1

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, 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, lower radiator hose, lower transaxle cooler line, evaporator line, and lower radiator mounting panel.

4

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 radiator assembly and the radiator mounting panel, and tighten the bolts according to specifications.

6

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. 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.