How to Replace a Radiator in a Honda CR-V

The radiator in your Honda CR-V keeps the engine from overheating. If the radiator is damaged or worn out, you should replace it immediately because running your Honda with a damaged or leaky radiator can eventually cause expensive engine damage. If your CR-V needs a new radiator, you may be able to replace it yourself. Here's how to replace the radiator in the 1996 to 2001 model Honda CR-V.

Instructions

1

Reconnect the negative battery cable, and be sure the ignition is in the "Off" or ":ock" position before beginning. Unscrew the plug on the bottom of the radiator pan and drain the fluids into a resealable container.

2

Remove the upper radiator hose and lower radiator hose. This is a great time to check the hoses, and if they're worn, replace them. If your Honda CR-V has an automatic transmission, remove the automatic transmission cooler hoses.

3

Unhook the fan motor and remove the upper radiator brackets and carefully pull the radiator up and out of the engine compartment.

4

Take off the fan shroud and other parts connected to the radiator and hook them up to the new radiator.

5

Install the new radiator and seat it securely on the pads. Reconnect the other components in the reverse order in which they were removed. Reconnect the negative battery cable.

6

Fill the radiator with a mixture of half engine coolant and half distilled water.

7

Start the engine and let it run for a few minutes with the radiator cap off to bleed the air out of the system. Turn the engine off and top off the radiator with the coolant mixture.