How to Remove the Radiator from a 2000 Dodge Caravan

The radiator on a 2000 Dodge Caravan takes the coolant circulating through the engine and cools it down to a manageable temperature for the engine. If the radiator gets damaged or is old enough that it's corroded from the inside out, then it won't be able to do its job and the engine could overheat. Although it's a fairly involved process, the radiator can be removed in a few hours.

Instructions

1

Allow the engine to cool completely prior to working on the car. Place a drain pan underneath the radiator. Crawl underneath the van and locate the white petcock at the base of the radiator. Loosen it using your hands and allow the coolant to pour out into the pan and then open the radiator cap at the top of the radiator using your hands.

2

Remove the air intake tubing using the flathead screwdriver and set it to the side. Then mark the perimeter of the hood latch with a paint marker. Unbolt the latch from the upper radiator support using the 3/8-inch ratchet and socket. When it comes time to reassemble the engine, align the latch with the marks you made with the paint marker to ensure proper alignment with the hood.

3

Remove the overflow tank hose using a flathead screwdriver. Unbolt the overflow tank from the upper radiator crossmember. Then unplug the electrical fan on the backside of the radiator using your hands. Unbolt the radiator from the upper radiator crossmember using the 3/8-inch ratchet and socket, then lift the upper radiator crossmember out of the engine compartment.

4

Remove the automatic transmission cooler lines from the side of the radiator using a line wrench. Unscrew the hose clamps on the upper and lower radiator hoses using the flathead screwdriver, then pull the hoses off of the radiator and tilt them down toward the drain pan. Unbolt the air conditioning condenser from the front of the radiator using the 3/8-inch ratchet and socket, as well as the air conditioning filter/dryer. Then lift the radiator out of the engine bay, tilting it slightly toward the engine and making sure you don't bump it into anything.