How to Take the Radiator Off a 2000 GMC Sonoma

The radiator on a 2000 GMC Sonoma works by flowing fresh air from outside of the engine bay over the hot engine water, drastically cooling it. When this process can not occur properly because of a damaged or dirty radiator, the engine will overheat, which will leave your truck inoperable. Before you can fix your radiator, you will first have to take it out of the engine bay, making it much easier for you to work on the part.

Instructions

1

Drain all the fluid from the cooling system. To do this, get underneath the truck and unscrew the radiator drain plug, which is at the center of the bottom of the radiator.

2

Disconnect the hoses on the bottom of the radiator by squeezing together the tabs on the hose clamps and pulling them three inches down the hose. Pull the hoses off the radiator.

3

Remove the large radiator hose at the top of the radiator by squeezing together the tabs on the hose clamp and pulling it down three inches of the hose. Pull the hose off the radiator.

4

Remove the radiator mounting bolts on the top corners of the radiator using a socket wrench. These bolts will be clearly visible above the radiator, on both sides.

5

Lift the radiator out of the engine bay slowly, stopping to disconnect the fan wiring harnesses when they are accessible, then remove the radiator. To remove the wiring harnesses simply depress the tabs and then pull out the harness.