How to Install a 2001 Dodge Durango Radiator

The radiator is essential to any vehicle's cooling system, sending the heat from the engine and coolant out through the front of the vehicle. Installing a new radiator in your Dodge Durango truck means removing the old radiator from the engine compartment. Removing and installing the radiator from the 2001 Durango can be simple, but you still need to observe caution. This must be done when the car is completely cool, as hot engine coolant can be very dangerous.

Instructions

Removing the Old Radiator

1

Drain the engine coolant, loosening the drain fitting at the radiator with pliers and letting the coolant drain into a large container.

2

Loosen the hose clamps with pliers and disconnect the upper and lower radiator hoses from the radiator along with the hose to the radiator filler neck. Disconnect the cooler lines at the radiator's rear and plug them if the truck has automatic transmission.

3

Disconnect the electrical connector for the fan.

4

Unscrew and remove the two mounting bolts at the top ends of the radiator with a wrench and then lift the radiator out of the truck.

Installation

5

Inspect the condition of the radiator mounts and replace them if they are deteriorated.

6

Insert the radiator into the engine compartment and apply the mounting bolts with your wrench.

7

Connect the radiator electric fan's electrical connector.

8

Connect all the hoses to the radiator, including the upper and lower radiator hoses, the coolant reservoir hose and the automatic transmission cooler lines.

9

Fill the cooling system with a 50/50 mixture of antifreeze and water. Use the old coolant only if it is not dirty or contaminated.