Installation Procedure

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Chevrolet Monte Carlo and 2003 Chevrolet Impala. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Fig 1: Removing/Installing Radiator Hoses To/From Radiator

GM455227

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Install the radiator to the lower mounts.

Fig 2: Transaxle Oil Cooler Pipes

GM161040

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Install the transaxle oil cooler pipes.

Fig 3: Identifying Improper Engine Oil Cooler Hose/Pipe Retaining Ring Installation

GM104741

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

IMPORTANT: Do NOT push the new retaining ring onto the fitting. This will bend the retaining ring.

Install a NEW retaining ring onto the fitting.

Fig 4: Hooking Retaining Ring Into Quick Connect Fitting

GM104743

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Hook one of the open ends of the retaining ring into one of the slots in the quick connect fitting.

Fig 5: Rotating Retaining Ring Around Fitting

GM104746

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Rotate the retaining ring around the fitting until the retaining ring is positioned with all 3 ears through the 3 slots on the fitting.

Fig 6: Ensuring Retaining Ring Is Seated Correctly

GM104664

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Ensure that the three retaining ring ears are seen from inside the fitting and that the retaining ring moves freely in the fitting slots.

Fig 7: Cooler Line & Quick Connect Fitting

GM104740

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Install the transaxle oil cooler pipes into the radiator quick connect fitting.

Fig 8: View Of Cooler Line Quick Connect Fitting

GM104752

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Insert the ends of the pipe into the quick connect fitting until you hear or feel a click.

Fig 9: Do Not Use Plastic Cap On Cooler Line In Order To Install Cooler Line Into The Fitting

GM104750

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

IMPORTANT: Do not use the plastic cap on the transaxle oil cooler pipe in order to install the transaxle oil cooler pipe into the fitting.

Pull back sharply on the pipe in order to ensure that the pipe is fastened into the quick connect fitting.

Fig 10: View Of Cooler Line & Plastic Cap

GM104753

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Position the plastic cap onto the fitting. Do not manually depress the retaining ring when installing the plastic cap onto the quick connect fitting.
Fully seat the plastic cap against the fitting.

Fig 11: Checking For Gap Between Cap & Fitting

GM104754

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Allow no gap between the cap and the fitting.

Fig 12: View Of Cooler Line & Plastic Cap

GM104753

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Ensure that the yellow identification band on the tube is hidden within the quick connect fitting. A hidden yellow identification band indicates proper joint seating.
Install the outlet hose to the radiator.
Install the coolant reservoir hose to the radiator overflow neck.
Use J 38185 to install the outlet hose clamp to the radiator. See Special Tools .
Install the lower air deflector. Refer to Radiator Air Baffle and Deflector Replacement - Lower .

Fig 13: Cooling Fan Shroud, Radiator Upper Support Brackets & Bolts

GM788409

Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS CORP.

Install the fan shroud. Refer to Cooling Fan and Shroud Replacement .
Install the battery. Refer to Battery Replacement in Engine Electrical.
Install the upper diagonal brace to the right front fender. Refer to Brace Replacement - Front Fender Upper Diagonal in Body Front End.
Fill the cooling system. Refer to Draining and Filling Cooling System .

NOTE: Do NOT overfill the transaxle. The overfilling of the transaxle causes foaming, loss of fluid, shift complaints, and possible damage to the transaxle.

Adjust the transaxle fluid level.