How to Replace a Radiator in a Mercury Villager

The purpose of the radiator in your Mercury Villager is to keep the engine from overheating. If the radiator is damaged or worn out, replace it immediately to avoid serious damage to your minivan's engine. Here's how to replace the radiator in a 1999 to 2002 model Villager.

Things You'll Need

• Jack and jack stand
• Wheel blocks
• Resealable container
• Replacement radiator hoses, if needed
• Replacement radiator
• Antifreeze
• Distilled water

Instructions

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable before you begin. Jack up the front of your Mercury Villager and secure it on a jack stand. Block the rear wheels to keep them from rolling.

2. Open the drain on the bottom of the radiator and let the fluid drain into a resealable container. Unhook the lower radiator hose and the lower transmission cooler line. Unhook the wiring harness on the fan shroud.

3. Lower the vehicle from the jack stand and move the relay box and coolant reservoir hose aside and out of the way. Disconnect the electrical connector on the cooling fan and move the upper radiator hose and upper transmission cooler hose to the side.

4. Remove the bracket bolts on the radiator and carefully remove the radiator assembly. Unhook the assembly, connect it to the new radiator and install the new radiator into the vehicle.

5. Reconnect the cooling fan connector, and reposition the relay box and coolant reservoir hose. Reconnect the wiring harness to the fan shroud and connect the lower radiator hose and lower transmission line. Reconnect the negative battery cable.

6. Fill the radiator with a mixture of antifreeze and distilled water. Turn the engine on with the radiator cap off, and run the car for several minutes to bleed the air from the system. Check the radiator and add more antifreeze and distilled water if necessary.

Tips & Warnings

• Drain engine coolant into sealed containers. If the liquid is clean, recycle it. Otherwise, take it to a garage or hazardous waste facility for proper disposal.

• Remember that cats and dogs are attracted to antifreeze, which can be fatal if ingested. Be sure to keep antifreeze in a tightly sealed container and clean up any spills immediately.

• Always be sure the engine is cool before replacing the radiator in your Mercury Villager. The steam and hot liquid can cause serious burns.