How to Remove a Radiator in a 2002 Trans Am

Remove your Trans Am radiator at home for service.

Your 2002 Pontiac Trans Am radiator helps coolant dissipate heat into the atmosphere to control engine temperature. However, years of service and rust eventually will diminish radiator efficiency. Wear can lead to leaks, and rust may begin to clog coolant passages, causing the engine to overheat. If you do not replace it, a failed radiator can cause major engine damage. You can remove your Trans Am radiator at home for service or replacement, which will save you not only money but also the life of your engine.

Things You'll Need

• Wrench
• Ratchet
• Socket
• Phillips screwdriver
• Ratchet extension
• Floor jack
• 2 jack stands
• Catch pan
• Line wrench
• Standard screwdriver
• Slip-joint pliers

Instructions

1. Open the hood of the Trans Am and detach the negative (black) battery cable, using a wrench.

2. Remove the air box cover, using a ratchet and socket or Phillips screwdriver, if your Trans Am model is equipped with it.

3. Remove the air cleaner assembly, using a Phillips screwdriver.

4. Disconnect and detach the hose from the lower air box, if your Trans Am model is equipped with it.

5. Detach the clamp that secures the rubber shoulder on the lower air box to the mass air flow (MAF) sensor.

6. Remove the upper radiator mounting panel, using a ratchet, ratchet extension and socket.

7. Jack up the front of your Trans Am, using a floor jack, and support it on a couple of jack stands.

8. Place a catch pan under the radiator drain plug, and drain the coolant from the radiator.

9. Unplug the fan electrical connectors from under the vehicle.

10. Remove the electric cooling fan(s) using a ratchet, ratchet extension and socket.

11. Disconnect the fluid cooler lines from the radiator, if your Pontiac model is equipped with an automatic transmission. Use a line wrench to prevent stripping the line retaining nuts.

12. Unplug the coolant level indicator module, if equipped, and remove it using a screwdriver.

13. Disconnect the lower hose from the radiator. Use a pair of slip-joint pliers to release the hose clamp, and slide it toward the engine.

14. Loosen the receiver dehydrator bracket, using a ratchet and socket.

15. Detach the lower radiator hose from the water pump, using the slip-joint pliers.

16. Disconnect the upper radiator and overflow hoses, using the slip-joint pliers.

17. Unscrew the radiator from the condenser, using the ratchet, ratchet extension and socket.

18. Lift your Pontiac radiator up and out of your vehicle.

References

• "Chevrolet Camaro Pontiac Firebird: 1993 thru 2002 (Haynes Repair Manual)"; John H. Haynes and Mike Stubblefield; 2001