How to Change the Radiator on a 1998 Dodge Neon

The 1998 Dodge Neon was equipped with a single aluminum core radiator. Although the radiator stores the engines coolant, the primary purpose of the radiator is to quickly cool the fluid before it returns to the engine. If the water pump, thermostat and two radiator hoses are in working condition yet the Neon continuously overheats, the problem can likely be traced to the radiator. Although earlier radiators can be chemically treated to remove corrosion, the Neons radiator must instead be replaced once no longer effective.

Instructions

Drain the radiator fluid into a container by removing the drain bolt at the base of the radiator with a wrench.

Unfasten the clamp that secures the upper radiator hose to the top of the radiator with a pair of pliers.

Loosen the clamps that secure the two transaxle cooler lines from the engine-side of the radiator to the transaxle with a screwdriver, then pull the lines off of the transaxle.

Remove the two nuts that secure the radiator-to-ground strut to the top of the right-side of the radiator with a wrench, then lift the strut off of the radiator.

Disconnect the electric fans wiring connection from the Neons wiring harness by pressing the two clips at the connection together and pulling the wiring apart.

Remove the screws from the top of the fan shroud with a screwdriver and lift the shroud out of the engine compartment.

Unfasten the retaining bolts that secure the electric fan to the engine-side of the radiator with a wrench, then lift the fan assembly out of the engine compartment.

Unfasten the clamp that secures the lower radiator hose to the bottom of the radiator with a pair of pliers.

Remove the two upper radiator mounting bolts with a wrench. One bolt is located on the top of each end of the radiator.

Remove the four screws that secure the air conditioning condenser against the radiator with a screwdriver if the Neon is equipped with air conditioning. One screw is located at each corner of the condenser.

Lift the radiator out of the engine compartment.

Ensure that the replacement radiator has a drain plug at the bottom. Tighten the drain plug from the old radiator into the new radiator if it doesn't.

Insert the radiator into position within the engine compartment.

Position the air conditioning condenser against the radiator and tighten the condensers four screws with a wrench if the Neon is equipped with air conditioning.

Install and tighten the two upper radiator mounting bolts with a wrench.

Push the lower radiator hose onto its fitting at the bottom of the radiator, then position the clamp to the end of the hose with a pair of pliers.

Position the electric fan against the radiator and tighten the fans retaining bolts with a wrench.

Position the fan shroud over the radiator and tighten the shrouds retaining screws with a screwdriver.

Plug the electric fans wiring connection into the Neons wiring harness.

Place the radiator-to-ground strut over the right side of the top of the radiator and tighten the struts two nuts with a wrench.

Press the two transaxle cooler lines onto their fittings on the transaxle, then secure each lines clamp with a screwdriver.

Push the upper radiator hose onto its fitting at the top of the radiator, then position the clamp to the end of the hose with a pair of pliers.

Fill the radiator with a 50/50 mixture of radiator coolant and water until full, then tighten the radiator cap onto the radiator. Use only coolant specifically designed for aluminum cooling system components.