Over time, your vehicle's radiator can corrode and wear out, causing leaks and overheating. If you have a Plymouth Neon, replacing the radiator is a fairly difficult project because you need to remove several engine components. However, if you have mechanical know how, you may want to tackle the job and save yourself some cash. Here's how to replace the radiator in the popular 2001 Plymouth Neon.
Instructions
- 1
Disconnect the negative battery cable. Loosen the drain on the bottom of the radiator and let the engine coolant drain into a resealable container.
2Remove the upper radiator hose and disconnect the electrical connector on the fan motor. Take off the radiator fan assembly. If your Neon is equipped with automatic transmission, disconnect the automatic transmission hoses and cap them securely. Remove the lower radiator hose.
3Take off the air conditioner condenser screws, if your Neon is equipped with an air conditioner. Tilt the condenser forward.
4Lift the radiator carefully out of the engine compartment. If your Neon has air conditioning, attach the air conditioner condenser to the new radiator.
5Seat the new radiator in the mounting holes and tighten the bracket screws according to specifications with a wrench. Install the lower radiator hose and position the hose clamp to avoid interference with other engine components. If your Neon has an automatic transmission, reinstall the cooler lines.
6Install the radiator fan and connect the fan motor connector. Install the upper radiator hose and position the clamp so it doesn't interfere with the hood or the engine.
7Fill the radiator with a mixture of half antifreeze and half distilled water. Start the car and let it run until the engine warms up. Check the fluid levels and add more fluid, if necessary.
