How to Replace Radiator 06-10 Ford Explorer
Difficulty: Advanced · About 180 min · Ford Explorer
Replace the radiator on a 2006–10 Ford Explorer, moving the fan shrouds and condenser carefully and refilling both coolant and transmission fluid as required.
Tools you will need
- Floor jack
- Jack stands
- Drain pan
- 8 mm socket
- 10 mm socket
- 13 mm socket
- Flat blade screwdriver
- Bungee cord
- Safety glasses
- Gloves
Parts and supplies
- Radiator
- Specified coolant
- Transmission fluid, if lost
Steps
Drain the cooling system
Let the engine cool completely and drain the coolant into a suitable pan. Close the drain and keep the collected fluid away from pets and children.
Disconnect hoses and cooler lines
Remove the lower radiator hose and allow remaining coolant to drain. Disconnect the transmission cooler lines with the correct tool, catching fluid and capping open lines.
Remove intake and reservoirs
Disconnect the breather hoses and intake tube, then move the coolant reservoir and power steering reservoir aside without straining their hoses.
Remove the fan shrouds
Disconnect the upper hose and remove the upper shroud. Unclip the lower shroud and condenser supports, moving the A/C condenser forward without disconnecting refrigerant lines.
Remove the air box and radiator
Unplug the airflow sensor and remove the air box. Release the radiator line retainers and lift the radiator out, keeping it upright to limit spills.
Install the replacement radiator
Transfer the mounting brackets, lower the radiator into place, and secure it. Reposition the condenser and reconnect the line retainers without pinching any hoses.
Reinstall shrouds, hoses, and intake
Refit both fan shrouds, reconnect radiator hoses and transmission cooler lines, and restore the reservoirs and intake. Tighten clamps and reconnect sensor wiring.
Refill coolant and transmission fluid
Fill with the specified coolant and bleed the cooling system using the vehicle procedure. Check and correct transmission fluid level using its prescribed temperature and gear-selection process.
Check for leaks and overheating
Run the engine until it reaches operating temperature while monitoring the temperature gauge and fan operation. Inspect all connections for leaks, then recheck coolant after the engine cools.
Check your vehicle’s repair manual for exact specifications and fit.