How to Replace Radiator 92-00 Honda Civic

Difficulty: Intermediate · About 60 min · Honda Civic

Replace the radiator on a 1992-2000 Honda Civic.

Steps

1. Drain the radiator

   Raise and support the car, have a drain pan ready, turn the drain plug, twist off the radiator cap, then let it drain.

2. Remove the coolant tank

   Disconnect its hose from the radiator, then lift it up and out.

3. Remove the old radiator

   Loosen the upper hose clamp with pliers and pull the hose off, disconnect the fan's wiring harness, remove the splash shield's four 10mm bolts and pull it down, loosen the three lower hose clamps and remove those hoses (using penetrant if they're stuck), remove the bracket's 10mm bolt, then lift the radiator out.

4. Prepare the new radiator

   Remove the old radiator's four 10mm fan bolts, pull the fan off, set it onto the new radiator, then insert its four bolts.

5. Install the new radiator

   Lower its feet onto the lower brackets, set the top bracket into place and insert its 10mm bolt, connect the fan's wiring harness, push the upper hose on and tighten its clamp, refit the lower hoses and tighten their clamps, then push the splash shield into place and insert its four 10mm bolts.

6. Reinstall the coolant tank and refill

   Tighten the drain plug, push the tank into place and connect its hose, then add coolant through the radiator and tank fillers, run the engine briefly, and top off as needed on a short drive.

Check your vehicle’s repair manual for exact specifications and fit.