Radiator (2001 Grand CHEROKEE): Removal

WARNING: DO NOT REMOVE THE CYLINDER BLOCK DRAIN PLUGS OR LOOSEN THE RADIATOR DRAINCOCK WITH THE SYSTEM HOT AND UNDER PRESSURE. SERIOUS BURNS FROM COOLANT CAN OCCUR. REFER TO COOLING SYSTEM DRAINING.

Do not waste reusable coolant. If the solution is clean, drain the coolant into a clean container for reuse.

WARNING: CONSTANT TENSION HOSE CLAMPS ARE USED ON MOST COOLING SYSTEM HOSES. WHEN REMOVING OR INSTALLING, USE ONLY TOOLS DESIGNED FOR SERVICING THIS TYPE OF CLAMP, SUCH AS SPECIAL CLAMP TOOL (NUMBER 6094) (Fig 1). SNAP-ON CLAMP TOOL (NUMBER HPC-20) MAY BE USED FOR LARGER CLAMPS. ALWAYS WEAR SAFETY GLASSES WHEN SERVICING CONSTANT TENSION CLAMPS.

Fig 1: Identifying Hose Clamp Tool - Typical

Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

CAUTION: A number or letter is stamped into the tongue of constant tension clamps (Fig 2). If replacement is necessary, use only an original equipment clamp with matching number or letter.

Fig 2: Locating Clamp Number/Letter - Typical

Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

CAUTION: When removing the radiator or A/C condenser for any reason, note the location of all radiator-to-body and radiator-to-A/C condenser rubber air seals (Fig 3). These are used at the top, bottom and sides of the radiator and A/C condenser. To prevent overheating, these seals must be installed to their original positions.

Fig 3: Locating Air Seals & Air Dams - Typical

Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

Disconnect the negative battery cable at battery.
Drain coolant from radiator.
Do not attempt to remove fan/viscous fan drive assembly from vehicle at this time.
Remove the front grill.
Remove two radiator mounting bolts (Fig 4).
Disconnect both transmission cooler lines from radiator.
Disconnect electric fan connector, then disconnect connector harness from shroud (Fig 4).
Disconnect the radiator upper and lower hoses (Fig 4).
Disconnect the overflow hose from radiator (Fig 4).

Fig 4: Identifying Radiator, Shroud & Electric Fan
Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.
Remove the air inlet duct at the grill.
The lower part of radiator is equipped with two alignment dowel pins (Fig 5). They are located on the bottom of radiator tank and fit into rubber grommets. These rubber grommets are pressed into the radiator lower crossmember.
WARNING: THE AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM (IF EQUIPPED) IS UNDER A CONSTANT PRESSURE EVEN WITH THE ENGINE OFF. REFER TO REFRIGERANT WARNINGS IN HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING BEFORE HANDLING ANY AIR CONDITIONING COMPONENT.

Fig 5: Locating Radiator Alignment Dowels - Typical
Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.
If equipped with an auxiliary automatic transmission oil cooler, use caution when removing radiator. The oil cooler lines are routed through a rubber air seal on the right side of radiator. Do not cut or tear this seal.
Gently lift up and remove radiator from vehicle. Be careful not to scrape the radiator fins against any other component. Also be careful not to disturb the air conditioning condenser (if equipped).