How to Replace a Radiator in a Geo Metro

Disconnect the negative battery cable. Remove the plug on the bottom of the radiator and let the engine coolant drain into a resealable container.

Unhook the electrical connector from the cooling fan. Disconnect the air inlet hose, reservoir hoses and upper and lower radiator hoses.

Inspect the hoses carefully. Now is the perfect time to replace any worn hoses. If your Geo Metro is equipped with an automatic transmission, disconnect the oil cooler lines and plug them.

Remove the bolts holding the radiator in place, and lift the radiator, cooling fan attached, out of the vehicle.

Transfer the cooling fan to the new radiator, and install the assembly into the engine compartment. Tighten the bolts according to specifications with a torque wrench.

Replace the oil cooler lines, if applicable. Reattach the upper and lower radiator hoses, reservoir hoses, air inlet hose and cooling fan electrical connector. Reconnect the negative battery cable.

Fill the radiator with a mixture of half engine coolant and half distilled water. Attach the radiator cap very loosely, then start the engine and let it run until it's warm. Turn the ignition off and top off the coolant mixture. Tighten the cap.