How to Replace a Radiator in a Mitsubishi Galant

Over time, your vehicle's radiator can corrode and wear out, causing leaks and overheating. If you have a Mitsubishi Galant, replacing the radiator is a fairly difficult project because you must remove so many engine components before you can replace the radiator. But if you're game to take on the job, here's how to replace the radiator in the 2004 and later Mitsubishi Galant.

Difficulty: Moderately ChallengingInstructionsThings You'll Need:

Pliers
Replacement radiator hoses, if necessary
Replacement radiator
Distilled water
Engine coolant

Step 1
Remove the hose clamp with a pair of pliers and disconnect the radiator's overflow hose. Release the hose clamp tension with the pliers and remove the upper radiator hose.
Step 2
Take off the lower hose clamp and disconnect the lower radiator hose. Inspect the radiator hoses. If they are worn, they should be replaced. Remove the transaxle hose clamp and disconnect the passenger side transaxle cooler lines and the cooler lines located on the underside of the radiator assembly.
Step 3
Plug the fitting on the radiator to prevent contamination. Disconnect the electric fan connectors located on the driver's side top and lower passenger side of the radiator. Remove the radiator mounts and radiator support panel.
Step 4
Grasp the radiator carefully and remove it from the vehicle. Disconnect the negative battery cable, and drain the cooling system fluids.Disconnect the overflow tube from the radiator, along with the electrical connectors to the cooling fan and the air conditioner condenser fan, if your Galant has an air conditioning system.
Step 5
Unhook the thermo sensor wires, and if your vehicle has an automatic transmission, disconnect the automatic transaxle cooler lines and plug the lines.
Step 6
Install the new radiator and the radiator fan, and if you disconnected the transaxle cooler lines, reconnect them now. Connect the thermo sensor wires, fan, radiator hoses. Reinstall the air cleaner support bracket and overflow tube, if applicable.
Step 7
Fill the system with a mixture of half distilled water and half engine coolant. Start the vehicle and let it run for a few minutes, and if your vehicle has an automatic transmission, check the automatic transaxle fluid level. Turn off the engine and recheck the coolant level.