I purchased a new radiator (all metal) to replace my original radiator which is cracked (171K miles). I have changed antifreeze before but never a radiator. It seems fairly straightforward, there are two big tube openings (one on the top and one on the bottom) which are for the antifreeze. However, there are 2 smaller tubes at the bottom of the radiator which I am unsure about. Are these for the transmission fluid, which also uses the radiator as a heat sink?

If yes, can I plug up the tubes when I pull them off, then attach them on the new radiator, and then fill up with dextron II to top off? Or is it worth doing a full transmission fluid change anyway? Is that as simple as draining it, connecting to the new radiator, and filling from the top?

Thanks

 

Draining the trans pan will not drain the fluid out of the oil cooler lines.

Pull the lines off the trans and plug them with something. This will keep the fluid in the lines from spilling everywhere.

You will need to unplug the electrical connections to the radiator fans and to a engine coolant temperature sensor (bottom engine side of radiator). The electrical plug is higher up and access from the top of the radiator.

Once the radiator is out you can remove the fans, trans hoses and coolant sensor.

Keep track of how the trans hoses were originally connected to the trans to reinstall them.

Check the trans fluid level and top off. This being trans fluid hot, engine running and in Park (after shifting through the gears).

If looking for trans fluid Dexron II and III has been replaced by something labeled ATF Fluid. Read the bottle to make sure it is a suitable replacement.