2026-08-28

Radiator (Remove and Replace)

Correction code 18301002 1.20 NOTE: Unless otherwise explicitly stated in the procedure, the correction code and its associated FRT reflect all of the work required to perform this procedure, including the linked procedures. Do not stack correction codes unless explicitly told to do so. NOTE: See Flat Rate Times to learn more about FRTs and how they are created. NOTE: See Personal Protection to make sure wearing proper PPE when performing the below procedure. NOTE: See for safe and healthy working practices.

Remove

  1. Put the vehicle on a 2-post lift.
  2. Open the LH front door and lower the LH front window.
  3. Remove the HEPA filter assembly. See .
  4. Remove the underhood storage unit. See Underhood Storage Unit (Remove and Replace).
  5. Connect a laptop with Toolbox to the vehicle. See .
  6. Perform the routine PROC_VCFRONT_X_START-THERMAL-FILL-DRAIN-COOLANTvia Toolbox:(link)
  7. Disconnect the LV power. See 12V/LV Power (Disconnect and Connect).
  8. Release the connector lock, and then disconnect the active grille shutter electrical connector.
    CAUTION
    Do not push down on the red tab. Pull the red tab to release the connector lock.
  9. Remove the ambient temperature sensor cover from the active grille shutter, and then disconnect the sensor electrical connector.
  10. Remove the bolts (x2) that attach the frunk support beam to the vehicle.
    Note
    Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • External Torx E14
    • 3 in extension
    • Cordless 3/8in Dr Impact
  11. Disengage the tabs and slide the frunk support beam toward the rear of the vehicle to remove it from the cooling fan module assembly.
  12. Remove the front aero shield panel. See Panel - Aero Shield - Front (Non-Structural Pack) (Remove and Replace).
  13. Remove the front valance. See .
  14. Place a coolant drain container below the LH front of vehicle.
  15. Disconnect the radiator inlet hose and allow the coolant to drain.
    Note
    Plug hose and radiator as needed.
  16. Place a coolant drain container below the RH front of vehicle.
  17. Disconnect the radiator outlet hose and allow the coolant to drain.
    Note
    Plug hose and radiator as needed.
  18. Remove the coolant drain container from underneath the vehicle.
  19. Disconnect the cooling fan module connector.
  20. With assistance supporting the cooling fan module assembly, remove the LH and RH bolts (x2) that attach the cooling fan module assembly to the front end carrier.
    Tip
    Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • 8 mm socket
    • Universal Joint 1/4in
    Figure 1. LH Side
    Figure 2. RH Side
  21. Release the locking tabs (x14) that attach the active grille shutter to the cooling fan and shroud assembly, and then remove the active grille shutter.
  22. Release the locking tabs (x4) that attach the radiator to the fan and shroud assembly, and then slide the radiator out of the holding mounts.
  23. Remove the stone guard. See .
    Note
    Perform this step only if the following conditions are met:
    • the old radiator is equipped with a stone guard.
    • the new radiator does not include a stone guard.

Install

  1. If removed, install the stone guard. See .
  2. Install the locking tabs that attach the radiator to the fan and shroud assembly and engage the mounts.
  3. Install the active grille shutter onto the cooling fan and shroud assembly, and then fasten the locking tabs (x14) that attach the shutter to the assembly.
  4. Raise the vehicle to a comfortable working height, and lower the lift onto locks.
    CAUTION

    Make sure there is an audible click of the locks on both sides before lowering, otherwise the vehicle may tilt to one side.

    Make sure that the doors are clear of surrounding objects.

  5. With assistance supporting the cooling fan module assembly, torque the LH and RH bolts (x2) that attach the cooling fan module assembly to the front end carrier.
    10 Nm (7.4 lbs-ft)
    Tip
    Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • 8 mm socket
    • Universal Joint 1/4in
    Figure 3. LH Side
    Figure 4. RH Side
  6. Place a coolant drain container below the RH front of vehicle.
  7. Install the radiator outlet hose to the radiator.
    Note
    Remove the plugs from both ends of the coolant connection. Perform a push-pull-push test to make sure the hose is fully seated.
  8. Place the coolant drain container below the LH front of vehicle.
  9. Install the radiator inlet hose to the radiator.
    Note
    Remove the plugs from both ends of the coolant connection. Perform a push-pull-push test to make sure the hose is fully seated.
  10. Remove the coolant drain container from underneath the vehicle.
  11. Connect the cooling fan module connector.
  12. Install the front valance. See .
  13. Install the front aero shield panel. See Panel - Aero Shield - Front (Non-Structural Pack) (Remove and Replace).
  14. Align the mounts with the cooling fan module tab to position the frunk support beam to the cooling fan module assembly.
  15. Install the bolts (x2) that attach the frunk support beam to the cooling fan module assembly.
    48 Nm (35.4 lbs-ft)
  16. Connect the ambient temperature sensor electrical connector, and then install the sensor cover to the active grille shutter.
  17. Engage the locking tab to connect the active grille shutter electrical connector.
  18. Perform a cooling system vacuum refill. See .
  19. Connect the LV power. See 12V/LV Power (Disconnect and Connect).
  20. Perform the routine PROC_VC_X_RESET-RADIATOR-UA-INDEXvia Toolbox:(link)
    Note
    Perform this step for firmware versions develop/2026.14.3 and later.
  21. Perform the routine using Service Mode or Toolbox: TEST-SELF_VCFRONT_X_THERMAL-PERFORMANCEvia Service Mode:Thermal ➜ Actions ➜ Test Thermal Performancevia Service Mode Plus:
    • Drive Inverter ➜ Front Drive Inverter Replacement ➜ Thermal System Test
    • Drive Inverter ➜ Rear Drive Inverter Replacement ➜ Thermal System Test
    • Drive Inverter ➜ Rear Left Drive Inverter Replacement ➜ Thermal System Test
    • Drive Inverter ➜ Rear Right Drive Inverter Replacement ➜ Thermal System Test
    • Drive Unit ➜ Front Drive Unit Replacement ➜ Thermal System Test
    • Drive Unit ➜ Rear Drive Unit Replacement ➜ Thermal System Test
    via Toolbox:(link)
  22. Disconnect the laptop with from the vehicle. See .
  23. Exit Service Mode Plus.
  24. Install the underhood storage unit. See Underhood Storage Unit (Remove and Replace).
  25. Install the HEPA filter assembly. See .
  26. Raise the LH front window and close the LH front door.
  27. Remove the vehicle from the lift.