The radiator is the largest and most recognizable component of most auto cooling systems. If the radiator is malfunctioning and the coolant is not passing through it, you need to replace it to keep the engine from overheating. The radiator on a 2006 Dodge Caravan is connected and attached to a number of different components, and you will need to work with all of them in order to remove and replace the radiator.
Removal
Step 1 - Disconnect the van's negative battery cable with a wrench.
Step 2 - Engage the parking brake. Raise the van's front end with a jack and support it on jack stands.
Step 3 - Drain the engine coolant from the radiator by removing the drain fitting and letting the coolant pour into a large container; you may need a pair of pliers to remove the drain fitting. Move the container to the engine block plugs and remove them to drain the remaining coolant.
Step 4 - Unfasten and remove the radiator support with a small wrench. Remove the fasteners for the cooling fans and pull the fans out of the engine.
Step 5 - Remove the lower engine splash shield with the wrench.
Step 6 - Disconnect the hoses and the electrical connector from the EVAP canister's solenoid, labeling the hoses for reinstallation, then push the solenoid's release tab and remove it from its bracket.
Step 7 - Loosen the clamps for the coolant reservoir hose at the radiator's filler neck and the radiator hoses from the radiator with a pair of pliers. Detach the hoses.
Step 8 - Remove the fasteners connecting the air conditioner condenser to the radiator and pull the condenser up to release its lower clips and separate it from the radiator.
Lift the radiator out of the engine compartment.
Installation
Step 1 - Install the replacement radiator into the engine compartment, making sure you attach the condenser to the radiator first then seat the radiator into its lower mounts.
Step 2 - Reconnect the radiator and reservoir hoses with their clamps. Reconnect the solenoid to the EVAP canister and reconnect its hoses and electrical connector.
Step 3 - Reinstall the lower engine splash shield, the cooling fans and the radiator support with their fasteners.
Step 4 - Refill the radiator with the engine coolant. If the coolant is contaminated, use a fresh, 50/50 mixture of coolant and water.
Lower the van off the jack stands and reconnect the battery cable with the wrench.
THINGS YOU'LL NEED: Wrench, Floor jack, Jack stands, 12-quart container, Pliers
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