OEM 2003 Dodge Dakota Radiator

2003 Dodge Dakota Radiator Parts and Q&A

• Q: How to Effectively Maintain and Repair a Radiator on 2003 Dodge Dakota?

  A: Always start the radiator service or repair by disconnecting the negative cable on the battery and draining the cooling system, so that neither the cylinder block drain plugs nor the radiator draincock is removed or loosened when the cooling system is still hot, because this can result in serious burns. For servicing constant tension hose clamps, always grab the special clamp tool (6094) for normal-size clamps or the Snap-On clamp tool (HPC-20) for bigger clamps. Don't forget to use safety glasses during the process. Take the hoses and the clamps off the radiator, detach the hose for the coolant reserve/overflow tank and pull out the washer bottle electrical connector and hose. After that, loosen the screws on the upper fan shroud bracket and take the whole assembly from the engine bay. When the cooler and motor are present, disconnect their lines and the motor's electrical connector. Carefully take off the upper mounting screws of the radiator and gently lift it up to remove it from the vehicle, so you don't damage the cooling fins. Cold water and a burst of air from compressed air canals from the back of the radiator will help get rid of debris while everything is still cold. Check the radiator cooling fins for issues and look for damage, bends or cracks in the plastic end tanks. Lastly, look at the radiator neck for any problems. After placing the radiator so its two isolator pins match up with the lower support holes, place the bolts and tighten them to 23 Nm (200 inch lbs.). If your car comes with a transmission oil cooler, replace its lines, join the fan motor electrical connector to the harness and fasten the upper shroud to the lower one and radiator. Put back the radiator hoses and link the coolant reserve/overflow tank hose and then attach the negative battery cable. Fill the radiator, start the engine and warm it while you check for any escaping fluids.