5 Easy Steps to Change a Radiator in a 2018 Malibu LT 1.5 Turbo

The 2018 Malibu LT 1.5 Turbo is a popular choice for drivers who want a stylish and efficient sedan. However, like all vehicles, the Malibu LT 1.5 Turbo may need repairs over time. One common repair is replacing the radiator. Here are the comprehensive instructions to guide you through the process of changing the radiator in your 2018 Malibu LT 1.5 Turbo.

Before starting, gather the necessary tools and materials, including a new radiator, a 10mm socket wrench, a 13mm socket wrench, a Phillips head screwdriver, and a flat head screwdriver. Additionally, having a funnel, a bucket, and some rags on hand will be helpful. Furthermore, it’s crucial to ensure your safety by wearing gloves and safety glasses throughout the process.

To begin, disconnect the negative terminal of your battery to prevent any electrical accidents. Next, locate the radiator drain plug, which is usually found at the bottom of the radiator. Place a bucket under the drain plug and open it to drain the coolant. Once the coolant has drained completely, carefully disconnect the upper and lower radiator hoses. Remember to use a pair of pliers to loosen the hose clamps if necessary. Afterward, remove the bolts that secure the radiator to the vehicle and gently lift it out of its mounting brackets. Finally, install the new radiator, tighten the bolts, and reconnect the hoses and the battery terminal. Ensure all connections are secure before refilling the coolant and checking for leaks.

Safety Precautions

1. Safety First: Avoiding Common DIY Mishaps

Before you embark on this automotive adventure, prioritize your safety with these crucial precautions:

Park Securely: Find a stable, level surface to park your Malibut, engage the parking brake, and engage the transmission into Park or Drive. These measures prevent the vehicle from rolling or slipping during the process.
Cool Down: Allow ample time for the engine to cool down after driving. Hot coolant and engine parts can cause severe burns, so patience is key.
Protect Your Eyes: Eye protection is paramount. Wear safety glasses during the entire procedure to safeguard your eyes from flying debris, coolant splashes, or sparks.
Gloves Up: Protect your hands with heavy-duty, puncture-resistant gloves. They will shield your skin from sharp edges and hot surfaces encountered while handling tools or components.
Proper Tools: Ensure you have the necessary tools for the task, such as a wrench set, pliers, and a fluid catch pan. Using the appropriate tools will prevent frustrations and accidents.

Disconnecting the Battery
Draining the Coolant
Removing the Old Radiator
Installing the New Radiator
Refilling the Coolant System
Bleeding the Air from the System
Testing for Leaks
Resetting the Coolant Level Sensor
Disposal of the Old Radiator

Gathering Materials and Tools

Tools Required:

Socket wrench set (metric and standard)
Ratchet
Wrench set (open-end and box-end)
Pliers (needle-nose and regular)
Screwdriver set (Phillips and flathead)
Drain pan

Materials Required:

New radiator
Coolant
Radiator hoses (if necessary)
O-rings (if necessary)
Shop rags

Safety Precautions:

* Disconnect the battery to prevent electrical shocks.
* Allow the engine to cool completely before starting work.
* Use caution when handling coolant, as it can be toxic.

Additional Tips:

* Before purchasing a new radiator, measure the existing one to ensure an exact replacement.
* If possible, use a radiator made specifically for your vehicle model to ensure proper fitment.
* If you are replacing the radiator hoses, be sure to purchase the correct sizes and types for your vehicle.
* Have a fire extinguisher nearby in case of any emergencies.

Tool	Quantity
Socket wrench set	1
Ratchet	1
Wrench set	1
Pliers	2
Screwdriver set	1
Drain pan	1

Draining Coolant

Before you start draining the coolant, you’ll need to gather a few tools. You’ll need a bucket or pan to catch the coolant, a pair of gloves, and a wrench or pliers. You may also want to use a funnel to help you pour the coolant into the bucket or pan.

Once you have your tools, you’re ready to start draining the coolant. Here are the steps you need to follow:

Locate the radiator drain plug. The drain plug is usually located at the bottom of the radiator. It may be a small, plastic plug or a bolt.
Place the bucket or pan under the radiator drain plug.
Carefully loosen the drain plug using a wrench or pliers. Be careful not to overtighten the drain plug, or you could damage the radiator.
Allow the coolant to drain into the bucket or pan.
Once the coolant has drained, close the drain plug. Be sure to tighten the drain plug securely.

Tools Needed	Quantity
Bucket or pan	1
Gloves	1 pair
Wrench or pliers	1
Funnel (optional)	1

Disconnecting Hoses

When disconnecting hoses, it is crucial to follow a methodical approach to prevent spillage or damage. Here’s a detailed guide:

Locate the radiator’s hoses. There will be an upper hose and a lower hose connected to the radiator.
Place a drain pan beneath the connection where you intend to disconnect the hose.
Use a pair of pliers to carefully squeeze the hose clamps securing the hose to the radiator.
Gripping the hose firmly, gently pull it away from the radiator while twisting it slightly. This motion helps to detach the hose without causing damage to the radiator or the hose itself. Repeat this process for both the upper and lower hoses.

Tools Required
– Drain pan
– Pliers (adjustable or locking)

Note: Before disconnecting any radiator hoses, ensure the engine has cooled down completely to avoid the risk of burns.

Removing Old Radiator

To remove the old radiator, follow these steps:

Disconnect the negative battery terminal.
Drain the coolant from the radiator by opening the drain petcock at the bottom of the radiator.
Disconnect the upper and lower radiator hoses from the radiator.
Remove the radiator cap.

Remove the two bolts that hold the radiator in place.

Tools Needed:
• Socket wrench
• Extension
• 10mm socket
• 13mm socket
• Drain pan
• New radiator

Installing New Radiator

Once the old radiator is removed, it’s time to install the new one. Here are the steps involved:

Insert the new radiator into place: Carefully lift the new radiator into the engine bay and align it with the mounting points.
Mount the radiator: Secure the radiator to the mounting points using the bolts or screws provided.
Connect the hoses: Reconnect the upper and lower radiator hoses to the corresponding fittings on the radiator.
Tighten the hose clamps: Use a hose clamp tightening tool or pliers to tighten the hose clamps securely.
Connect the transmission cooler lines (if applicable): If the vehicle has an automatic transmission, reconnect the transmission cooler lines to the radiator.

6. Bleed the cooling system:

Air pockets can form in the cooling system when replacing the radiator. Bleeding the system is essential to remove these air pockets and ensure proper coolant flow.

To bleed the system:

Fill the radiator with coolant until it reaches the “full” mark or the top of the filler neck.
Start the engine and let it idle.
As the engine warms up, squeeze the upper and lower radiator hoses to help release any trapped air.
Turn on the heater to its highest setting and observe the temperature gauge.
If the temperature gauge rises too high, turn off the engine and let it cool down. Repeat the bleeding process until the temperature gauge remains stable.
Check the coolant level and add more as needed.

Check for leaks: Start the engine and let it run for a few minutes. Check for any leaks around the radiator, hoses, or fittings.

Reconnecting Hoses

To reconnect the hoses, first, locate the two hoses that connect the radiator to the engine. These hoses are typically made of rubber and are attached to the radiator with hose clamps. Once you have located the hoses, use a pair of pliers to loosen the hose clamps and carefully remove the hoses from the radiator.

With the hoses detached, you can now remove the radiator from the vehicle. Once the radiator is removed, you can inspect the hoses for any damage or wear. If the hoses are damaged, they should be replaced.

To reconnect the hoses, simply reverse the steps that you used to remove them. First, insert the hoses into the radiator and then tighten the hose clamps. Make sure that the hoses are securely attached to the radiator and that there are no leaks.

Tips for Reconnecting Hoses

Here are a few tips for reconnecting hoses:

Use a pair of pliers to tighten the hose clamps.
Make sure that the hoses are securely attached to the radiator.
Check for any leaks after reconnecting the hoses.
If you are not comfortable reconnecting the hoses, you can take the vehicle to a mechanic.

Hose Sizes and Locations

The following table lists the sizes and locations of the hoses that connect the radiator to the engine:

Hose Size	Location
3/4 inch	Upper hose
5/8 inch	Lower hose

Filling and Bleeding Coolant

Once you’ve replaced the radiator, you’ll need to fill it with coolant and bleed the system of any air bubbles. Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Fill the Radiator

Pour coolant into the radiator until it reaches the “FULL” mark on the reservoir. Use a 50/50 mixture of coolant and distilled water.

Step 2: Start the Engine

Start the engine and let it idle for a few minutes to circulate the coolant.

Step 3: Check the Coolant Level

Stop the engine and check the coolant level in the reservoir. If the level has dropped, add more coolant as needed.

Step 4: Bleed the Air

With the engine running, open the bleeder screw on the top of the radiator. A small amount of coolant may leak out. Close the bleeder screw once a steady stream of coolant flows out.

Step 5: Repeat Steps 2-4

Start the engine again and repeat steps 2-4 until no more air bubbles come out of the bleeder screw.

Step 6: Top Off the Coolant

Once the system is bled, top off the coolant in the reservoir to the “FULL” mark.

Step 7: Tighten the Bleeder Screw

Tighten the bleeder screw securely.

Step 8: Check for Leaks

Start the engine and let it run for 10-15 minutes. Check for any leaks around the radiator and hoses. If you find any leaks, tighten the connections or replace the damaged parts as necessary.

Coolant Type	Recommended Mixture
Organic Acid Technology (OAT)	50/50 with distilled water
Inorganic Additive Technology (IAT)	30/70 with distilled water

Torque Specifications for Bolts

The following table lists the torque specifications for the bolts that you will need to remove and reinstall when changing the radiator in a 2018 Malibu LT 1.5 Turbo:

Bolt	Torque (ft-lbs)
Radiator drain plug	18
Radiator hose clamps	25
Radiator mounting bolts	10

Important: Always use a torque wrench to ensure that the bolts are tightened to the correct specifications. Overtightening or undertightening the bolts can damage the radiator or its components.

Step 9: Install the New Radiator

Carefully lift the new radiator into place and align it with the mounting brackets.
Secure the radiator with the bolts or screws.

Step 10: Refill the Cooling System with Coolant and Bleed the Air

Pour coolant into the radiator until it reaches the fill line.
Start the engine and let it idle.
Open the bleeder valve on the radiator and allow air to escape until a steady stream of coolant flows out.
Close the bleeder valve and top off the coolant if necessary.
Monitor the coolant level and add more coolant as needed over the next few days.

Tips for Bleeding the Air from the Cooling System
– Use a funnel to avoid spilling coolant.
– Keep an eye on the coolant level and add more as needed.
– Run the engine for a few minutes and then let it cool down before checking the coolant level.
– If you continue to have air in the cooling system, you may need to burp the radiator by raising the front of the car and squeezing the radiator hoses.

How to Change a Radiator in a 2018 Malibu LT 1.5 Turbo

Replacing the radiator in a 2018 Malibu LT 1.5 Turbo is a relatively straightforward process that can be completed in about an hour. Here are the steps involved:

Safety first: Park the car on a level surface and allow the engine to cool completely. Disconnect the negative terminal of the battery.
Remove the front bumper: This involves removing several bolts and screws that secure the bumper to the car. Once the bumper is loose, carefully pull it forward to detach it from the clips.
Locate the radiator: The radiator is located behind the front bumper, in front of the engine. It is a large, metal box with two hoses connected to it.
Disconnect the coolant hoses: Use a wrench to loosen the clamps that secure the coolant hoses to the radiator. Carefully remove the hoses and drain the coolant into a suitable container.
Unbolt the radiator: Once the coolant hoses are disconnected, you can remove the bolts that hold the radiator in place. Carefully lift the radiator out of the car.
Install the new radiator: Place the new radiator in position and secure it with the bolts. Reattach the coolant hoses and tighten the clamps.
Fill the coolant system: Fill the radiator with coolant until it reaches the "full" mark. You will need to add more coolant as the engine runs and air bubbles are removed from the system.
Recheck connections: Once the coolant system is filled, tighten all connections and double-check to make sure there are no leaks.
Reconnect the battery: Reconnect the negative terminal of the battery.