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How to replace the radiator in a Ford Taurus?

Tiny
JBK13
  • MEMBER
  • 2006 FORD TAURUS
How to replace the radiator in a 2006 ford Taurus 3.0. Does it come out the top or the bottom? I got everything off the top and disconnected all lines but it still won't come out. I'm very confused. I've never changed a radiator where you had to remove the whole front end accessories just to get to the fan shroud.
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Sunday, May 19th, 2013 AT 9:02 AM

17 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 48,323 POSTS
Hey JBK13,

Here is a generic guide to help you step by step with instructions in the diagrams below to show you how on your car. The radiator comes out from the top.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-a-car-radiator

Check out the images (Below). Please let us know if you need anything else to get the problem fixed.

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Wednesday, February 15th, 2017 AT 3:07 PM
Tiny
ROUNDROCKTAURUS
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 2004 FORD TAURUS
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 81,000 MILES
Engine Cooling problem
2004 Ford Taurus 6 cyl Front Wheel Drive Automatic 81000 miles

I've bought this car for my son. To get it back in shape, I'm replacing the radiator, and several other components. The haynes manual is fairly worhtless for the DOHC version of the car - most of the steps and pictures are for the 2V version.
Do I neeed to remove the front bumper?

I've already disconected and removed the battery, cooling fans, the radiator hoses.

What are the next steps to be done?
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Wednesday, February 15th, 2017 AT 3:08 PM (Merged)
Tiny
UNRELIABLEVEHICLE
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2002 FORD TAURUS
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 100,600 MILES
Engine Cooling problem
2002 Ford Taurus 6 cyl Front Wheel Drive Automatic 100600 miles

Question (1) Does a leaking radiator have anything to do with the heat not working in my car?

Question (2) To replace the heater coils, do you have to go thru the dash board (repair $900.00 per the ford dealer)

Question (3) Is it true that you cant use new snaps/bushings to install the radiator to the transmission?

My 2002 Ford Taurus had a problem of overheating for the last 6 months. I was putting water in about twice a week. My husband replaced the resevoir, & cap. Then it seemed to have stopped. (I think he used a lot of stop leak too. It had been heating fine, but he removed the thermostat. Then we found out last month that the radiator leaks. We went thru a very cold spell & he replaced the thermostat & the housing & did a back flush but the heater still won't work. As I type this, I am having the radiator replaced now. Its used (big mistake, so I've been told). The shop just called me a said that the snaps (2 bushing) that go to the transmission lines was missing. They said they have to be original to the radiator, & cannot use the ones that are on it or buy new ones? Does this make since?
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Wednesday, February 15th, 2017 AT 3:08 PM (Merged)
Tiny
BMRFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
  • 19,053 POSTS
1- you need coolant to have heat
no or low coolant will cause an engine to overheat and have no heat
2- heater core is located inside the HVAC box and dash need to be removed for replacement
3- they can do without them clips is to remove the tranny lines
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Wednesday, February 15th, 2017 AT 3:08 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JESSEROBINSON
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
  • 2000 FORD TAURUS
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 130,000 MILES
Engine Cooling problem
2000 Ford Taurus 6 cyl Front Wheel Drive Automatic 130000 miles

does the radiator come out in the engine compartment or does it drop from under the car?
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Wednesday, February 15th, 2017 AT 3:08 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JESSEROBINSON
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Was your answer engine compartment? If so; what is the removal proceedure. There is a white plastic insert in front of the radiator which seems to have it anchored in, can it be removed?
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Wednesday, February 15th, 2017 AT 3:08 PM (Merged)
Tiny
BRADTC
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • FORD TAURUS
Hi guys hopin u could enlighting me a bit, I am the semi proud owner of a 1995 ford taurus GL, with a 3L V6 and maybe 210,000kms on it.

THe problem im having is im tryin to change out teh radiator and have all the fittings removed except the one on the lower passenger side taht connects the radiator to the transmission. This area is to tight and I cant get a wrench in there to get it off.

I was wondering if theres a tool needed or a trick to access it better or if I should give in and let a mecanic have a crack at it
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Wednesday, February 15th, 2017 AT 3:08 PM (Merged)
Tiny
TAURUSWHEEL
  • MECHANIC
  • 718 POSTS
That lower one is a mother, no easy shortcut. I did my 94 wagon a couple of years ago, got it on from underneath. Used a short wrench, still tough. Make sure the fittings you screw into the rad before installing are wrapped with teflon tape and installed tight, don't strip. Absolutely not much room to work with, good luck
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Wednesday, February 15th, 2017 AT 3:08 PM (Merged)
Tiny
RICHARDDORROUGH
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Real mechanics would not do this but. Mine was so rusted in that it would not budge. The access was a BIG problem as well. The lower line runs out the front and along the front. I cut it as close to the radiator as possible and lifted out the radiator. I was still not able to get the fitting out without breaking it. Yours may come out. After putting the fitting in the replacement radiator I got some high pressure tranny rubber line and 2 clamps and slid it over both ends and clamped them. Works great. If it was a new car and not one with 210,000 on it I would not do it but at this mileage I would consider it. The tranny fluid line you are going to have to remove from the bottom of the radiator will most likely leak as well. The brackets they clamp them on with causes them to rust and leak when you move them. Same as the Heater lines. I have done two radiators on a 1994 and a 1995 and used hose on both. No leaks and no problems
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Wednesday, February 15th, 2017 AT 3:08 PM (Merged)
Tiny
DRDISCWI
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2000 FORD TAURUS
Engine Cooling problem
2000 Ford Taurus 6 cyl Front Wheel Drive Automatic

do I have to take apart the entire front end includung the light to replace the radiator? Do you have schematics?
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Wednesday, February 15th, 2017 AT 3:08 PM (Merged)
Tiny
BMRFIXIT
  • MECHANIC
  • 19,053 POSTS
RADIATOR

Removal and Installation

NOTE: 3.0L (2V) shown, 3.0L (4V) similar.
1. Remove the battery and battery tray.
2. Drain the cooling system.
3. Disconnect the upper radiator hose.
4. Disconnect the degas return hose.
5. Using the special tool, disconnect the upper transmission cooler line.
6. Remove the two A/C condenser retaining bolts.
7. Raise and support the vehicle. 8. Remove the radiator support bracket bolts and the radiator support bracket.
9. Disconnect the lower radiator hose.
10. Disconnect the lower transmission cooler line.
11. Remove the two bolts retaining the condenser to the radiator
12. Secure the A/C condenser.
13. Remove the bolt retaining the P/S cooler to the radiator.
14. Remove the nuts and the radiator support brackets.
15. Remove the radiator from the vehicle.
16. To install, reverse the removal procedure.
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Wednesday, February 15th, 2017 AT 3:08 PM (Merged)
Tiny
RMALDONADORIVERA
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2004 FORD TAURUS
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 109,904 MILES
Engine Performance problem
2004 Ford Taurus 6 cyl Two Wheel Drive Automatic 109904 miles

I have a 2004 Taurus and I need to replace the radiator is it easier to go from the bottom or the top to replace it?
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Wednesday, February 15th, 2017 AT 3:08 PM (Merged)
Tiny
BLUELIGHTNIN6
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,542 POSTS
Hoist vehicle up and take radiator out the bottom. Will need special disconnect tool to disconnect tranny cooler lines.
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Wednesday, February 15th, 2017 AT 3:09 PM (Merged)
Tiny
FORDARREL
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2004 FORD TAURUS
How do you remove the radiator cooler lines from the radiator.
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Wednesday, February 15th, 2017 AT 3:09 PM (Merged)
Tiny
BILLYMAC
  • MECHANIC
  • 2,204 POSTS
You need a lock removing tool from the auto store they use the same locks as the fuel filters
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Wednesday, February 15th, 2017 AT 3:09 PM (Merged)
Tiny
JOSEPH 1
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
I have a 2006 ford taurus I put the radiator in but the lines won't snap back in to the radiator what do I have to do.
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Monday, September 19th, 2022 AT 10:15 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 48,323 POSTS
When they ship the radiator there are plastic plugs inside the hose and line connections make sure they have been removed first. Also, the alignment must be square with the connectors as well or they wont plug in. Let us know what happens and please upload pictures or videos of the problem.
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Monday, September 19th, 2022 AT 5:38 PM

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