How to replace the radiator — Ford F-150 2020

Tools you'll need

• Ratchet
• 8 mm, 10 mm and 13 mm sockets
• Pliers
• Screwdrivers
• Trim tool
• Large drain pan
• Torque wrench

Parts you'll need

• New radiator for the 3.5L V6 EcoBoost
• Motorcraft coolant (about 3 gallons)
• New hose clamps if yours are worn
• New radiator cap if yours is old

Steps

1. Cool the engine and drain the coolantLet the engine cool completely, then disconnect the negative battery terminal. Place a large drain pan under the radiator and open the drain to empty the coolant.
2. Disconnect the hoses and transmission cooler linesLoosen the clamps and pull the upper and lower radiator hoses off. Then disconnect the two transmission cooler lines from the side of the radiator and cap them with a rag so fluid does not pour out.
   Tip: Have a second small pan ready. Transmission fluid comes out of the cooler lines as soon as you disconnect them.
3. Remove the cooling fan and shroudUnplug the cooling fan connector and remove the bolts holding the fan shroud and fan assembly. Lift the whole fan and shroud out from above.
4. Unbolt the radiator and lift it outRemove the bolts and brackets holding the radiator in place. Lift the radiator straight up and out, taking care not to hit the air conditioning condenser sitting right in front of it.
   Tip: Do not bend the condenser fins. If the radiator is stuck, check for a hidden bolt at the bottom before forcing it.
5. Transfer the hardware and fit the new radiatorMove any brackets, rubber mounts, and the drain plug from the old radiator to the new one. Set the new radiator down into place and refit its bolts and brackets.
6. Refit the fan, hoses, and cooler linesRefit the cooling fan and shroud, reconnect the fan plug, then push the transmission cooler lines back on until they click and refit the upper and lower hoses with their clamps.
7. Refill the coolant and bleed the airRefill the cooling system with the correct Motorcraft coolant. Reconnect the battery, start the engine, and turn the heater to full hot. Top off the coolant as air bubbles work their way out.
8. Verify the temperature and check for leaksWatch the temperature gauge until it reaches normal and the fan cycles on and off. Check every hose connection, the cooler lines, and the radiator seams for leaks, and check the transmission fluid level since some fluid was lost from the cooler lines.

Safety first

Never open the cooling system while the engine is hot. Hot coolant can scald you badly. Transmission fluid will spill when you disconnect the cooler lines, so have a pan ready. If you are not confident, have a qualified technician do this job.