GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Buick 🢒 1998 🢒 Riviera 🢒 Engine 🢒 Engine Cooling 🢒 Radiator Replacement

Removal Procedure

    Caution: Unless directed otherwise, the ignition and start switch must be in the OFF or LOCK position, and all electrical loads must be OFF before servicing any electrical component. Disconnect the negative battery cable to prevent an electrical spark should a tool or equipment come in contact with an exposed electrical terminal. Failure to follow these precautions may result in personal injury and/or damage to the vehicle or its components.

  1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
  2. Raise the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in Cautions and Notices. (except VIN C)
  3. Remove the lower air deflector. (except VIN C)
  4. Drain the cooling system. Refer to Cooling System Draining and Filling .
  5. Lower the vehicle. (except VIN C)

    6. Object Number: 46164 Size: SH
  6. Remove the upper tie bar.
  7. Disconnect the electrical connectors from the cooling fans.
  8. Remove the cooling fans. Refer to Engine Cooling Fan Replacement .

    9. Object Number: 69926 Size: SH
  9. Disconnect the electrical connector from the coolant level sensor. (except VIN C)
  10. Disconnect the coolant recovery hose from the radiator filler neck. (except VIN C)

    11. Object Number: 23660 Size: SH
  11. Disconnect the radiator inlet (1) and the outlet (2) hose from the radiator.

    12. Object Number: 69929 Size: SH
  12. On the VIN C, disconnect the radiator inlet hose (1) and the outlet hose (2) from the radiator.
  13. Remove the bolts from the condenser.
  14. Disconnect the transaxle cooler lines from the radiator.

    15. Object Number: 69930 Size: SH
  15. On the VIN C, disconnect the engine oil cooler lines from the radiator, if equiped.

    16. Object Number: 69932 Size: SH
  16. Remove the radiator.

Installation Procedure

    Object Number: 69932 Size: SH
  1. Install the radiator in the vehicle. Locate the bottom of the radiator on the lower mounting pads.

    2. Object Number: 46169 Size: SH
  2. Connect the transaxle oil cooler lines to the radiator.

    3. Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

    Tighten

        • Tighten the transaxle oil cooler lines (VIN C) to 18 N·m (13 lb ft).
        • Tighten the transaxle oil cooler lines (VIN 1) to 27 N·m (20 lb ft).
  3. Connect the engine oil cooler lines to the radiator, if equiped.

    4. Tighten
    Tighten the engine oil cooler lines (VIN C) to 14 N·m (10 lb ft).

  4. Install the bolts to the condenser.

    5. Object Number: 23660 Size: SH
  5. On the VIN 1, connect the radiator inlet hose (1) and the outlet hose (2) to the radiator.

    6. Object Number: 69929 Size: SH
  6. On the VIN C, connect the radiator inlet (1) and the outlet (2) hose to the radiator.

    7. Object Number: 46171 Size: SH
  7. Connect the coolant recovery hose to the radiator filler neck. (except VIN C)
  8. Connect the electrical connector to the coolant level sensor. (except VIN C)
  9. Install the cooling fans. Refer to Engine Cooling Fan Replacement .
  10. Connect the electrical connectors to the cooling fans.
  11. Ensure that the radiator-to-condensor and the radiator-to-upper tie bar seals are in place.

    12. Object Number: 46164 Size: SH

  12. Install the upper tie bar assembly.

    Tighten
    Tighten the tie bar assembly bolts to 10 N·m (89 lb in).

  13. Refill the cooling system. Refer to Cooling System Draining and Filling
  14. Check the transaxle fluid. Refill the transaxle fluid if necessary.
  15. Start the engine.
  16. Check for leaks.