GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Pontiac 🢒 2009 🢒 Vibe - AWD 🢒 Body Repair 🢒 Collision Repair 🢒 Radiator Support Replacement

Removal Procedure

    Warning: Refer to Approved Equipment for Collision Repair Warning in the Preface section.


    Object Number: 2016838 Size: SH
  1. Disable the SIR system. Refer to SIR Disabling and Enabling.
  2. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
  3. Remove all related panels and components.
  4. Repair as much of the damage as possible to factory specifications. Refer to Dimensions - Body.
  5. Note the location and remove the sealers and anti-corrosion materials from the repair area, as necessary. Refer to Anti-Corrosion Treatment and Repair.

    6. Object Number: 2016846 Size: SH

    Note: Do not damage any inner panels or reinforcements.

  6. Locate and drill out all factory welds on the upper left and right sides of the radiator support. Note the number and location of the welds for installation of the radiator support.

    7. Object Number: 2016852 Size: SH

    Note: Do not damage any inner panels or reinforcements.

  7. Locate and drill out all factory welds on the lower front left and right sides of the radiator support. Note the number and location of the welds for installation of the radiator support.

    8. Object Number: 2016848 Size: SH

    Note: Do not damage any inner panels or reinforcements.

  8. Locate and drill out all factory welds on the lower inner left and right sides of the radiator support. Note the number and location of the welds for installation of the radiator support.

    9. Object Number: 1672807 Size: SH
  9. Remove the damaged radiator support.

Installation Procedure

    Object Number: 1672807 Size: SH

    Note: If the location of the original plug weld holes can not be determined, space the plug weld holes every 40 mm (1 1/2 in) apart.

  1. Drill 8 mm (5/16 in) plug weld holes in the service part, as necessary, in the locations noted from the original panel.
  2. Prepare all mating surfaces as necessary.
  3. Apply 3M Weld-Thru Coating P/N 05916, or equivalent, to all mating surfaces.
  4. Position the tie bar to the vehicle using 3-dimensional measuring equipment. Clamp the tie bar into place.

    5. Object Number: 2016848 Size: SH
  5. Plug weld the left and right lower inner radiator support accordingly.

    6. Object Number: 2016852 Size: SH
  6. Plug weld the left and right front radiator support accordingly.

    7. Object Number: 2016846 Size: SH
  7. Plug weld the left and right upper sides of the radiator support accordingly.
  8. Clean and prepare all welded surfaces.
  9. Apply the sealers and anti-corrosion materials to the repair area, as necessary. Refer to Anti-Corrosion Treatment and Repair.
  10. Paint the repair area. Refer to Basecoat/Clearcoat Paint Systems.
  11. Install all related panels and components.
  12. Connect the negative battery cable.
  13. Enable the SIR system. Refer to SIR Disabling and Enabling.