DIY Toyota Camry Radiator Replacement

The Toyota Camry Radiator is composed of Aluminum and Plastic. When a leak is detected, the radiator should be replaced in lieu of repair or adding a stop-leak fluid to the cooling system. Most non OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) aftermarket radiators can be purchased anywhere from $100. If the absolute best radiator is desired (perhaps better than factory original, get a Koyo radiator. Koyo is an OEM supplier for Toyota and Honda. However, they are by no means inexpensive. The removal of the old radiator and installation of a new replacement can be performed in approximately 1.5 hours with no special tools. In addition, the removal/installation process outlined within these instructions can be performed above the car; that is lifting up and getting under the car to remove the splash pan and lower radiator hose is unnecessary. If the radiator failure was due to contaminated, worn-out coolant, drain any residual coolant from the engine block and consider replacing the thermostat. The upper and lower radiator hoses, in most cases, do not need replacement on the Camry.

Of the Camry radiators that have failed and been subsequently replaced, all the failed radiators had their coolant replaced from the Toyota Pink to some other non-OEM green coolant. Some had their coolant reservoir containing the pink coolant (never changed) while the cooling system was green with signs of residual pink. If you have switched from the factory pink to green, ensure the system is throughly flushed with water before introducing a different colored coolant. Better yet, stick with the Toyota pink coolant. I believe mixing different colored coolants will cause a reaction that will reduce the anti-corrosion and water pump lubrication properties of the factory coolant.

When purchasing a radiator replacement, ensure the replacement has all ports matching the original radiator with new brass fittings for the transmission supply and return lines. Ensure the bracket mounts for the two fan shrouds match as well. Some replacement radiators do not come with a drain port and plug but the better ones do.

1. Removal the Radiator Filler Cap and Detach the Radiator Reservoir Hose.

2. Detach the Driver's side Fan and ECT Switch Connector. (ECT = Water Temperature Sensor)

3.  Detach the Passenger side Fan Connector.

4.  Disconnect the Supply and Return Transmission Fluid Lines from the Transmission.  If your transmission is manual, this step is not necessary.

5. Remove the four 10mm bolts that secure the two cooling fan shrouds. Then pull up and out the passenger side Cooling Fan Shroud to expose the ECT Temperature Control Wire Harness Strap.

6.  Disconnect the ECT Wire Harness Strap from the Strap Mount.  Then disconnect the ETC Wire Plug from the Water Temperature Sending Unit.

Reach under the Driver's side of the radiator and twist off the drain plug. By allowing the drain plug to remain partially  in the radiator will direct the coolant flow through the drain port.

Disconnect the Upper Hose from the Radiator and the Lower Hose from the Engine/Water Pump.

Remove the Driver's Side Fan Shroud after the Upper Hose has been disconnected by pulling the shroud up.

9.  Unbolt the two Upper Radiator Support Mounts, remove the mounts and pull the radiator up from its lower support mount.

10. With the old radiator out, remove the a) Lower Radiator Hose b) Supply and Return Transmission Oil Lines c) Water Temperature Sending Unit d) Lower Radiator Support Mounts if detached from their sockets.

11.  Transfer items from the old radiator to the new radiator.  Screw on the new Transmission Supply and Return Brass Fittings in the same angle as the original.  Do not over torque.  Re-check the tension and check for leaks after the radiator has been installed with the ATF lines.  Do the same for the Water Temperature Sending Unit.  Using Plumber's tape or gasket seal on the threads is advised for a leak free seal.

12. Reverse steps for installing / fitting removed items.

a. Connect ATF lines.

b. Connect Water Temperature Sensor Plug and Wire Harness Plug.

c. Drop in the Driver's and Passengers Side Fan Shrouds and bolt on to Radiator.

d. Connect Fan Electrical Connectors.

e. Connect Upper and Lower Radiator Hose.

f. Ensure drain plug is installed and pour in new coolant. Squeezed upper hose to remove air pockets.

g. Start engine with drain cap off, add coolant if needed, check for ATF and coolant leaks and ensure all electrical fittings are connected.