The radiator in the 2005 Chrysler PT Cruiser holds the engine coolant and uses air that passes through the radiator fins to cool the coolant. In turn, the coolant keeps the engine running at optimum temperature. If the radiator is excessively corroded or springs a leak, the situation could cause the engine to overheat, resulting in permanent engine damage. If this happens, you must remove the radiator and replace it with a new one.
Drive the PT Cruiser onto a set of front end ramps and secure the parking brake.
Place a drain pan under the petcock on the bottom of the radiator. Open the petcock with a pair of pliers and drain the coolant from the radiator. Close the petcock once the coolant has drained.
Pry the radiator hose clamp off of the lower radiator hose with the pliers. Pull the hose off of the lower radiator.
Use the pliers to pry the radiator hose clamp off of the upper radiator hose. Pull the hose off of the upper radiator.
Pry the radiator hose clamp off of the overflow hose on the left side of the radiator with the pliers. Pull the hose off of the left side of the radiator.
Unplug the radiator fan wiring harness from the back of the fan motor.
Remove the four bolts that secure the radiator fan and shroud to the back of the radiator with a socket and ratchet. Pull the fan and fan shroud up and out of the engine compartment.
Unscrew the four bolts that secure the radiator to the radiator supports with the socket and ratchet. Push the radiator back toward the engine then pull it up and out of the engine compartment.
Mount the new radiator into the engine compartment and place it against the radiator supports. Secure the radiator to the supports with the bolts, socket and ratchet.
Place the fan and fan shroud against the back of the radiator and secure it to the radiator with the bolts, socket and ratchet.
Plug the wiring harness back into the fan motor.
Slide the hoses onto the radiator overflow port, upper radiator inlet and lower radiator output ports and secure the hoses with the radiator clamps and pliers.
Place a funnel into the filler spout on the top of the radiator and pour the engine coolant into the new radiator.
Run the engine until the radiator fan comes on then close the filler cap on the radiator. This purges the radiator of air.
