The radiator is the central component of the Nissan Titan's cooling system. A poorly functioning radiator will quickly overheat, even in cold weather. If the radiator is damaged or becomes clogged, you must remove it and either have it serviced or replaced. Several other maintenance procedures also require you to remove the radiator to access other components. You can remove the radiator in just a few steps -- none of them complicated -- in about an hour.
Turn the key to the "On" position, but do not start the truck. Set the heater temperature control level to the hottest setting. Turn the ignition off after about 10 seconds and remove the key from the ignition.
Use a socket wrench to remove the engine undercover. Depending on the model of your truck, you will need to remove either two or three bolts.
Place the drain pan underneath the radiator drain plug, located on the passenger side of the radiator. Turn the drain plug counterclockwise to open it and remove the radiator cap.
Once the radiator finishes draining, move the pan beneath the engine drain plug. It is located on the passenger side of the engine, just below the manifold. Remove the bolt and let it drain. Apply high performance thread sealant to the drain plug and reinstall it.
Remove the two bolts from the front of the top engine cover. Then remove the cover.
Detach the upper portion of the air cleaner assembly from the lower portion. Three plastic clips hold the two portions together. Follow the air duct to where it attaches with a metal hose clamp. Use a Phillips screwdriver to loosen the clamp and detach the duct. Remove the duct and upper air cleaner from the engine compartment.
Remove the air filter from the bottom portion of the air filter. Lift it out and set it aside. Remove the two outside bolts and one inside bolt from the lower portion of the air cleaner. Then remove the air cleaner.
Detach the automatic transmission fluid hose from the bottom left of the radiator. Unscrew the nut with the wrench and remove the line. Insert a piece of foam or similar substance into the transmission hose to prevent fluid from leaking out.
Loosen the lower radiator hose clamp with a Phillips screwdriver and detach the hose from the driver side of the radiator. Remove the lower radiator shroud by lifting up the three plastic tabs attached to the upper shroud and pulling the shroud up and back.
Loosen the clamp on the upper radiator hose and detach it from the passenger side of the radiator. Disconnect the reservoir hose from the filler neck. Remove the two bolts from the top of the upper radiator shroud and pull the shroud up out of the engine compartment.
Remove the two upper radiator mounting bolts and the rubber shrouds. Access these bolts from the openings at the top of the grille. Remove the two bolts holding the air conditioner condenser to the radiator. Carefully rotate the condenser out of the way.
Remove the two bolts from the top and the two bolts from the bottom of the automatic transmission fluid cooler and rotate it out of the way.
Lift the radiator straight up and out of the engine compartment, taking care not to damage the condenser, A/T fluid cooler or lines.
