It's essential to keep the radiator on your Pontiac Grand Am in good condition, as a leaky radiator can cause overheating and engine damage. Although the process is essentially the same for any year or model, here's how to replace the radiator in the popular 2001 Grand Am.
Park the car on a level surface and be sure the ignition is in the "Off" or "Lock" position. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
Disconnect the lower radiator hose and drain the radiator into a resealable container. Disconnect the fan and the fan shroud, if equipped on your Grand Am. Remove the remaining radiator hoses. This is a good time to check radiator hoses for wear, and to replace them, if necessary.
Detach the transmission cooler lines with a flare nut wrench, and remove the fasteners and clips that hold the radiator in place and lift out the radiator.
Install the new radiator, and tighten the fasteners and clips securely. Reattach the transmission cooler lines, radiator hoses, and the fan and fan shroud.
Reconnect the negative battery cable.
Fill the radiator with a mixture of half distilled water and half engine coolant. Leave the radiator cap off, turn the engine on and let it run for several minutes to bleed the system.
Check the fluid level and add more, if necessary.
