If you take good care of your Honda Accord, it will continue to run for many miles. Part of this means resolving problems, such as a corroded or damaged radiator, as soon as they arise. If you have some mechanical skill, you can save money by replacing the radiator yourself. Here's how to replace the radiator in the 1998 to 2002 model Honda Accord.
Loosen the plug on the bottom of the radiator and drain the engine coolant into a resealable container.
Remove the upper radiator hose and lower radiator hose. If your Honda Accord is equipped with an automatic transmission, disconnect the automatic transmission transaxle cooling lines. Plug the lines and radiator fittings and drain the tubes into a separate, resealable container.
Unhook the radiator cooling fan electrical connectors. Remove the support brackets on the upper radiators and cushions and lift the radiator up and out of the engine compartment.
Unfasten the clips or screws that connect the cooling fan to the radiator and connect them to the new radiator.
Install the new radiator and reconnect all engine components in the reverse order in which they were removed. Open the valve on the thermostat housing a half turn, and set the heater to the "Full Hot" position.
Fill the new radiator with a mixture of half engine coolant and half distilled water, squeezing the hoses to force out air. Once you see a steady stream of coolant, close the valve.
Put the radiator cap on very loosely and start the engine. Allow it to run a few minutes, then turn it off and top off the engine coolant, if necessary. Put the radiator cap on securely.
