This procedure covers removal and replacement of the radiator assembly on a 2015-2020 Ford F-150 with the 5.0L Coyote V8 engine, including coolant drain, fan removal, and hose disconnection.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Radiator assembly × 1 — Use OEM Ford part or equivalent
• Lower radiator hose × 1 — Inspect and replace if cracked
• Upper radiator hose × 1 — Inspect and replace if cracked
• Radiator cap × 1 — Recommended replacement
• Hose clamps × 4 — Replace if reusing OEM spring clamps

Fluids

• Motorcraft Orange Coolant — 16 qt

Preparation

1. Ensure engine is completely cold before beginning work
2. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
3. Disconnect negative battery cable to prevent fan activation
4. Remove engine cover by pulling upward on cover to release retaining grommets
5. Place drain pan under radiator drain petcock location
6. Have at least 2 gallons of coolant disposal capacity available

Procedure

1. 1

   Drain cooling system
   Locate the radiator drain petcock on the driver side lower corner of the radiator. Turn petcock counterclockwise by hand to open (plastic threads only). Allow coolant to drain completely into drain pan. If petcock is stuck, remove lower radiator hose instead. Once drained, hand-tighten petcock closed.
   Torque spec

   Drain Petcock5 Nm (4 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Remove air intake system
   Loosen the clamp on the air intake tube at the throttle body using a flathead screwdriver. Disconnect the mass airflow sensor electrical connector. Release the air box clips and remove the entire air intake assembly from the throttle body to the air filter housing to provide access to the radiator area.
   ℹ️Label or photograph electrical connections if needed for reassembly reference.
3. 3

   Remove cooling fan assembly
   Disconnect the cooling fan electrical connector located on the fan shroud. Remove the four 10mm fan shroud mounting bolts (two on each side of the shroud). Carefully lift the fan and shroud assembly straight up and out of the engine bay as a single unit. The fan clutch extends below the shroud, so lift carefully to avoid damage.
4. 4

   Disconnect upper radiator hose
   Using hose clamp pliers or flathead screwdriver, release the clamp on the upper radiator hose at the radiator connection. Twist the hose gently to break the seal, then pull straight off the radiator neck. Inspect hose for cracks or deterioration and replace if necessary.
   Torque spec

   Upper/Lower Hose Clamps3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Disconnect lower radiator hose
   Access the lower radiator hose connection at the bottom of the radiator (driver side). Release the hose clamp and twist hose to break seal. Pull hose off radiator connection. Residual coolant will drain, so keep drain pan positioned underneath.
   ⚠Expect approximately 1-2 quarts of residual coolant to drain from lower hose connection.
   Torque spec

   Upper/Lower Hose Clamps3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Disconnect transmission cooler lines
   Locate the two transmission cooler lines connected to the driver side of the radiator (if equipped with automatic transmission). Use a 13mm wrench or socket to disconnect the threaded fittings. Be prepared for additional transmission fluid to drain (approximately 4-8 oz). Plug or cap the lines to prevent contamination.
   ⚠Do not twist or bend transmission cooler lines excessively as they can crack or kink.
   Torque spec

   Transmission Cooler Lines25 Nm (18 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Disconnect overflow hose
   Locate the coolant overflow hose connected to the radiator neck (passenger side). Squeeze the hose clamp tabs or loosen clamp, then pull hose off the radiator connection. Move hose aside to provide clearance for radiator removal.
   Torque spec

   Upper/Lower Hose Clamps3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Remove radiator mounting hardware
   Remove the two upper radiator mounting bolts (one on each side) using a 10mm socket. These bolts secure the radiator to plastic mounting brackets. Note the position of any rubber isolators or spacers for reinstallation.
   ⚠The radiator is now only held by lower mounting pins. Support the radiator to prevent it from falling.
   Torque spec

   Radiator Mount Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Remove radiator assembly
   Carefully tilt the top of the radiator toward the engine approximately 1-2 inches to clear the upper mounting brackets. Lift the radiator straight up to disengage the lower mounting pins from the rubber isolators in the radiator support. Remove radiator from engine bay, being careful not to damage cooling fins on condenser behind it.
   ⚠The radiator is fragile. Avoid contact with the A/C condenser fins mounted directly behind the radiator.
10. 10

    Install new radiator
    Transfer any reusable components from old radiator to new unit (drain petcock cap, mounting brackets if separate). Position new radiator into engine bay, aligning lower mounting pins with rubber isolators in the radiator support. Ensure radiator sits flush and level in the mounting position before installing upper bolts.
    ℹ️Verify the radiator lower mounting pins are fully seated in the rubber isolators before proceeding.
11. 11

    Install radiator mounting bolts
    Install the two upper radiator mounting bolts and hand-tighten. Verify radiator is properly positioned and seated on lower mounts. Torque the upper mounting bolts to specification using a torque wrench. Do not overtighten as the mounting brackets are plastic and can crack.
    Torque spec

    Radiator Mount Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reconnect hoses and cooler lines
    Connect the lower radiator hose to the radiator neck and secure with hose clamp. Connect upper radiator hose and secure with clamp. Reconnect overflow hose and secure. Install transmission cooler lines (if equipped) and torque fittings to specification. Ensure all connections are fully seated before tightening clamps.
    Torque spec

    Upper/Lower Hose Clamps3 Nm (2 lb-ft)

    Transmission Cooler Lines25 Nm (18 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reinstall cooling fan assembly
    Carefully lower the fan and shroud assembly into position, ensuring the lower shroud tabs engage the radiator mounting clips. Install the four fan shroud mounting bolts and torque to specification. Reconnect the cooling fan electrical connector.
14. 14

    Reinstall air intake system
    Reinstall the air intake assembly, connecting the tube to the throttle body. Secure the air box mounting points and tighten the throttle body clamp. Reconnect the mass airflow sensor electrical connector. Ensure all intake connections are secure and sealed.
    ℹ️A loose intake connection will cause rough idle and check engine light.
15. 15

    Fill and bleed cooling system
    Install new radiator cap on radiator. Fill cooling system with Motorcraft Orange coolant premixed 50/50 through the overflow reservoir until it reaches the MAX COLD line. Reconnect negative battery cable. Start engine and allow to idle with heater on maximum temperature. Monitor coolant level and add as needed. Run engine until cooling fan cycles on twice, indicating thermostat has opened and system is bled. Shut off engine, allow to cool, and top off coolant to proper level.
    ⚠Monitor engine temperature gauge closely during bleeding process. If temperature exceeds normal range, shut off engine immediately and investigate.
    ℹ️The cooling system may require 30-45 minutes of run time to fully bleed air from the system.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall engine cover by pressing down firmly on mounting grommets
2. Double-check all hose clamps are tight and properly positioned
3. Verify no tools or parts were left in engine bay
4. Clean up any coolant spills on engine or frame components

Verification

• With engine cold, verify coolant level is at MAX COLD line in overflow reservoir
• Check for coolant leaks around all hose connections and radiator seams
• Start engine and verify cooling fan operates when engine reaches operating temperature
• Check for leaks at transmission cooler line connections (if equipped)
• Test drive vehicle and monitor temperature gauge remains in normal range
• After test drive, recheck coolant level when engine is cold and top off if necessary
• Inspect ground under vehicle for any coolant or transmission fluid drips after 24 hours

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