This procedure covers the complete removal and installation of the radiator on a 2015-2020 Ford F-150 with the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine, including coolant drain, hose removal, and transmission cooler line disconnection.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Radiator assembly × 1 — Use OEM or quality aftermarket
• Upper radiator hose × 1 — Reuse if not damaged
• Lower radiator hose × 1 — Reuse if not damaged
• Hose clamps × 4 — Replace if corroded
• Radiator cap × 1 — Recommended replacement

Fluids

• Motorcraft Orange Coolant — 13 qt

Preparation

1. Ensure engine is completely cold before starting work
2. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
3. Disconnect negative battery cable to prevent cooling fan activation
4. Remove engine cover by pulling upward on cover to release retaining clips
5. Place drain pan under radiator drain petcock location

Procedure

1. 1

   Drain cooling system
   Open radiator cap slowly to release any residual pressure. Locate the drain petcock on the driver side lower corner of the radiator. Turn petcock counterclockwise by hand to open and drain coolant into drain pan. Once drained, close petcock hand-tight.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove air intake components
   Disconnect mass airflow sensor electrical connector. Loosen hose clamp at throttle body. Remove air intake tube and air filter housing assembly to gain access to radiator area. Set components aside in clean area.
3. 3

   Disconnect upper radiator hose
   Using hose clamp pliers, compress and slide clamp back from radiator neck approximately 2 inches. Twist hose gently to break seal, then pull hose off radiator neck. Have shop towel ready to catch residual coolant.
   Torque spec

   Upper/Lower Hose Clamps3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Disconnect lower radiator hose
   Access lower radiator hose from underneath vehicle. Using hose clamp pliers, compress and slide clamp back from radiator outlet. Twist and pull hose to remove from radiator. Allow remaining coolant to drain into pan.
   Torque spec

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

   Disconnect transmission cooler lines
   Locate transmission cooler lines on passenger side of radiator. Using appropriate line disconnect tool, release quick-connect fittings from radiator. Have shop towels ready to catch ATF spillage. Cap open lines to prevent contamination.
   ⚠ATF will drain from lines. Keep drain pan positioned to catch fluid.
   Torque spec

   Transmission Cooler Lines25 Nm (18 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Disconnect cooling fan electrical connectors
   Locate electrical connectors for dual cooling fans on fan shroud. Press release tabs and disconnect both fan motor connectors. Tuck wiring harness aside to prevent damage during radiator removal.
7. 7

   Remove fan shroud assembly
   Remove four bolts securing fan shroud to radiator using 10mm socket. Carefully lift fan shroud assembly upward and out of engine bay. The shroud and fans are removed as a single unit. Set aside in safe location.
8. 8

   Disconnect overflow hose
   Locate coolant overflow hose connected to radiator neck. Squeeze hose clamp and slide back, then pull hose off radiator fitting. Position hose aside to prevent coolant leakage from overflow tank.
9. 9

   Remove radiator mounting brackets
   Remove two upper radiator mounting bolts from each side (four total) using 10mm socket. These bolts secure the radiator support brackets to the radiator core support. Be careful not to drop bolts into engine bay.
   ⚠Support radiator while removing final mounting bolts to prevent it from falling.
   Torque spec

   Radiator Mount Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Remove radiator from vehicle
    Carefully tilt top of radiator toward engine and lift upward to clear lower mounting pins. Guide radiator up and out of engine bay, being careful not to damage cooling fins on AC condenser or surrounding components. Inspect lower rubber mounting insulators and replace if damaged.
    ⚠Radiator is heavy and awkward. Use care to avoid damage to AC condenser directly in front of radiator.
11. 11

    Install new radiator
    Transfer any reusable components from old radiator to new unit (drain petcock, transmission cooler fittings if applicable). Carefully lower new radiator into position, aligning lower mounting pins with rubber insulators. Ensure radiator seats fully into position before installing mounting hardware.
12. 12

    Install mounting brackets and hardware
    Install upper radiator mounting brackets and secure with four mounting bolts. Torque bolts to specification in a cross pattern to ensure even pressure distribution. Verify radiator is properly seated and secure.
    Torque spec

    Radiator Mount Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reinstall fan shroud assembly
    Carefully lower fan shroud assembly into position, ensuring alignment tabs engage properly with radiator. Install four mounting bolts and torque to specification. Reconnect both cooling fan electrical connectors, ensuring they click into place.
14. 14

    Reconnect all hoses and lines
    Connect lower radiator hose to radiator outlet and position clamp properly. Connect upper radiator hose to radiator neck and secure clamp. Reconnect overflow hose. Connect transmission cooler lines, ensuring quick-connect fittings click securely. Torque hose clamps to specification.
    Torque spec

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

    Transmission Cooler Lines25 Nm (18 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Refill and bleed cooling system
    Reinstall air intake components. Reconnect battery. Fill cooling system with 13 quarts of Motorcraft Orange Coolant using funnel at radiator cap location. Start engine and allow to reach operating temperature with heater on maximum. Monitor coolant level and add as needed. Check for leaks at all connection points. Once system is bled and coolant level is stable, install radiator cap securely.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all hose clamps are positioned properly and torqued to specification
2. Verify transmission cooler lines are fully seated and secure
3. Double-check all electrical connections are properly engaged
4. Confirm radiator cap is installed correctly and sealed
5. Reinstall engine cover

Verification

• Start engine and observe for coolant leaks at radiator, hoses, and transmission cooler lines
• Allow engine to reach full operating temperature and verify cooling fans cycle on and off properly
• Check coolant level after engine cools and top off if necessary
• Monitor temperature gauge during test drive to ensure normal operating temperature
• Inspect ground under vehicle after test drive for any signs of coolant or ATF leakage
• Verify transmission fluid level is correct and top off if needed due to cooler line disconnection

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