Radiator

This procedure covers the removal and installation of the radiator on a 2018-2024 Honda Accord with the 1.5L turbocharged engine, including coolant drain and refill.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Radiator assembly × 1 — 19010-6A2-A01 or equivalent
• Radiator drain petcock × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Upper radiator hose O-ring × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Lower radiator hose O-ring × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Radiator mounting cushions × 2 — Use OEM specification if damaged

Fluids

• Honda Type 2 Coolant (Blue) — 6 qt

Preparation

1. Ensure engine is completely cold (at least 2 hours after last operation)
2. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
3. Disconnect negative battery terminal to prevent cooling fan activation during service
4. Remove engine cover by pulling up on the four corner clips
5. Place drain pan beneath radiator drain petcock location (driver side lower corner)
6. Have replacement parts and fresh Honda Type 2 coolant ready

Procedure

1. 1

   Drain cooling system
   Slowly loosen the radiator cap to release any residual pressure. Remove the cap completely. Locate the drain petcock on the driver side lower corner of the radiator. Turn the petcock counterclockwise to open and drain coolant into the drain pan. Once fully drained, remove the petcock completely for cleaning or replacement.
2. 2

   Remove upper radiator components
   Disconnect the cooling fan electrical connectors (two connectors on the fan shroud). Remove the upper radiator cover screws securing the fan shroud assembly. Lift the fan shroud and cooling fans as an assembly out of the radiator. Disconnect the upper radiator hose by loosening the hose clamp and carefully twisting the hose to break it free from the radiator neck.
   Torque spec

   Upper/Lower Hose Clamps3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Disconnect lower hose and transmission cooler lines
   From underneath the vehicle, loosen the lower radiator hose clamp and remove the hose from the radiator. If equipped with automatic transmission, use a 14mm flare nut wrench to disconnect the two transmission cooler lines from the radiator. Have a drain pan ready as residual ATF will drain. Cap the lines to prevent contamination.
   ⚠Transmission cooler line fittings are aluminum and easily damaged. Use a flare nut wrench, not a standard wrench or socket.
   Torque spec

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

   Disconnect overflow hose and condenser
   Disconnect the coolant overflow/reserve tank hose from the radiator neck (passenger side). If equipped with air conditioning, unbolt the A/C condenser mounting bolts (two 10mm bolts at the top) and carefully lean the condenser forward away from the radiator without disconnecting refrigerant lines. Support the condenser with wire or a bungee cord.
5. 5

   Remove radiator mounting bolts
   Remove the two upper radiator mounting bolts (12mm) located at the top corners of the radiator bracket. The radiator is now free to be lifted out. Carefully tilt the top of the radiator toward the engine and lift straight up to disengage the lower mounting pins from the chassis brackets.
   ⚠Have an assistant help lift the radiator if possible. The radiator is awkward to remove alone and may contact painted surfaces.
   Torque spec

   Radiator Mount Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Inspect and prepare new radiator
   Inspect the radiator mounting cushions on the lower mounting pins. Replace if cracked or deteriorated. Transfer any reusable brackets or clips from the old radiator to the new unit. Install the new drain petcock into the new radiator, tightening hand-tight only (plastic threads). Install new O-rings on the upper and lower radiator hose necks, lubricating lightly with coolant.
   Torque spec

   Drain Petcock5 Nm (4 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Install new radiator
   Carefully lower the new radiator into position, ensuring the lower mounting pins engage with the chassis mounting brackets. Tilt the radiator upright and align the upper mounting holes. Install the two upper radiator mounting bolts and torque to specification. Do not overtighten as the mounting brackets are plastic-reinforced.
   ⚠Verify lower mounting pins are fully seated in brackets before tightening upper bolts to prevent misalignment.
   Torque spec

   Radiator Mount Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Reconnect hoses and cooler lines
   Connect the lower radiator hose to the radiator neck and secure with the hose clamp to specification. Connect the upper radiator hose and secure with the hose clamp. If equipped with automatic transmission, reconnect the transmission cooler lines and torque the fittings to specification using a flare nut wrench. Reconnect the coolant overflow hose.
   Torque spec

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

   Transmission Cooler Lines25 Nm (18 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Reinstall condenser and cooling fans
   Reposition the A/C condenser against the radiator and install the two mounting bolts. Lower the cooling fan shroud assembly into position, ensuring the lower tabs engage properly. Install the upper cover screws and torque to specification. Reconnect the two cooling fan electrical connectors.
10. 10

    Fill cooling system
    Using a funnel, slowly pour Honda Type 2 (blue) coolant into the radiator fill neck until coolant reaches the base of the neck. Pour coolant into the overflow reservoir to the MAX line. Start the engine with the radiator cap off and allow it to warm up to operating temperature while adding coolant as the level drops. Run the heater on high to purge air from the heater core. Once the cooling fan cycles on and off, the system is properly bled.
    ⚠Add coolant slowly to prevent air pockets. The 1.5T engine is sensitive to air in the cooling system which can cause overheating.
11. 11

    Complete bleeding and final checks
    With the engine at operating temperature and the cooling fan having cycled, turn off the engine and allow it to cool for 15 minutes. Check coolant level and add as necessary to bring the radiator to the proper level. Install the radiator cap. Check the overflow reservoir and adjust to the MAX line if needed. Reconnect the negative battery terminal and reinstall the engine cover.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all hose clamps are properly tightened to prevent coolant leaks
2. Verify cooling fan connectors are fully seated and fans operate correctly when tested
3. Confirm A/C condenser is properly supported and not placing stress on refrigerant lines
4. Double-check transmission cooler line fittings are torqued correctly if equipped with automatic transmission

Verification

• Start the engine and verify no coolant leaks at radiator connections, hoses, or drain petcock
• Confirm both cooling fans activate when the engine reaches operating temperature
• Check that the heater produces hot air, indicating proper coolant circulation through heater core
• Verify coolant level is stable at the proper level after the first heat cycle
• If equipped with automatic transmission, check ATF level after test drive and top off if necessary
• Monitor coolant temperature gauge during a test drive to ensure normal operating temperature is maintained

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