Remove and replace the radiator assembly on a 2015 Kia Forte 1.8L I4, including coolant drain, hose disconnection, and radiator mounting hardware removal.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Radiator assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Radiator drain plug O-ring × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Upper radiator hose clamp (if damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Lower radiator hose clamp (if damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• Hyundai/Kia Long Life Coolant (Green) — 7.5 qt

Preparation

1. Ensure engine is completely cold (minimum 2 hours after last operation)
2. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
3. Remove the negative battery cable to prevent fan activation during service
4. Remove the front undertray/splash shield using 10mm socket
5. Place drain pan beneath radiator drain petcock location

Procedure

1. 1

   Drain cooling system
   Slowly open the radiator cap to release any residual pressure. Locate the drain petcock on the bottom driver's side of the radiator. Open the petcock and drain coolant completely into the drain pan. Remove the drain petcock completely and inspect the O-ring for damage.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove upper engine cover
   Remove the plastic engine cover by pulling upward on the front edge to release the clips, then lift to remove. Set aside in a clean area.
3. 3

   Disconnect upper radiator hose
   Using hose clamp pliers or flathead screwdriver, release the upper radiator hose clamp at the radiator connection. Twist the hose slightly to break it free from the radiator inlet, then pull straight off. Be prepared for residual coolant to drain.
   ⚠Inspect hose ends for cracks or hardening. Replace hoses if condition is questionable.
   Torque spec

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

   Disconnect lower radiator hose
   Access the lower radiator hose from beneath the vehicle. Release the hose clamp at the radiator outlet using a flathead screwdriver. Twist and pull the hose off the radiator connection. Allow remaining coolant to drain into the pan.
   Torque spec

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

   Disconnect transmission cooler lines (if equipped)
   If equipped with automatic transmission, locate the two transmission cooler lines connected to the right side of the radiator. Using a 14mm wrench, loosen and disconnect both cooler line fittings. Mark the upper and lower lines to ensure correct reinstallation. Cap the open lines to prevent fluid loss and contamination.
   ℹ️Some ATF will drain from the lines. This is normal and will be replenished during fluid check after repair.
   Torque spec

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

   Disconnect radiator fan electrical connector
   Locate the electrical connector for the radiator cooling fan on the fan shroud assembly. Press the release tab and disconnect the electrical connector. Secure the connector away from the work area.
7. 7

   Remove radiator mounting bolts
   Locate the two upper radiator mounting bolts at the top of the radiator assembly. Using a 10mm socket, remove both mounting bolts. The radiator is now held only by the lower mounting brackets.
   ⚠Support the radiator assembly as you remove the final mounting bolt to prevent it from falling.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove radiator assembly
   Carefully lift the radiator assembly straight upward to disengage it from the lower mounting pins. Tilt the top of the radiator toward the engine slightly to clear the upper crossmember, then lift the entire assembly out of the vehicle. The cooling fan shroud is attached to the radiator and will come out as one unit.
9. 9

   Transfer components to new radiator
   If the cooling fan shroud and fan are attached to the old radiator, remove them and transfer to the new radiator. Install the drain petcock with new O-ring into the new radiator, tightening hand-tight only.
   ⚠The drain petcock is plastic and will crack if overtightened. Hand-tight plus slight snug is sufficient.
   Torque spec

   Drain Petcock5 Nm (4 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Install new radiator assembly
    Carefully lower the new radiator assembly into position, ensuring the lower mounting pins align with the lower mounting brackets. Tilt as necessary to clear the upper crossmember. Seat the radiator fully onto the lower mounts.
11. 11

    Install radiator mounting bolts
    Install the two upper radiator mounting bolts finger-tight, then torque to specification using a torque wrench. Verify the radiator sits evenly on the lower mounts.
    Torque spec

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

    Reconnect hoses and lines
    Reconnect the lower radiator hose to the radiator outlet, positioning the clamp over the connection and tightening to specification. Reconnect the upper radiator hose similarly. If equipped with automatic transmission, reconnect the transmission cooler lines to their marked positions and torque the fittings to specification.
    Torque spec

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

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

    Reconnect electrical and reinstall covers
    Reconnect the radiator fan electrical connector, ensuring it clicks into place. Reinstall the upper engine cover. Reinstall the front undertray/splash shield. Reconnect the negative battery cable.
14. 14

    Refill cooling system
    Close the radiator drain petcock. Using a funnel, slowly fill the radiator with Hyundai/Kia Long Life Coolant (Green) until the level reaches the base of the radiator neck. Fill the coolant reservoir to the MAX line. Start the engine and allow it to warm up with the radiator cap off. Add coolant as the level drops during air purging. Once the thermostat opens and coolant circulates, top off the radiator and install the cap. Allow engine to reach full operating temperature.
    ⚠Monitor temperature gauge during initial warm-up to ensure proper cooling system function.

Reassembly

1. Verify all hose clamps are properly tightened and positioned
2. Double-check that transmission cooler lines are connected to the correct ports if equipped
3. Ensure radiator drain petcock is closed and not leaking
4. Confirm coolant reservoir is filled to MAX line

Verification

• Start the engine and check for coolant leaks around all connections while engine warms up
• Verify the radiator cooling fan activates when engine reaches operating temperature
• Check transmission fluid level if equipped with automatic transmission and top off if necessary
• Inspect coolant level in reservoir after engine cools completely and top off to MAX line if needed
• Test drive vehicle and monitor temperature gauge to ensure normal operating temperature is maintained
• Re-check all connections for leaks after test drive

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