Radiator

Complete removal and replacement of the radiator on a 2017 Maserati Levante 3.0L V6 Twin Turbo, including coolant drain, hose disconnection, and mounting hardware removal.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Radiator assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Upper radiator hose × 1 — Replace if cracked or swollen
• Lower radiator hose × 1 — Replace if cracked or swollen
• Radiator drain petcock × 1 — Often included with radiator
• Hose clamps × 4 — Spring clamps or worm gear
• Radiator mounting bushings × 4 — Inspect and replace if worn
• Coolant temperature sensor O-ring × 1 — If sensor is relocated

Fluids

• Maserati OAT Coolant — 10 qt

Preparation

1. Ensure engine is completely cold to the touch (minimum 2 hours after last operation)
2. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake
3. Disconnect negative battery terminal to prevent fan activation during service
4. Remove engine cover and underbody splash shields for access to lower components
5. Place large drain pan(s) capable of holding at least 12 quarts under radiator area
6. Document routing of hoses and electrical connections with photos for reference during reassembly

Procedure

1. 1

   Drain cooling system
   Slowly remove radiator cap to release any residual pressure. Locate drain petcock at bottom of radiator (driver side). Place drain pan underneath and open petcock by turning counterclockwise. Allow coolant to drain completely. If petcock is damaged or seized, remove lower radiator hose instead. Collect all coolant for proper disposal.
   ⚠Even when cold, some pressure may remain in system. Open radiator cap slowly and stand to the side.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove air intake and ducting
   Remove air intake snorkel and air filter housing assembly to access upper radiator area. Disconnect mass airflow sensor connector. Remove intake ducting from throttle body to turbocharger inlets. This provides clearance for upper radiator removal. Set components aside in clean area.
3. 3

   Disconnect radiator hoses
   Using hose clamp pliers, release spring clamps on upper and lower radiator hoses. Slide clamps back along hoses away from radiator connections. Twist hoses to break seal, then pull straight off radiator neck fittings. If hoses are stuck, carefully use a pick tool to break the seal but avoid damaging radiator neck. Inspect hoses for cracks, swelling, or soft spots and replace as needed.
   Torque spec

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

   Disconnect transmission cooler lines
   Locate transmission oil cooler lines at right side of radiator (two lines with threaded fittings). Place shop rags below connections to catch residual fluid. Using flare nut wrench to prevent rounding, carefully loosen cooler line fittings. Expect approximately 4-6 oz of transmission fluid to drain from lines. Cap or plug open lines immediately to prevent contamination.
   ⚠Transmission cooler lines are aluminum and easily damaged. Use proper flare nut wrench and do not over-torque during reinstallation.
   Torque spec

   Transmission Cooler Lines25 Nm (18 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Disconnect cooling fans and sensors
   Disconnect electrical connectors for both cooling fan motors (left and right). Disconnect coolant temperature sensor connector if mounted on radiator. Release connector locking tabs and pull connectors straight back. Tag each connector with tape and marker for identification during reassembly. The fan assembly typically stays attached to radiator for removal as a unit.
6. 6

   Disconnect auxiliary cooler lines
   Identify and disconnect any auxiliary cooler lines attached to radiator (power steering cooler if equipped with hydraulic assist, or additional engine oil cooler lines). The Levante uses electric power steering but may have oil cooler lines routed through radiator. Use flare nut wrench and cap all open lines to prevent contamination.
7. 7

   Remove radiator mounting hardware
   Locate radiator mounting bolts at top of radiator support (typically two bolts at upper radiator brackets). Remove upper mounting bolts using appropriate socket. At lower radiator mount points, remove mounting bolts or release lower mounting tabs depending on design. Note position and orientation of rubber mounting bushings for reassembly. Support radiator weight while removing final mounting points.
   ⚠Radiator mount points use plastic brackets. Do not overtighten bolts during reinstallation or brackets will crack.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove radiator assembly
   With all connections and mounts removed, carefully lift radiator assembly upward and toward engine bay rear. Angle radiator to clear fan shroud and condenser. Work slowly to avoid snagging any remaining connections or damaging aluminum cooling fins on radiator or AC condenser. May require slight tilting to clear upper radiator support. Remove radiator with fans still attached as complete assembly.
   ⚠Radiator is fragile. Avoid contact with AC condenser in front of radiator. Bent cooling fins reduce efficiency.
9. 9

   Transfer components to new radiator
   If reusing cooling fans, remove fan assembly from old radiator (typically 3-4 bolts per fan). Transfer fans, temperature sensor, and drain petcock to new radiator. Inspect all rubber mounting bushings and replace if worn, compressed, or cracked. Install drain petcock hand-tight only. Verify all mounting points and connection ports on new radiator match original configuration.
   ℹ️Verify new radiator includes all necessary mounting brackets and ports. Some aftermarket radiators may require transferring brackets from old unit.
   Torque spec

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

    Install new radiator assembly
    Carefully lower new radiator assembly into position, reversing removal process. Align lower mounting bushings with support brackets first, then tilt radiator into vertical position. Ensure radiator sits properly in all mounting locations and does not contact AC condenser. Install and hand-tighten upper mounting bolts, then torque all radiator mounting bolts to specification. Verify radiator is secure and properly aligned.
    Torque spec

    Radiator Mount Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reconnect all cooler lines and hoses
    Reconnect transmission cooler lines using flare nut wrench, torquing to specification. Reconnect any auxiliary cooler lines. Install lower radiator hose onto radiator neck, ensuring hose seats fully on neck. Position clamp over hose end and secure. Install upper radiator hose in same manner, verifying proper seating and clamp position. Reconnect all electrical connectors to fans and sensors, ensuring locking tabs engage fully.
    Torque spec

    Transmission Cooler Lines25 Nm (18 lb-ft)

    Upper/Lower Hose Clamps3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Refill cooling system
    Close radiator drain petcock to hand-tight specification. Using coolant refill funnel with adapter attached to radiator neck, slowly pour Maserati OAT coolant into system. Fill until coolant reaches bottom of radiator neck. Allow time for air bubbles to escape and coolant to settle. Add additional coolant as level drops. Total system capacity is 10 quarts. Do not overfill.
    ℹ️Fill slowly to minimize air pocket formation. The V6 twin-turbo has multiple coolant passages that must fill properly.
    Torque spec

    Drain Petcock5 Nm (4 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Bleed cooling system
    With radiator cap still off and funnel attached, reconnect battery negative terminal. Start engine and allow to idle. Turn heater to maximum temperature and fan to low speed. Watch coolant level in funnel and add coolant as level drops. Gently rev engine to 2000-2500 RPM several times to help purge air pockets. Continue process until coolant level stabilizes and both radiator hoses become hot to touch, indicating thermostat has opened. Top off coolant to proper level.
    ⚠Monitor engine temperature gauge during bleeding process. Do not allow engine to overheat. If temperature rises excessively, shut off engine immediately.
14. 14

    Final inspection and testing
    Allow engine to reach full operating temperature and verify both cooling fans cycle on and off properly. Shut off engine and allow to cool for 15 minutes. Check coolant level and top off if needed. Install radiator cap. Inspect all connections for leaks, paying special attention to hose clamps, cooler line fittings, and drain petcock. Check transmission fluid level and top off if necessary due to loss from cooler lines. Reinstall air intake system, engine cover, and underbody shields.

Reassembly

1. Torque all fasteners to specified values using proper torque wrench
2. Verify all electrical connectors are fully seated with locking tabs engaged
3. Double-check all hose clamps are properly positioned and tightened
4. Ensure no tools or shop rags are left in engine bay
5. Verify transmission cooler lines are properly routed and not contacting hot exhaust components

Verification

• Start engine and verify no coolant leaks at radiator, hoses, or cooler line connections
• Confirm both cooling fans activate when engine reaches operating temperature (typically 215-220°F)
• Verify heater produces hot air at full temperature setting
• Check coolant level in overflow tank when cold - should be at COLD mark
• Test drive vehicle and monitor temperature gauge - should remain in normal range under all conditions
• After test drive, recheck all connections for leaks and verify coolant level
• Use coolant hydrometer to verify proper coolant concentration (50/50 mix provides freeze protection to -34°F)

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