cooling
Radiator
for 2017 Toyota Corolla 1.8L I4 · FWD
Difficulty
Moderate
Time
2.0 h
Tools
10
Steps
15
Complete replacement of the radiator assembly, including coolant drain, hose disconnection, transmission cooler line removal (if equipped), and refilling with Toyota Super Long Life Coolant.
Warnings
⚠️Never open the cooling system when the engine is hot. Allow at least 2 hours for the engine to cool completely to avoid severe burns from pressurized coolant.
⚠Toyota Super Long Life Coolant is toxic to pets and wildlife. Clean up all spills immediately and dispose of old coolant according to local regulations.
⚠On vehicles with automatic transmission, transmission fluid will drain from cooler lines. Have additional ATF available for refill.
ℹ️Radiator mounting points use plastic brackets. Do not overtighten bolts or cracking will occur.
Tools required
10mm socket and ratchetEssential
12mm socket and ratchetEssential
14mm socket and ratchetEssential
Flare nut wrench set
Hose clamp pliersEssential
Drain pan (minimum 2 gallon capacity)Essential
Torque wrenchEssential
Coolant funnel with adapter
Shop towelsEssential
Wire brush
Parts
- Radiator assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification
- Upper radiator hose × 1 — 16571-0T030
- Lower radiator hose × 1 — 16572-0T050
- Hose clamps × 4 — Use OEM specification
- Radiator drain plug O-ring × 1 — Use OEM specification
- Transmission cooler line gaskets (if equipped) × 2 — Use OEM specification
Fluids
- Toyota Super Long Life Coolant (Pink) — 7.5 qt
Preparation
- Ensure engine is completely cold before beginning work
- Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
- Disconnect negative battery terminal to prevent cooling fan activation during work
- Remove engine under cover using 10mm socket
- Place drain pan under radiator drain plug location
Procedure
- 1Drain cooling systemLocate the radiator drain petcock at the lower driver's side of the radiator. Slowly open the drain petcock by turning counterclockwise by hand to drain coolant into the drain pan. Remove the radiator cap after draining begins to speed the process. Allow system to drain completely.Torque specDrain Petcock5 Nm (4 lb-ft)
- 2Remove upper radiator componentsRemove the two plastic clips securing the upper radiator cover by prying the center pin upward, then removing the entire clip. Remove the upper radiator cover. Disconnect the cooling fan electrical connector by pressing the release tab.
- 3Disconnect radiator hosesUsing hose clamp pliers, compress and slide the upper radiator hose clamp away from the radiator neck. Twist the hose to break the seal, then pull firmly to remove from radiator. Repeat for the lower radiator hose. Be prepared for residual coolant to drain from hoses.Torque specUpper/Lower Hose Clamps3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
- 4Disconnect transmission cooler lines (if equipped)For automatic transmission models, locate the two transmission cooler lines connected to the driver's side of the radiator. Using a flare nut wrench, carefully loosen the cooler line fittings. Have a drain pan ready as ATF will drain from these lines. Cap the lines immediately after removal to prevent contamination.⚠Use a flare nut wrench to prevent rounding off the soft aluminum fittings. Do not use standard open-end wrenches.Torque specTransmission Cooler Lines25 Nm (18 lb-ft)
- 5Disconnect overflow hoseLocate the coolant overflow hose connected to the radiator neck filler area. Compress the hose clamp and slide away from the radiator, then pull the hose free from the radiator fitting.Torque specUpper/Lower Hose Clamps3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
- 6Remove radiator mounting boltsLocate the two upper radiator mounting brackets. Remove the two 12mm mounting bolts securing the radiator to the radiator support. On some models, there may be additional lower mounting cushions that do not require bolt removal. Carefully note the position of any rubber mounting cushions.ℹ️Keep track of all rubber mounting cushions and their orientation for proper reinstallation.Torque specRadiator Mount Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
- 7Remove radiator assemblyCarefully lift the radiator assembly upward and toward the engine to clear the lower mounting cushions. Tilt the top of the radiator toward the engine as you lift. The cooling fan shroud is attached to the radiator and will come out as an assembly. Watch for any remaining hose connections as you remove the radiator.⚠The radiator fins are fragile. Avoid contact with sharp objects and do not set the radiator face-down on a rough surface.
- 8Transfer components to new radiatorIf the cooling fan assembly and shroud are separate from the new radiator, transfer them from the old radiator. The drain petcock should already be installed on the new radiator. Verify that all mounting cushions are in place on the new radiator.
- 9Install new radiatorCarefully lower the new radiator assembly into position, tilting the top toward the engine to clear the upper radiator support. Ensure the lower mounting cushions seat properly into their brackets. Align the upper mounting holes with the radiator support.
- 10Install radiator mounting boltsInstall the two upper radiator mounting bolts and tighten by hand first to ensure proper thread engagement. Torque the mounting bolts to specification. Do not exceed the specified torque as the mounting brackets are plastic and will crack if overtightened.⚠Overtightening radiator mount bolts will crack the plastic mounting brackets. Use a torque wrench and do not exceed 12 Nm.Torque specRadiator Mount Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
- 11Reconnect transmission cooler lines (if equipped)Install new gaskets on the transmission cooler line fittings. Thread the fittings into the radiator by hand until seated, then torque to specification using a flare nut wrench. Do not overtighten as the radiator fittings are aluminum and easily damaged.Torque specTransmission Cooler Lines25 Nm (18 lb-ft)
- 12Reconnect radiator hosesInstall the lower radiator hose onto the radiator neck, ensuring it seats fully onto the neck. Position a new hose clamp and tighten to specification. Repeat for the upper radiator hose. Reconnect the overflow hose and secure with its clamp.Torque specUpper/Lower Hose Clamps3 Nm (2 lb-ft)
- 13Reconnect electrical and install coversReconnect the cooling fan electrical connector until it clicks into place. Install the upper radiator cover and secure with the plastic clips by inserting the clip body, then pressing the center pin down until flush. Reconnect the negative battery terminal.
- 14Refill cooling systemClose the radiator drain petcock by turning clockwise hand-tight only. Using a funnel, slowly pour Toyota Super Long Life Coolant into the radiator until full. Install the radiator cap. Fill the coolant reservoir to the FULL line. Start the engine and allow it to reach operating temperature with the heater on high to purge air from the system.ℹ️The cooling system may require several heat cycles to fully purge air. Check coolant level after the first drive and top off as needed.Torque specDrain Petcock5 Nm (4 lb-ft)
- 15Check for leaks and refill transmission (if equipped)With the engine at operating temperature, inspect all hose connections, the drain petcock, and transmission cooler lines for leaks. Check coolant level in the reservoir and top off if needed. For automatic transmission models, check transmission fluid level and add Toyota WS ATF as needed to replace fluid lost during cooler line disconnection.
Reassembly
- Ensure all hose clamps are positioned correctly and tightened to specification
- Verify cooling fan operates when engine reaches operating temperature
- Install engine under cover using 10mm bolts
- Check transmission fluid level on automatic transmission models and add as necessary
Verification
- Start the engine and verify no coolant leaks at radiator, hoses, or drain petcock
- Confirm cooling fan activates when engine reaches normal operating temperature
- Check that heater produces hot air when set to maximum temperature
- Verify coolant level is at FULL mark on reservoir when engine is cold
- On automatic transmission models, check for ATF leaks at cooler line connections
- Test drive vehicle and monitor temperature gauge remains in normal range
- Recheck coolant level after first drive cycle and top off if necessary