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2008–2017 Mitsubishi Lancer

2008-2017 Mitsubishi Lancer - Radiator Replacement

🔧🔧 Moderate 2-3 hours $190 DIY 1 views

Save $210 by doing it yourself! Shop cost: $400

Quick Video Tutorial

Parts You Need

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Total Cost
$189.95
Part Name Part Number Price Buy
Radiator — $104.95
Radiator Cap MR187013 $15.00
Upper Radiator Hose MR187014 $25.00
Lower Radiator Hose MR187015 $25.00
Coolant MIT-ANTIFREEZE $20.00

About prices: shown prices are estimates from typical Amazon listings and change frequently, and cheaper alternatives may be available. Confirm the current price on Amazon before buying.

💡 Pro tip: Order all parts at once to save on shipping

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps carefully

1

Cool down and drain the coolant

Never open a hot cooling system. With the engine cold, set the parking brake and place a drain pan under the radiator petcock or lower hose. Drain coolant into a sealed container for recycling — do not pour it on the ground. Wear gloves and eye protection.

2

Remove shrouds, fans, and hoses

Remove the upper radiator support cover/shroud pieces as needed. Disconnect upper and lower radiator hoses (and transmission cooler lines if equipped — plug them immediately). Unplug electric fan connectors and remove the fan/shroud assembly if it blocks radiator removal.

3

Unbolt mounts and lift out the radiator

Remove the radiator mounting bolts or upper brackets. Carefully lift the radiator straight up, watching for A/C condenser clips, foam seals, and cooler lines. Do not bend condenser fins if the condenser stays in the vehicle.

4

Transfer parts to the new radiator

Compare inlet/outlet sizes, mount points, and cooler fittings. Transfer the drain petcock, insulator bushings, brackets, and any foam seals to the new radiator. Replace brittle hose clamps and inspect hoses for soft spots.

5

Install the new radiator

Lower the new radiator into the lower mounts, align upper brackets, and tighten fasteners. Reattach hoses with new clamps if needed. Reconnect transmission cooler lines with new washers/seals where specified. Refit the fan/shroud and electrical connectors.

6

Refill, bleed, and leak-check

Fill with the correct coolant type and mixture. Bleed air via the bleeder screw or by running the engine with the heater on high until the thermostat opens and the upper hose gets hot — watch the level. Shut down, recheck level when cold, and inspect for leaks at hoses and cooler lines.

All Done!

Test your repair before closing everything up. If something doesn't work right, double-check your steps.

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • • Not properly draining the coolant before removal, leading to spills and potential burns.
  • • Forgetting to replace the radiator cap, causing overheating issues.
  • • Incorrectly installing the radiator hoses, leading to leaks.