Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
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HOMESERVICE MANUALSFORD2012EXPLORER AWD V6-3.5LREPAIR AND DIAGNOSISENGINE, COOLING AND EXHAUSTCOOLING SYSTEMRADIATORSERVICE AND REPAIR
2012 Ford Explorer AWD V6-3.5L
Radiator: Service and Repair
2012 Ford Explorer AWD V6-3.5LSECTION Service and Repair
Radiator - 3.5L Ti-VCT
Exploded View
Air Deflectors, A/C (Air Conditioning) Condenser, Radiator Brackets and Radiator Insulators
Radiator Hoses and Radiator
Removal
1. Drain the cooling system. REFER to Cooling System Draining, Filling and Bleeding - 3.5L Ti-VCT .
2. Remove the cooling fan motor and shroud. REFER to Cooling Fan Motor and Shroud - 3.5L Ti-VCT .
3. Remove the front bumper cover. REFER to Bumper Cover - Front .
4. Release the clamp and disconnect the upper radiator hose from the radiator.
5. Release the clamp and disconnect the lower radiator hose from the radiator.
6. Remove the 2 upper support bracket bolts and position the radiator toward the engine.
7. Remove the 2 upper radiator brackets.
8. Remove the LH (Left Hand) and RH (Right Hand) air deflectors from the A/C (Air Conditioning) condenser.
9. Remove the 2 A/C (Air Conditioning) condenser bolts and separate the condenser from the radiator.
10. Pry the clip up off the radiator and remove the upper radiator air deflector.
11. Remove the radiator.
Installation
1. Position the radiator in the vehicle, making sure the lower air deflector is under the A/C (Air Conditioning) condenser.
2. NOTE: The longer bolt goes on the LH (Left Hand) side.
Attach the A/C (Air Conditioning) condenser to the radiator and install the 2 bolts.
- Tighten to 6 Nm (53 lb-in).
3. Install the upper radiator air deflector and attach the clip to the radiator.
4. Install the LH (Left Hand) and RH (Right Hand) air deflectors on the A/C (Air Conditioning) condenser.
5. Install the 2 upper radiator brackets.
6. Position the radiator and install the 2 upper radiator bracket bolts.
- Tighten to 5 Nm (44 lb-in).
7. Connect the lower radiator hose to the radiator and position the clamp.
8. Connect the upper radiator hose to the radiator and position the clamp.
9. Install the front bumper cover. REFER to Bumper Cover - Front .
10. Install the cooling fan motor and shroud. REFER to Cooling Fan Motor and Shroud - 3.5L Ti-VCT .
11. Fill and bleed the cooling system. REFER to Cooling System Draining, Filling and Bleeding - 3.5L Ti-VCT .
RENDER: 1.0x
NO RELATED
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.