1. Prepare the vehicle: Park the Taurus wagon in a safe location and turn off the engine. Allow it to cool down. Engage the parking brake and chock the wheels to prevent any unintended movement of the vehicle.
2. Disconnect the battery: Locate the negative battery terminal and disconnect it using a wrench or a battery terminal remover. This step is important to avoid electrical shorts during the installation process.
3. Drain the coolant: Place a drain pan under the radiator to catch the coolant that will be drained. Loosen the petcock valve at the bottom of the radiator to allow the coolant to flow out. Once the coolant is completely drained, close the petcock valve.
4. Remove the old radiator: Remove the upper and lower radiator hoses by loosening the hose clamps and pulling the hoses off the radiator nipples. Next, remove the mounting brackets or bolts holding the radiator in place. Carefully lift out the old radiator from the vehicle.
5. Install the new radiator: Place the new radiator in position and align it properly. Attach the mounting brackets or bolts to secure the radiator in place. Connect the upper and lower radiator hoses by attaching the hose clamps.
6. Reinstall the coolant: Mix the required amount of coolant with distilled water according to the manufacturer's specifications. Pour the coolant mixture into the radiator until it reaches the proper level.
7. Reconnect the battery: Reattach the negative battery terminal to the battery.
8. Check for leaks: Start the engine and let it run for a few minutes to allow the coolant to circulate through the system. Inspect the radiator, hoses, and connections for any leaks. If any leaks are found, tighten the connections or replace the faulty components.
Remember, always follow the specific instructions provided in the vehicle's repair manual or consult with a qualified mechanic if you are not confident in performing this task yourself.
