Removing and installing radiator (Golf, Golf Plus, Scirocco, Eos) — VW

🧭 Before you start

Coolant is drained, then the radiator hoses, the thermal switch and fan connectors and the radiator securing bolts are removed from the engine side. The front bumper cover comes off, the bolts at the radiator support are undone and the lock carrier is brought into the service position. The refrigerant line clamps are released and the condenser unbolted from the radiator and secured to the lock carrier, leaving the radiator free. Installation is the reverse, with the electrical connections routed as original.

Fits: VW Golf V / Jetta (1K, 2003–2009), VW Golf VI (5K, 2008–2013); platform codes 5M1, 1F7, 137, 521

• Opens: coolant

Don't miss

• Drain the coolant first; the hoses come off the radiator before any bolts.
• Unplug the thermal switch and radiator fan connectors before moving the lock carrier.
• Refrigerant lines must not be stretched, kinked or bent while the carrier is in service position.
• Release the retaining clamps on the refrigerant lines before unbolting the condenser.
• Condenser stays connected: unbolt it from the radiator and secure it to the lock carrier.
• Route electrical connections as original once the radiator is in.

Written for this job from the workshop steps below · TorqFix editorial.

🔧 Engine codes this applies to

📋 Procedure

1. Drain coolant .
2. Pull coolant hoses off radiator.
3. Pull connectors off thermal switch and radiator fan.
4. Remove radiator securing bolts (arrows).
5. Remove front bumper cover General body repairs, exterior63Front bumper; Assembly overview.

6. Undo and remove coolant pump bolts (arrows) of the radiator support.
7. Bring lock carrier into service position General body repairs, exterior50Body - front; Lock carrier - service position. [Note: To prevent damage to condenser or to refrigerant lines/hoses, ensure that the lines and hoses are not stretched, kinked or bent.]
8. Remove retaining clamp(s) for refrigerant lines.
9. Unbolt condenser from radiator and secure to lock carrier.
10. Electrical connections and routing .

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