Dodge Nitro. Manual - part 528

10. The lower part of radiator is equipped with two alignment dowel pins (2). They are located on the bottom 

of radiator tank and fit into rubber grommets. These rubber grommets are pressed into the radiator lower 
crossmember. 

11. Gently lift up and remove radiator from vehicle. Be careful not to scrape the radiator fins against any 

other component. Also be careful not to disturb the air conditioning condenser (if equipped).  

CLEANING 

CLEANING 

Clean radiator fins With the engine cold, apply cold water and compressed air to the back (engine side) of the 
radiator to flush the radiator and/or A/C condenser of debris. 

INSPECTION 

INSPECTION 

The radiator cooling fins should be checked for damage or deterioration. Inspect cooling fins to make sure they 
are not bent or crushed, these areas result in reduced heat exchange causing the cooling system to operate at 
higher temperatures. Inspect the plastic end tanks for cracks, damage or leaks. 

Inspect the radiator neck for damage or distortion. 

INSTALLATION 

INSTALLATION 

WARNING:

The air conditioning system (if equipped) is under a constant 
pressure even with the engine off. Refer to refrigerant warnings in, 
heating and air conditioning before handling any air conditioning 
component.

NOTE:

The radiator and radiator cooling fan can be removed as an assembly. It is 
not necessary to remove the cooling fan before removing or installing the 
radiator.

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 ENGINE Cooling - Nitro

  

Fig. 74: Identifying Air Dam, Radiator, Air Dam, A/C Condenser & Air Seal 
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC 

1 - AIR DAM
2 - RADIATOR
3 - AIR DAM
4 - A/C CONDENSER
5 - AIR SEAL

CAUTION: Before installing the radiator or A/C condenser, be sure the radiator-to-

body and radiator-to-A/C condenser rubber air seals are properly fastened 
to their original positions. These are used at the top, bottom and sides of 
the radiator and A/C condenser. To prevent overheating, these seals must 

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 ENGINE Cooling - Nitro

  

Fig. 75: Identifying Radiator, Alignment Dowel, Radiator Lower Isolator & Radiator Lower 
Crossmember 
Courtesy of CHRYSLER LLC 

be installed to their original positions.

1 - RADIATOR
2 - ALIGNMENT DOWEL

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 ENGINE Cooling - Nitro

  

1. Gently lower the radiator and fan shroud into the vehicle. Guide the two radiator alignment dowels into 

the rubber grommets located in lower radiator crossmember.  

2. Connect the radiator upper and lower hoses and hose clamps to radiator. 

3. Install coolant reserve/overflow tank hose at radiator.  

4. Install both radiator mounting bolts.  

5. Reconnect the electric cooling fan.  

6. Install the grille. Refer to INSTALLATION .  

7. Reinstall the cooling fan to the engine.  

8. Rotate the fan blades (by hand) and check for interference at fan shroud.  

9. Refill cooling system. See STANDARD PROCEDURE.  

10. Connect battery cable at battery.  

11. Start and warm engine. Check for leaks.  

CAP-RADIATOR PRESSURE 

DESCRIPTION 

DESCRIPTION 

3 - RADIATOR LOWER ISOLATOR
4 - RADIATOR LOWER CROSSMEMBER

CAUTION: The tangs on the hose clamps must be positioned straight down.

 

2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 

2007 ENGINE Cooling - Nitro