Radiator Replacement on 2003 to 2007 Honda Accord: REPLACE LEAKING radiator

In this video I replace the OEM radiator on the 2003 Honda Accord with the aftermarket Denso direct-fit radiator. I cover the procedure for radiator replacement on 2003 to 2007 Honda Accord. Are you looking to replace leaking radiator, replace leaky radiator, replace broken radiator or replace cracked radiator? This video is for you. To replace a leaking radiator of the 2003-2007 Accord is not hard.
Does radiator stop leak work? The existing radiator had developed a crack and I had tried to a radiator repair procedure as well as used a radiator sealant aka radiator stop leak. All these failed before I decided the replacement of 2003 Honda Accord radiator was the way to go. I show how to replace a leaky radiator on this car DIY. I cover the removal of the radiator from the vehicle as well as install.
If your radiator is leaking, and you have tried different solutions to no avail, and you are looking at how to replace radiator on Honda Accord or replacement of radiator Honda Accord or radiator replacement 2003 accord, or more generally, radiator replacement on Honda Accord, this how to replace radiator 2003 Honda Accord, details the procedure.
The procedure for refilling coolant can be found here: www.diyautoworksng.com/coolan...
The part number for the Radiator Fan Switch is 91307-PN3-000 (2003 - 2004). I did a more recent video on the replacement of the radiator fan switch. Check it out: • Replacement of Radiato...
Part number for 2005 - 2007 is 91307-PLC-004 / O-Ring

[@Dirtbagkris]

5 years later and your video is still helping people! Thanks for a great how-to description! FYI for others - my 2006 honda accord hybrid did not have a radiator switch (nothing there to transplant) but did have extra electrical connectors. Also, I learned the hard way that automatic transmission needs transmission line ports in the radiator as shown in this video. The one I bought was missing those ports and I had to buy a new one, so be careful 🤙

[@DIYAutoworksNG]

Great to hear! Thanks a lot for your feedback.

[@theshamemachine1828]

Good video. I enjoyed your demeanor and voice. Ive been a mechanic for 15 years, but i find myself youtubing jobs all the time. I can tell you have been doing this for a while. Well done my friend, and thankyou for taking the time out of your day to post this content. Thumbs up from me!

[@DIYAutoworksNG]

Thanks, mate. Great to hear from a fellow auto repair person!

[@sanguenguyen3566]

Yo, your Accord helps me doing on my Acura RL, 95% of progress is the same 😊. Thank you so much.

[@DIYAutoworksNG]

Great to hear! All the best.

[@cjochoa777]

You just saved me like $800, thank you thank you!! ❤

[@DIYAutoworksNG]

You're welcome!

[@davooman1178]

Very informative. Thank you

[@DIYAutoworksNG]

Thanks for watching!

[@derekbryan2637]

Thanks so much for the video. Tacked this today with your help.

[@DIYAutoworksNG]

Great to hear!

[@weaboo_woman]

Just replaced my radiator with my dad thanks to this video! Thank you!

[@DIYAutoworksNG]

Nice!!!

[@rodneyl.cherryproductions3776]

My far the best video!! Just wondering why on earth they didn't attach the switch???? tutorials on here don't even mention it! Ty!!!!!!!!! tutorials

[@DIYAutoworksNG]

Thanks!

[@f1acko361]

What’s better duralast or Denso debating if I should order the radiator from rock auto for my 2007 Honda Accord Lx 2.4

[@DIYAutoworksNG]

I got the Denso since they are an OEM supplier. Haven't had an issue since this replacement. Can't say for Duralast since I think I may have only used their brake pads.

[@richardborge8541]

Very helpful video. Slow and detailed. Thx!

[@DIYAutoworksNG]

Thank you!

[@lavendertreesdemello9016]

Thank you for teaching me.

[@DIYAutoworksNG]

Thanks!

[@peaman2424]

Well done video, thanks for posting!!!

[@JakeNaughtFromStateFarm]

I’m about to pull my sister in laws radiator tomorrow. I was jacking it up and it fell. Didn’t seem to damage the actual radiator, but it did bend the frame and push it up so it’s sitting crooked. I’m gonna take it out tomorrow and hopefully be able to flatten the frame back down a bit so it sits right.

[@DIYAutoworksNG]

Sounds good. As long as its just the frame and it doesn't affect the aluminium coolant passage ways/metal or plastic reservoirs and a large portion of cooling fins, you should be good. If in doubt, you could get a second opinion...

[@JakeNaughtFromStateFarm]

@@DIYAutoworksNG I’m gonna take it out, beat the frame back down so it fits (at least as best I can), reinstall, and run it a few days to see how it does. Hopefully everything will be ok.

[@DIYAutoworksNG]

Sounds like a good plan!

[@JakeNaughtFromStateFarm]

@@DIYAutoworksNG Just finished. It was a little easier than yours because it has a separate transmission cooler (V6), so I just had to unplug the fans and remove hoses. Radiator looked good. I beat the frame down a bit and put it back in. It still crooked, but the hood shuts and locks. I’m gonna roll with it and see how it goes. I do have a question for you. When I drained the radiator, there wasn’t much that came out (couple quarts, maybe). It was blue, so I’m assuming it was Honda coolant. Do I need to get that same coolant? Or can I get another Asian blue coolant from the store and it will be ok?

[@DIYAutoworksNG]

Nice update. On coolant, if you can't get the Honda stuff, look at the specification of the Asian one. Honda calls for long life coolant free from silicates/borates. Hope this helps!

[@jonn15963]

i like how he used the curved pliers to remove the plastic clamps instead of the metal clamps holding the hoses xD

[@DIYAutoworksNG]

Thanks!

[@tx370z5]

Reason for raising the vehicle? just better posture or easier to slide the catch can under? Thank you.

[@DIYAutoworksNG]

Hi there, Mainly for ease of sliding the catch can.

[@benny-hn7xe]

Even if the 2005 sensor changes. Is it still the same radiator? Or is it different?

[@DIYAutoworksNG]

The radiators have different part numbers. The fan switch (2003 - 2004) is much bigger than the coolant temp sensor (2005 & above) and will not fit in the hole for the 2005.

[@benny-hn7xe]

@@DIYAutoworksNG my thought is that I have the wrong radiator. Is that possible? Even if it's a perfect fit?

[@DIYAutoworksNG]

I haven't looked at the 2 radiators side by side but I figure they will be the same apart from the hole for the sensor/switch. If you check the website on Honda dealers they are different part numbers

[@benny-hn7xe]

@@DIYAutoworksNG if by any chance I do have the wrong radiator. Would it work if I change the plug to fit the bigger sensor to fit the radiator? My apologies for all the questions I just want to make sure before I spend money to get this fixed.

[@DIYAutoworksNG]

If you don't have any problem that warrants replacing your radiator, I would say you leave it alone. The fact that my Denso replacement radiator came with an adapter for the smaller 2005 sensor means it can work on either car.

[@lycoris5942]

Very instructive. Thanks!

[@DIYAutoworksNG]

You're welcome!

[@omarG19100]

you could have removed rad and fan as a whole assembly and just transfer fan to new rad, and install but still good video.

[@DIYAutoworksNG]

That's an option, though I favor removing the fan shroud first, as you will need to gain access to it's rear to remove the push pins that hold some cables to the fan shroud.

[@jhonnyblossom3034]

Thank you!!!!👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍✌️

[@DIYAutoworksNG]

You're welcome!

[@CoreyDavis01]

Thanks for the helpful video!

[@DIYAutoworksNG]

Thanks for watching

[@mapachismo]

You said that the number for the correct O ring is in the description, but I do not see it.

[@DIYAutoworksNG]

Hi Mapachismo, So sorry for the omission. I have updated the description with the part number, but paste it here as well for your reference; 91307-PN3-000. This is for the 2003 - 2004. Thanks!

[@gilbesm1]

Fantastic! Thanks! Saved me a lot of time. Any chance you can do a Honda Radiator Flush?

[@DIYAutoworksNG]

Thanks Shawn! Honda doesn't recommend radiator flushes but repeated drain and fills. Unfortunately, I'm not going to be due for coolant replacement in a long while. However, I did do this post on my blog which you may find interesting; www.diyautoworksng.com/coolant-drain-flush-replacement-on-2003-2007-accord/

[@gilbesm1]

What about transmission treatment? I forgot before I started the transmission lines lead to the radiator. Do you recommend drain and refill of transmission fluid or just top off if any spilled?

[@DIYAutoworksNG]

If your ATF level was normal before the radiator change, the spill from the transmission cooling lines is usually minimal and in my experience does not need topping up. No need for transmission drain and fill except if it's due.

[@anibalpuertorico6556]

Nice job brother thanks

[@DIYAutoworksNG]

Thanks Mate!

[@daviderhahon]

Hey, just watched again. One quick question though. Please were you able to find the leak on the old radiator? Where was it leaking from?

[@DIYAutoworksNG]

It was leaking from the top right side. From a crack in the plastic part that sits on top of the radiator fins/water passage ways.

[@daviderhahon]

@@DIYAutoworksNG The new one is a single cell (single core) radiator, right?

[@DIYAutoworksNG]

Yep. Single core.

[@UpInSmoke909]

Thanks for the great video. Plenty of help.

[@DIYAutoworksNG]

Thanks!

[@UpInSmoke909]

Piyke DIYAutoWorksNG quick question. How much fluid should I buy? I’m about to start and don’t want to buy too little.

[@DIYAutoworksNG]

Hello, Depending on your car you will need 5L, 5.1L or 6.7L for AT, MT and V6 respectively.

[@UpInSmoke909]

Piyke DIYAutoWorksNG thanks again

[@iroh1048]

Nice video thanks

[@DIYAutoworksNG]

Thanks for the compliment! Thanks for watching.

[@CRAPO2011]

How is that Denso first time fit holding up after 5 years?

[@DIYAutoworksNG]

Held up real good till I sold the car last year. No leaks or cracks.

[@CRAPO2011]

@@DIYAutoworksNG about how many miles did you put on it ?if you don't mind me asking

[@DIYAutoworksNG]

Can't recollect, but I do between 12 - 15k miles annually. So roughly about 60k miles

[@sothy2000]

well done. thank you.

[@DIYAutoworksNG]

Thanks!

[@Alihonda2007]

I need help please how can i find the radiator size for my 06 accord 2.4l 4 cylinder, is there any stickers or Direction refers the size of Radiator I just can’t find it please wait for your answer

[@DIYAutoworksNG]

Hi Ali, happy to help. Are you buying this in person used, or are you ordering online?

[@Alihonda2007]

@@DIYAutoworksNG Hi dear, I bought one in person from Autozone and they told me it’ll fit on 04 07 and did not fit, so now I trying to order online better and cheaper.

[@DIYAutoworksNG]

I see. What I suggest... Get the correct part number for your trim using your VIN on a site like hondapartscheap.com, then you can use the part number to check any of the sites you want to order from e.g Rockauto.com

[@Alihonda2007]

@@DIYAutoworksNG wonderful man thank you so much! I will try that and it’s great idea never thought about it

[@DIYAutoworksNG]

👌🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@ArtemisVrQ2]

Would i be able to do the same stuff on a hybrid?

[@DIYAutoworksNG]

Yet to work on a hybrid, so I'd say you use a similar video but one made for hybrids. There's a risk of electrocution with hybrids if you don't know your way around.

[@MotionWork_305]

Does this work the same for a 2010 Honda Accord LX-S

[@DIYAutoworksNG]

Largely the same procedure.

[@Lilxyq]

Can I use bars stop leak temporarily?

[@DIYAutoworksNG]

I don't advise. Many years ago, I tried using this product and it nearly overheated my engine. It clogged the supply hose from the coolant reservoir to the radiator and didn't allow the radiator draw coolant from the reservoir when it was leaking. Others may have a different experience. Personally, I don't advise.

[@Lilxyq]

@@DIYAutoworksNGbaba thanks my car kept overheating so yea I think this what happened even after trying to jb weld it and refill the antifreeze might as well replace the radiator

[@DIYAutoworksNG]

Yea. Better to replace the radiator. Be sure to flush multiple times with water before filling with coolant. Distilled water is best for this purpose and a cheap source is the condensate from AC systems. Just catch in a bucket and you'll have all you need.

[@mapachismo]

Do I only need to jack up the left front? Or the entire front? Thank you.

[@DIYAutoworksNG]

Hello Mapachismo, Just the left will do. Cheers.

[@christianhill2689]

Quick list of tools needed?

[@DIYAutoworksNG]

Not much in terms of tools. The following should help: Size 10 wrench Receptacle Needle-nose pliers 24" wrench

[@donaldalexander1278]

Itsverygood

[@DIYAutoworksNG]

Thanks!

[@roymbaeteka5000]

Hey, did you source for radiator and Honda type 2 coolant locally or you shipped them in?

[@DIYAutoworksNG]

Hi and thanks for watching. I shipped in the radiator from Rockauto because I couldn't find a new one of sufficient quality at my location. Genuine Honda type 2 coolant was available locally so I got that without stress.

[@roymbaeteka5000]

Thank you so much. Also I being looking to change out my transmission fluid and I want to go with the original Honda dw1. Do you know where I can get genuine dw1 fluid locally?

[@DIYAutoworksNG]

I am able to fluids including DW-1 from local parts stores in Nigeria. I guess your options will depend on your location.

[@DIYAutoworksNG]

Hi Roy, Seems like I saw a post saying you are in Lagos but can't locate it anymore. If in Lagos there is someone you can reach. He stocks genuine Honda fluids. Would not want to post his cell number publicly, but you can search Nairaland for Luvvinghubby. He's the one with the username.

[@roymbaeteka5000]

@@DIYAutoworksNG thank you so much

[@YoungShizzie]

Where did you buy it from

[@DIYAutoworksNG]

Rockauto

[@reshondalaberth8400]

why dont you use the new radiator fan switch ?

[@DIYAutoworksNG]

The new radiator didn't come with a switch

[@richardborge8541]

@@DIYAutoworksNG I'm confused. The new radiator came with a new radiator fan switch adapter. Is that the switch? Is it used to connect the old switch to the new radiator? Also, what was the included O-Ring used for if not on the fan switch? Did the plug you removed from the new unit have an O-ring (you seemed to look at it closely after removing it)? Thx

[@tico6792]

Does it absolutely have to be jacked up?

[@DIYAutoworksNG]

Not necessarily, but it does help with room for the job. Also depends on the height of your coolant receptacle.

[@bigsassyster]

4 cylinder or V6?

[@DIYAutoworksNG]

4 cyl!

[@latafairam]

Is this a V6?

[@DIYAutoworksNG]

It's a 4cyl

[@joong-ockmoon9024]

I've seen you. You've been through a lot.

[@do209]

Only for 2003-2004

[@DIYAutoworksNG]

Procedure is the same up to 2007. The only difference is that from 2005 models feature the smaller coolant temperature sensor

[@RenoTrader]

Hi dont be like me. and Tight the Transmission metal tubes coming off the radiator well.. other wise you are gonna have a leak and have to take the whole thing apart again. 🥲🥲🥲

[@DIYAutoworksNG]

Nice tip. Torque specs are king. Thankfully, I did this well. No leaks whatsoever since 3 years of this replacement.

[@bjhachannel6747]

you are bad camera man bro

[@DIYAutoworksNG]

One of my older videos. I've since made some improvements.

[@Dirtbagkris]

Thanks for making this free and awesome video - it’s a bummer that people feel the need to critique camera angles when you were still able to adequately demonstrate everything!

[@yayoudo1]

Can you use this radiator on a manual transmission and just leave the A/T cooling disconnected? (I have a manual transmission and it does not use the radiator for transmission cooling).

[@DIYAutoworksNG]

I guess anything is possible if you really want to modify and make this fit, however, why not get the radiator for the manual?

[@yayoudo1]

@@DIYAutoworksNG Cannot find it, atleast not for my money budget.

[@yayoudo1]

Got this same radiator installed on my manual transmission accord with no problems! Just kept the A/T lines plugged up.

[@DIYAutoworksNG]

Great!