Name: How to Replace Radiator 2012-2015 Honda Civic 18L I4
Uploaded: 2025-05-30
Description: This video shows you how to install a new TRQ radiator in your 2012-2015 Honda Civic 1.8L I4. Overheating is a sure sign there’s something wrong with your cooling system. A leak, rust, or obstructions are all cases that may require a radiator replacement. Install a new TRQ radiator that’s engineered to fit your vehicle.

1. Remove top plastic panel

Remove plastic push clips and 5
5 mm Allen bolts securing the top plastic panel across the engine bay

2. Drain coolant

Ensure the radiator cap is cool before opening
Then open the drain plug located on the lower driver's side of the radiator and allow coolant to fully drain

3. Remove upper radiator bulkhead

Remove 10 mm bolts from each side of the upper radiator bulkhead to gain slack for removal

4. Free hood cable and wiring harness

Dislodge hood release cable and fan wiring harness using a trim tool for easier access

5. Disconnect electrical connections and hoses

Unplug the fan electrical connector and disconnect the overflow hose and upper radiator hose from the radiator

6. Remove coolant reservoir and passenger fan

Unbolt the reservoir and remove the passenger side fan by lifting and disconnecting lower wiring

7. Remove AC fan and coolant temp sensor

Disconnect the AC fan electrical connector, unbolt and lift the fan, and unplug the coolant temp sensor at the bottom of the radiator

8. Disconnect lower radiator hose

Use a pick to remove the locking clip securing the lower radiator hose and then detach it

9. Remove radiator

Lift the radiator out of the engine compartment and place it on a bench for further work

10. Remove coolant temp sensor

Remove the sensor with a 17 mm socket, inspect, and set aside if reusable

11. Inspect and transfer rubber mounts

Remove and inspect lower rubber mounts and place them in the engine bay

12. Install coolant temp sensor on new radiator

Lubricate and hand-thread the sensor into the new radiator, then tighten with a 17 mm socket

13. Install rubber mounts in vehicle

Ensure rubber mounts are seated correctly in their lower mounting ports

14. Lubricate and prepare lower hose

Lubricate the O-ring and properly orient the locking clip before hose installation

15. Install radiator

Lower radiator into position and align lower mounting tabs with rubber grommets

16. Reconnect coolant temp sensor and lower hose

Reconnect sensor and install hose with audible click and secure fit check

17. Install passenger fan

Align bottom locating tabs, slide fan into place, and secure with top bolts

18. Install coolant reservoir

Align and secure the coolant reservoir into the radiator and tighten mounting bolt

19. Install AC fan

Slide AC fan into place using locating tabs, check fitment, and secure with bolts

20. Secure coolant reservoir and overflow hose

Ensure the coolant reservoir is seated and connected to the overflow hose

21. Install upper radiator hose

Reattach and secure upper radiator hose using original clamp

22. Install upper radiator bulkhead

Align and secure bulkhead with 10 mm bolts and reconnect wiring and hood cable

23. Reconnect fan connectors

Plug in both fan connectors and secure wiring harnesses

24. Reinstall top panel

Align and secure top panel with bolts and plastic clips

25. Fill cooling system with coolant

Remove cap and use either a funnel or vacuum tool to fill system with coolant

26. Check for vacuum leaks

Monitor vacuum gauge to confirm there are no leaks before adding coolant

27. Add coolant using vacuum tool

Draw coolant into system and ensure reservoir remains full during process

28. Bleed cooling system

Start vehicle, allow thermostat to open, and bleed air from system

29. Reinstall radiator cap and check reservoir

Top off coolant reservoir and reinstall radiator cap

30. Final checks and road test

Clean up, check for leaks, close hood, and road test the vehicle