I would be grateful for some help. I need to change the failed radiator on a 1.2 2003 Aircon Active. The inlet and outlet pipes have a plastic coupling that attaches to the radiator and then to the hose with the usual clip. I have removed the hoses but can't remove the coupling. The have a metal clip which I think sits in a groove on the radiator spigot. The couplings need to removed before the radiator will slide down out of the housing.

Sorry about the picture.

Any help please ?

You need to squeeze the spring clip to remove the coupling. They are usually quite tight so you may need a pair of very large pliers to squeeze them with.

Squeeze with fingers both side and wiggle, needent have removed hoses as these are quick release couplings.

Jon.

You shouldn't need to push the metal retaining clip in very hard, your fingers should be enough, that's the way they're designed but the connector does tend to stick on so they need a bit of twisting and pulling but you can only twist a little as there is a retaining lug on the radiator to prevent twisting. Bit of a pain. That's another reason for leaving the hoses attached to the quick disconnects for a bit of extra leverage.


Slightly different hose layout on a 1.6 but i found a lever carefully in here made it jump off


REFITTING

Make sure you line up each quick release connector with the lug on the radiator when you refit otherwise the hose will blow out when it gets up to temperature. Check with a torch that the connector has fully gone over the retaining lug

Let the engine go right up to temp and the rad fan kick in to make sure hot coolant goes through the radiator when you're bleeding the system. Keep a close eye on the coolant level for the first few days as air will gradually work it's way through the circuit