Buy Pontiac G6 Radiators

Quick Take: The Pontiac G6 radiator is an aluminum heat exchanger that keeps the 2005-2010 G6's four- and six-cylinder engines from overheating. It holds roughly 11-16 quarts of a 50/50 Dex-Cool® mix, uses plastic end tanks, and is mounted behind the front grille. Typical service life is 8-12 years, but leaks, clogs, or fan failures can shorten that time. Replacing a worn unit costs about $820-$1,135 in the United States, and routine coolant flushes every 5 years or 100,000 miles help it last longer. (Wikipedia, Wikipedia, Answers, JustAnswer, g6ownersclub.com, RepairPal.com)

Overview

A radiator, sometimes called a cooling core or heat exchanger, moves hot coolant through finned tubes and releases that heat into the air. Fans pull or push air across the fins to boost cooling at low speeds. (Wikipedia)
In the G6, GM chose a lightweight aluminum core with molded plastic tanks to save weight and resist rust.

Fit & Years

• Fits every Pontiac G6 model year 2005-2010. (Wikipedia)
• Engine sizes: 2.4 L inline-4, 3.5 L, 3.6 L, and 3.9 L V-6. Radiator hose routing and cooler fittings differ by engine, so match the part to the VIN code. (, Amazon)

Core Specs

• Core height × width: about 17 in × 26 in for four-cyl; 17 in × 31 in for V-6 (measure before ordering). (Wikipedia)
• Tube material: brazed aluminum; tank material: glass-reinforced nylon. (Wikipedia)
• Cap pressure follows SAE J868-hold pressure at 15-18 psi to raise boiling point. (SAE International)
• Drain-plug torque averages 18 ft-lb; upper mounting bolts 89 in-lb. Always verify in a service manual. (Scribd)

Coolant Facts

GM specifies orange Dex-Cool® long-life coolant mixed 50/50 with water. (JustAnswer)
Capacity is roughly 11-12 quarts on four-cyl engines and up to 16 quarts on larger V-6s after a complete drain. (Answers)
Flush and refill every 5 years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first. (g6ownersclub.com)

Warning Signs

• Puddles or stains under the front bumper can point to a cracked plastic tank. (g6ownersclub.com)
• Sweet smell and foggy windshield may hint at coolant vapor. ● The AAA Club lists odor, steam, and high temperature gauge readings as early clues. (AAA Club Alliance)
• Heater blows cold even with a warm engine-air pockets from a leak. (g6ownersclub.com)
• Dashboard light or code P0480-P0482 signals the fan circuit may not be turning on. (RepairPal.com)

Common Failures

• Tank seam leaks from heat-cycle fatigue-most frequent complaint in owner forums. (g6ownersclub.com)
• Clogged fins by insects or road grime reduce airflow.
• Electrolysis pin-holes inside tubes when coolant is overdue for service. (Be Car Care Aware)
• Radiator fan motor burnout, often tied to blown fuses or corroded harness plugs. (RepairPal.com)

Safety & Recalls

While no radiator recall exists, the NHTSA lists cooling-system complaints-including sudden coolant loss-on some 2006 G6 cars. (Car Complaints)
Always let the engine cool at least 30 minutes before opening the cap to prevent scalds.

Replacement Steps

1. Disconnect battery.
2. Drain coolant using the lower petcock into a sealed container. (g6ownersclub.com)
3. Remove upper brace and fan shroud.
4. Detach hoses and transmission cooler lines (if equipped).
5. Lift radiator straight up; avoid bending fins.
6. Drop in new unit, align rubber mounts, torque bolts to spec. (Scribd)
7. Re-attach lines and hoses, then refill with fresh mix. Bleed air at the thermostat bleeder screw. (g6ownersclub.com)

Cost Breakdown

• Radiator assembly: $555-$603.
• Labor: $264-$333 (2-3 hours).
• Total: about $820-$1,135, excluding taxes. (RepairPal.com)
  Related costs: fan assembly $606-$675, hose pair $373-$394, thermostat $556-$667. (RepairPal.com, RepairPal.com, RepairPal.com)

Performance Options

Enthusiasts sometimes fit a dual-row aluminum racing core for better heat transfer when adding turbos or towing. These aftermarket units weigh a bit more but drop coolant temps by 15-20 °F in track tests. (Traverse Forum)
Adding a high-flow thermostat or larger-cfm electric fans also helps.

Environmental Tips

Used coolant is toxic to pets and wildlife. The U.S. EPA urges recycling or professional disposal and warns never to pour it down a drain or on the ground. (EPA)
Many towns hold hazardous-waste days where drivers can turn in antifreeze at no charge.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does the radiator do?
A: It pulls heat out of the engine coolant and releases that warmth into the air so your engine stays in its safe temperature range. (Wikipedia)

Q: How often should I change the coolant?
A: GM recommends every 5 years or 100,000 miles under normal driving. (g6ownersclub.com)

Q: Can I mix green coolant with Dex-Cool®?
A: No. Mixing types can cause sludge and early leaks. Stick with one formula. (Fiero)

Q: My G6 overheats at idle but cools on the highway-why?
A: The radiator fan or its relay may have failed, or fins are clogged with debris. (RepairPal.com, AAA Club Alliance)

Q: How do I know the radiator is leaking?
A: Look for orange crust on the tank seam, low coolant level, or a sweet smell. (g6ownersclub.com, AAA Club Alliance)

Q: What coolant capacity will I need?
A: Plan on 11-12 quarts for the 2.4 L engine or up to 16 quarts for the larger V-6. (Answers)

Q: Do I have to bleed air after refilling?
A: Yes. Open the small bleeder screw near the thermostat until a steady stream appears. (g6ownersclub.com)

Q: How tight should the drain plug be?
A: About 18 ft-lb, but always confirm your service manual. (Scribd)

Q: Is there a recall on the G6 radiator?
A: No recall, but there are a few NHTSA complaints about cooling issues on 2006 models. (Car Complaints)

Q: Can I drive with a small radiator leak?
A: It is risky; a sudden coolant dump can overheat the engine and cause major damage. Tow the car or fix it right away. (Be Car Care Aware)

Q: What does replacement cost include?
A: Price covers the new radiator, shop labor, shop supplies, and a fresh coolant fill. (RepairPal.com)

Q: How do I dispose of old coolant?
A: Store it in a sealed jug and take it to a recycling center or hazardous-waste site-never pour it out. (EPA)

Keeping your Pontiac G6 radiator healthy is simple: use the right Dex-Cool mix, flush it on schedule, watch for small leaks, and replace worn parts promptly. A cool engine lasts longer and saves you money.