Would anyone know how much a car radiator costs to replace?

[Winka]

I'm not even sure that that's the problem...the "Check Engine" light lit up and the temperature gauge was way over the top (no smoke or steam or anything that alarming)...

It's at the shop now waiting for a diagnosis on Monday. I was just wondering how much a cracked or leaky radiator might set me back.

Thanks for any help/insight .

 

[C.Ann]

If it's a cracked radiator it could cost several hundred dollars by the time they add in labor and such - BUT - if there were no leaks, no steam, it may be something as simple as a bad (or stuck) thermometer or gauge..

Try not to worry about it - without leaks, steam, or smoke, it's likely you won't have to replace the whole thing..

 

[Winka]

Thanks C.Ann. Hopefully it is nothing more than a stuck thermometer!

 

[KingsFanInRI]

what kind of car is it? Year/make/model?

 

[Aprille]

I have a '97 Saturn SL2 and had the radiator replaced last November. I think it was about $350 including labor. Had absolutely no indication there was a problem. I had my car in for an oil change just hours before we hit the road for WDW (1000 miles one way). It was a small crack and had just started leaking but I was grateful it was discovered before we were on the road. My radiator is plastic so once it's cracked it has to be replaced.

About a year before that my engine was overheating and it was the fan motor. That was also in the $300 range.

Hopefully yours will just be the thermostat or something easy (and less expensive) to fix.

 

[Winka]

KingsFan...it is a '96 Honda Accord. I hope that means it's easier to replace?

Thanks for the price range info...now I have some idea of what to expect in case the whole thing needs to go.

 

[Mskanga]

Are you losing any power at all? That's what happened to me with my truck years ago and it was the catalitic converter, back then it was almost $600 to replace it , but Chrysler reluctantly paid for it.

 

[ammdc7]

Unfortunately this could be a couple of things. I don't know what the shop told you but with over heating and an aluminum block, things could be very bad. Either the head or the block could have cracked, and could lead to an expensive problem very soon. Maybe you're lucky and it's just a small guage problem, but ask about the motor specifically the head and block, as to if there are any indications that the overheating caused any problems.

 

[KingsFanInRI]

ammdc7, I am roflmao at the film loop in your sig. That's the greatest thing I've seen since Phil Mickelson's putt fell on 18 (either that or I'm just overtired).

Winka, if it does just turn out to be the radiator, a factory one will cost about $4-500 or more, but you can get an aftermarket one (we use them a lot in our shop and they are pretty good) from a place called 1-800-RADIATOR. They are pretty much nationwide. That should cut it down to $175-200 plus labor.

However, a check engine light could mean dozens of things from an oxygen sensor all the way down to having lost or mis-installed your gas cap. The mechanic can hook a scan tool up to your car which should give you a quick and accurate idea of the problem.

Being a Toyota guy, I'm not familiar with any common problems on that model, but before you have anything done check with your local Honda dealership. It's possible that your problem, if common, may be covered by an extended service campaign. It's at least worth looking into.

Please keep me updated as to what happens.

Paul

 

[crazelion]

Sound like your car had same thing that was wrong mind the radiator went bad had to be replace. On top that I need a new water hose put the car. That mind ran me close to 700.00 dollars that include parts and labor.


I think I have replace everthing in my car that I can because I can't afford to buy a new one.

My goal is buy one in 2006. But if I found a good job I will get sooner then that.

 

[Winka]

Thanks for all the help everyone. Sounds like it might be either much better or much worse than I'd thought!

Thank you KingsFan! I feel good knowing I have a real insider on my side. I will re-post as soon as I hear from the shop.

 

[Winka]

I'd said that I'd update for Kingsfan...FYI...radiator is rusted, corroded, cracked, needs to be replaced...he's quoted me $345 for the parts and labor which sounds fair to me.

If you check back and if you wouldn't mind, please let me know if I should be suspicious or if there are any questions I should ask the mechanic. Thank you for your help...and I did in fact check the Honda website...among other things, according to the them I was NOT properly maintaining my vehicle...not by a long shot! After reading their maintenance schedule , I'm not surprised the thing gave out, especially here in the unforgiving NorthEast.

 

[KingsFanInRI]

$345.00 sounds about right....... and you may have lucked out.
Proper maintenance is essential. Boy, do I sound like a lifer or what? lol