Parts for your 2018 Mitsubishi Asx-Radiator

2018 Mitsubishi ASX radiator: what it does and how to look after it

Technical sources confirm the 2018 Mitsubishi ASX is fitted with a conventional liquid-cooling system that uses an aluminium crossflow radiator. The Mitsubishi Motors ASX/RVR 2018 Workshop Manual (Cooling System – Group 14) details the pressurised radiator, reservoir, thermostat and electric fans, and the Mitsubishi ASA parts catalogue lists the radiator, hoses and cap by VIN for 2018 models. Many CVT variants also use a transmission fluid cooler mounted ahead of the radiator, and some markets note an integrated heat-exchanger arrangement. So yes—the radiator is very much relevant on a 2018 ASX.

On this model, the radiator’s job is to dump engine heat into the air, keeping the 2.0‑litre MIVEC four-cylinder in its sweet spot for performance and longevity. Coolant circulates from the engine to the radiator, where it’s cooled by oncoming air and twin electric fans under the bonnet. The thermostat regulates flow, and the radiator cap maintains system pressure to raise the coolant’s boiling point. In hotter Aussie and Kiwi summers, or when loaded up for a roadie, the system works harder—so clean fins, healthy coolant and leak-free hoses matter.

• Check the reservoir level routinely, top up with the correct long‑life, ethylene‑glycol coolant mixed with demineralised water to the ratio specified in the owner’s guide.
• Inspect for seepage at end tanks, hose joints and the water pump, a sweet smell or pink/green crust is a giveaway.
• Look through the grille for bent fins or debris, gently hose bugs and seeds out, avoiding high-pressure blasts that fold fins.
• Replace the radiator cap if the rubber seal looks perished or if pressure tests fail.
• Follow the maintenance schedule for coolant change intervals, always use coolant meeting Mitsubishi specifications.
• After any cooling work, bleed air properly and verify fan operation via the engine ECU’s warm-up cycle.

1. Let the engine cool fully, then drain the radiator into a pan for proper disposal.
2. Remove the fan shroud and hoses, if your ASX has cooler lines at the radiator, cap them to keep dirt out.
3. Lift the radiator straight up to avoid damaging fins and the A/C condenser.
4. Fit the new unit, transfer rubbers and brackets, and reconnect everything to factory routing.
5. Refill with the right coolant mix, bleed air, and pressure-test to check for leaks.
6. On CVT models, inspect the auxiliary cooler and consider a fluid service if heat-stressed.

Tell-tales like rising temps in traffic, a low heater at idle, stained end tanks or frequent top-ups mean it’s time to test and likely replace. Sticking to quality coolant and tidy servicing helps the ASX avoid overheating dramas and keeps head gaskets—and road trips—happy.

FAQs

Does the 2018 Mitsubishi ASX have a radiator?
Yes. The 2018 ASX uses a pressurised aluminium radiator as part of its liquid-cooling system, as outlined in the Mitsubishi Motors Workshop Manual (Cooling, Group 14) and supported by the Mitsubishi ASA parts catalogue for 2018 VINs.

What coolant should be used, and how often is it changed?
Use a Mitsubishi-approved long‑life ethylene glycol coolant mixed with demineralised water at the ratio specified in the owner’s guide. Service intervals vary by market and VIN, check the maintenance schedule for your vehicle. Many schedules specify periodic coolant replacement, with inspections at regular services.

What are the signs the radiator needs replacing?
Common signs include overheating under load, coolant smell, visible leaks or staining on end tanks, discoloured or sludgy coolant, and temperature creep in slow traffic. A cooling-system pressure test will confirm if the radiator or cap is the culprit.