I am experiencing an issue with my 04 Coupe where the radiator hoses are collapsing when the car is cold. They do "open up" when the car is at normal operating temperature or if I remove the cap when cold. The temperature gauge stays right in the middle while running, the point that it always has, but I still think this a problem.

According to some information I found the radiator cap may be faulty and replaced under warranty. If so should the hoses be replaced as well? Could the flexing cause premature wear on the hoses?

Just curious.
Thanks!

 

You radiator should suck back fluid from the reservoir as the car cools off. Yes, the radiator cap must allow that to happen. Get a new one.

 

2004 rad hoses. I replace mine every 3 years [45k] just like belts these are wear items.

 

This is happening to my 2005. Thanks for the repair tip.

2005 AT Coupe | Lakeshore Slate/Wheat | Premium w/18's | Navi | Splash Guards | Mats | Valentine | K&N Air Filter

 

It would probably be a defective rad cap that's causing the collapse. If you switch over to a quality silicon set like Samco, you probably won't have to worry about your hoses for the normal lifespan of your car!

 

And they look cool!

 

Just an update.

I finally got around to scheduling a dealership appointment to have this fixed. Of course as most mentioned the fix was simple... the radiator cap was replaced.

Thanks!