Car Thermostat Gone Bad? Here’s How to Replace It

Like a thermostat, a car’s thermostat helps control the temperature of the engine. Your vehicle may not warm up if you don’t have it. If it goes bad, it can cause costly problems for your car.

The thermostat in a car is a spring loaded valve. The engine is cold when it is closed. The thermostat opens when the car is operating at a certain temperature.

The thermostat can either be open or closed. It is possible that your car’s engine won’t run efficiently if it stays open. The engine will get overheated if the thermostat is not open.

There are certain signs that a thermostat needs to be replaced.

• The engine overheats, or the temperature gauge shows a high reading. 
• The car never warms up, or the temperature gauge changes erratically. 
• Coolant leaks around the thermostat housing or under the vehicle.  

If the vehicle doesn’t reach operating temperature, the check engine light could come on. The check engine light can come on when it’s too hot.

If the engine is running hot, it’s a good idea to put your hand on the top hose. It is possible that your thermostat needs to be replaced if the engine is hot.

The average cost to replace a thermostat is between $500 and $600. Depending on the make and model of the car, it may be more or less. The cost of the part, the labor of the mechanic, and the cost of coolant and other parts need to be replaced are all reflected in this cost. It is easier to drain and refill a cooling system on some cars than it is on others.

If you replace your thermostat yourself, it will cost you less than $50.

It’s absolutely true! The thermostat can be replaced easily. It is easy to get to because it is at the front of the car. It doesn’t have wires or electronic connections so it’s an ideal repair for beginners.

It is the most difficult part. This may require you to raise the front of the car on a jack stand. It’s a good time to get your cooling system flushed.

The auto parts store is the best place to dispose of the old coolant.

The first thing you need to do is get the parts and tools.

• Car thermostat 
• Coolant – typically two to four gallons depending on your vehicle and if the coolant is concentrated or pre-mixed 
• Bucket or drain pan 
• Socket wrench or crescent wrenches
• Putty knife or scraper

You can change your thermostat by parking your vehicle in a garage.

There is a driveway The first thing to do is make sure your car is cool.

1. Remove the radiator cap and then drain the coolant into the drain pan using the radiator drain valve located at the bottom corner of your radiator. To access the drain valve, you may need to raise the front end of the vehicle using a jack and jack stands. 
2. Locate the thermostat housing by following the upper radiator hose from the radiator to the engine. The place where the radiator hose connects to the engine should contain the thermostat.   
3. Remove the radiator hose from the thermostat housing. This step is not required but may make it easier to remove the thermostat. 
4. Remove the thermostat housing bolts with your wrench. Most vehicles have a separate thermostat and thermostat housing, but on some vehicles, the thermostat and housing are integrated.  
5. Note the orientation of the old thermostat. You will need to install the new thermostat going in the same direction. 
6. Remove the thermostat and gasket. You may need to scrape the old gasket off the engine block and thermostat housing using a putty knife or scrapper. Be sure not to let any pieces of the gasket get inside the engine. 
7. Install the new thermostat and thermostat gasket. Make sure it is positioned in the same way as the old one. (The spring side should go into the engine.) Ensure the thermostat sits flat so the housing mounts flush with the engine. 
8. Install the bolts to the thermostat housing. Do not over-tighten them. They should be snug and tightened to about 15 lb-feet of torque. If you do not have a torque wrench, tighten the bolts until they are fingertip tight, and then use your wrench to tighten them another 1/4 to 1/2 turn. 
9. Reattach the radiator hose and tighten the radiator hose clamp. 
10. Lower the vehicle and refill the cooling system with coolant. 

Leave the radiator cap off and start the car once you’ve filled it. The engine should warm up for about 10 minutes. During this time, you’ll need to check the coolant level in the radiator and make sure it’s okay.

You are good to go after the car is warmed up and topped off with a liquid.