Thermostat Replacement
How are thermostat issues diagnosed?
Because there are several problems that can cause overheating, a technician will do a full inspection of the entire cooling system.
Where applicable, any trouble codes stored in the engine's computer will be pulled and relevant diagnostics will be done. The technician may check engine temperature sensor and the thermostat opening temperature.
If the engine has overheated, the shop will look for signs of engine damage. Modern engines commonly have plastic parts, such as intake manifolds and thermostat housings, that can warp from overheating. These parts, along with the head gasket, should be checked for leaks.
How is a thermostat replaced?
To replace the thermostat, the technician will drain the coolant from the system and remove the thermostat housing from the engine. The sealing surface between the thermostat housing and the engine is cleaned, and the thermostat gasket is replaced.
Once the new thermostat is installed, the cooling system is filled with fresh coolant and the system is bled of any air, then rechecked to ensure a proper repair.
RepairPal recommendations for thermostat issues
When replacing the thermostat, inspect the thermostat housing for corrosion. A corroded housing may prevent connected hoses from sealing properly, and could fail soon after replacement.
Be sure to note the orientation of the thermostat. An incorrectly installed thermostat may not open, leading to problems soon after replacement. Consider replacing the related hoses, too.
Refrain from using any “leak stopper” products in your cooling system. While they may seem to save money in the short term, their ability to stop leaks will also eventually clog the cooling system. This could affect the radiator, heater core and engine coolant passages.
Can I replace the thermostat myself?
The vast majority of thermostats only require simple tools to replace. However, the procedures vary from car to car. Before ordering parts or attempting this repair yourself, look for guides on how to replace the thermostat in your specific vehicle.
Significant disassembly of the front of the motor, or hose specific tools may be needed. Special procedures may also be required to fill and bleed the air out of the cooling system. If you're unsure you have the right tools or experience to fix the problem, consider reaching out to a RepairPal Certified Shop.