Most thermostats are located
where the top radiator hose joins the engine
, so these steps deal with this type. If your thermostat is in the bottom radiator hose, the principle is the same.
What are the symptoms of a bad thermostat?
- Leakage from the mounting surface. Appearance: Seepage, drips or large coolant bleed marks on or around the mounting surface or on the housing. …
- Rust and corrosion. Appearance: Rust and corrosion on the surfaces of the thermostat. …
- Deposit build-up. …
- Map-controlled thermostats.
How do you know if your car thermostat is broken?
- The temperature gauge reads high and the engine overheats.
- The temperature changes erratically.
- The vehicle's coolant leaks around the thermostat or under the vehicle.
Can you change a thermostat without draining the coolant?
No, the thermostat cannot be changed without draining the radiator
. But honestly, it's very easy to drain with the stopcock on the bottom right of the radiator. Once drained, the whole thing will go fast as the thermostat is VERY easy to get to.
How long does it take to change a thermostat in a car?
The required time could range from
1/2 hour to literally hours in
some unusual designs. For your particular year, make and model, that is a 2002 Protege, it requires about 1 hour to remove and replace the thermostat. If you desire this service, please refer to YourMechanic's thermostat replacement service page.
What will a bad thermostat cause?
When the engine's temperature rises very high, the thermostat opens and allows the coolant to flow to the radiator that reduces its temperature. … A bad
thermostat can stuck-open or stuck closed
. A stuck-open thermostat can prevent the engine from getting heated enough to function properly.
How do you check a car thermostat?
- Have your car on level ground and make sure the engine and radiator are cool.
- Open the car hood and find the thermostat. …
- Next, you will need to test your car thermostat. …
- If you find the coolant is flowing, it means the thermostat valve is open.
Can I drive without a thermostat?
The main purpose of an automobile's thermostat is to regulate the operating temperature of the engine. … So, if you drive without a thermostat,
your engine will never reach its optimal operating temperature
and your heater may blow cold air.
Can a stuck thermostat fix itself?
Can a stuck thermostat fix itself? One may also ask, can a stuck thermostat fix itself?
You can either replace the valves with new ones or work the valves back into a position
where they can move up and down more freely. Replace the thermostat.
How much does it cost to replace a coolant thermostat?
You will pay
between $150 and $200
to have your thermostat replaced. The labor should be around $125, while parts should cost you, on average, about $45.
Can you drive a car with a faulty thermostat?
If it is failed in a
closed position then you cannot really drive it with the thermostat broken
, as the engine would overheat. This however will not generally have any impact on the ability to drive the car, at least if you let it warm up before you start driving.
How do I know if my water pump or thermostat is bad?
- Coolant Leaking. One of the first signs of a potentially faulty water pump is a puddle of coolant on the ground where you've parked your car. …
- Rust or Deposit Build-Up. …
- Noise. …
- Overheating. …
- Steam.
How do you know if you need a new thermostat?
- Your HVAC Keeps Turning On or Off. …
- Faulty Thermostat Readings. …
- Suspiciously High Energy Bills. …
- Constant Temperature Shifts. …
- Thermostat Is Too Old. …
- Thermostat Fails to Respond to Changed Settings. …
- Your HVAC System Short Cycles. …
- Know When to Replace Your Thermostat.
How hard is it to change your thermostat?
Upgrading to a thermostat that automatically changes the indoor temperature setting is fairly easy, and it can trim about
$180 off
your annual heating and cooling costs, according to the EPA. Simple models that only control heat are sold at home centers for around $25.
What happens if you run a car without a thermostat?
If you drive your car without a thermostat,
it will run at 50 degree centigrade
. When the car drives at this temperature, moisture or humidity will form. And when it is condensed, it will mix with oil and turn into slush (watery ice). This slush blocks out lubrication.
