Replacing a car's thermostat (or T-stat) is an easy and inexpensive repair. In most cases it will cure an overheating or no-heat problem, sparing the time and expense needed for expert diagnostics.
Can I change the thermostat without draining the coolant?
No, the thermostat cannot be changed without draining the radiator.
How do you change a coolant thermostat?
- 2Place a bucket under where you're going to be working. ...
- 3Remove the clamp. ...
- 4Pull off the hose. ...
- 5Remove the bolts that hold the thermostat housing in place and lift out the old thermostat. ...
- 7Drop in and secure the new thermostat.
How do you remove a coolant thermostat?
Drain the cooling system through the radiator drain valve, or by removing the lower radiator hose . Store the coolant for later recycling or disposal. Following the radiator hose to the engine, disconnect the hose clamp, and pull off the hose. Remove the thermostat housing cover bolts, and lift off the housing.
How do I know if my coolant thermostat is bad?
- Temperature gauge reading very high and engine overheating. ...
- Temperature changing erratically. ...
- Coolant leaks around the thermostat housing or under the vehicle.
Is it hard to change a car thermostat?
If the thermostat sticks in the open position, it doesn' t keep the liquid in the engine long enough, so you have trouble getting your car warmed up. ... Because replacing the thermostat is quite simple and thermostats are quite inexpensive, you may want to try this task before you take more drastic measures.
How much does it cost to replace coolant thermostat?
The cost of getting a thermostat replaced in a car is about $200 to $300 on average .
Do you need to drain coolant to change coolant temperature sensor?
Open the radiator valve and drain about two to three quarts of coolant. You only need to remove enough to drop the level below the sensor. Then close the drain valve . This will minimize coolant waste when you remove the sensor.
Do I have to drain coolant before adding more?
Apply the Flush Product
Close the radiator drain valve or re-attach the bottom hose. To make sure the cooling system is completely clean before adding fresh coolant/antifreeze, use a chemical flush product. Add the flush product according to the instructions through the cooling system reservoir or radiator.
When should engine thermostat be replaced?
Aside from this type of preventive maintenance, a thermostat doesn't need to be replaced unless it stops opening and closing when it's supposed to . If it sticks in the closed position, that traps coolant in the engine so that it overheats.
What tools do I need to change a thermostat?
- A clean rag.
- New thermostat.
- Gasket and gasket sealant.
- Screwdriver or pliers.
- Small socket wrench.
- Small adjustable wrench.
- A small scraper or wire brush.
- 9 L bucket or drip pan.
What to do after replacing a thermostat?
After replacing the thermostat, refill antifreeze . Leave the radiator cap off, and start the vehicle. Wait five minutes to allow all of the antifreeze to circulate throughout the engine. Turn off the engine, and allow the engine to cool.
Can a stuck car 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 .
Can I drive without a thermostat?
Most automobile mechanics will tell you it is not a good idea to drive your car without a thermostat installed. If your thermostat becomes stuck in the closed position, though, this will cause your engine to overheat and make driving your car impossible.
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 . This is the last thing you want to do, but if the hoses do not show a blockage or coolant hindrance then the thermostat itself may be malfunctioning.
