Where Is The Coolant Thermostat Located?

Locating the thermostat In most cars the thermostat is placed under a housing near the water pump on the cylinder head ; the housing is connected directly to the top radiator hose . In a few cars the thermostat is housed near the bottom hose.

Where is the coolant thermostat?

Most cars have a top-mounted thermostat located close to the water pump on the cylinder head. The top radiator hose feeds coolant through the thermostat into the engine. If you can’t locate the thermostat, simply follow the hose until you see the housing containing the thermostat where the hose joins the engine.

How much does it cost to replace coolant thermostat?

So fixing a car thermostat will usually cost somewhere in the range of $200 to $300. But you’ll need to speak with your mechanic to get a more exact estimate. More than labor costs, the price will depend on your car.

Is it hard to replace a thermostat in a car?

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.

Do I need to drain coolant to replace thermostat?

With a normal top-mounted thermostat you need drain only part of the cooling system . Do not drain it while the engine is hot — you may be scalded. Wait for the engine to cool. Drain the coolant from the radiator tap, or from the bottom hose, until it is below the level of the thermostat housing.

How do you check a coolant thermostat?

Start your car’s engine and allow it to idle. Look through the radiator filler neck to see if the coolant flows. At this time, it should not be flowing as your car has not reached the operating temperature to cause the thermostat to open. If you find the coolant is flowing, it means the thermostat valve is open.

How long does it take to change a coolant thermostat?

An average thermostat replacement takes around 1 hour, with some taking as little as 30 minutes. More problematic replacements can take a little longer where there are issues accessing an awkwardly positioned part or if it’s become seriously stuck in place.

Can you drive a car with a faulty thermostat?

Can I Still Drive with a Bad Thermostat? The easy answer to this question is no. While your car may be physically able to move and get you from Point A to Point B, you will want to refrain from operating your vehicle. This can lead to more parts of your vehicle being damaged, especially if the engine is overheating.

Can I replace a thermostat myself?

It is possible to save some money by installing or replacing your thermostat yourself, but you will need: Basic electrical knowledge. A general understanding of the type of equipment being used.

How do I know if I need a new thermostat or radiator?

Strange Sounds And Temperature Changes
You may hear rumbling, boiling, or knocking coming from the radiator. All these signs point to an issue with your car’s cooling system. The thermostat also affects the temperature of air that flows in your vehicle through the vents.

What are the symptoms of a faulty car thermostat?

5 Crucial Symptoms Of A Failing Car Thermostat

• Unusually High Temperature Reading. Temperature Gauge.
• Engine Running Inefficiently.
• Peculiar Engine Noises.
• Leaking Coolant.
• Rust & Deposit Build-Up.

How do you know if the thermostat in your car is bad?

Signs My Car’s Thermostat Is Going Bad or Has Failed Completely

1. Odd Temperature Gauge Readings. Your temperature gauge should register cold when you first start your car and slowly build up to normal as the engine warms up.
2. Air Temperature Changes.
3. Coolant Leaks.
4. Strange Sounds.
5. Heater Problems.

Can a faulty thermostat cause coolant loss?

Symptoms of a Leaking or Failed Engine Coolant Thermostat Housing. If your vehicle overheats, a failed or bad thermostat could be the culprit. However, a thermostat housing that has sustained damage is more likely going to give way for a coolant leak. This comes from either a failed seal in the engine or warped housing

How often do car thermostats need to be replaced?

10 years
However, most car experts recommend car thermostat replacement after 10 years. However, this is an optimistic number. Thermostats are more likely to stop working much earlier than a decade. Some factors that induce an early thermostat failure include harsh weather, rough driving, bad engine or thermostat parts.

How much should it cost to replace thermostat?

The average thermostat replacement cost runs $176, or between $113 and $255. The cost to install thermostats runs slightly higher since it may require running wires and determining placement. Thermostat prices range from $15 to $500 or more, depending on the type and features.

How many thermostats does a car have?

two thermostats
Most cars have two thermostats, but the number can vary depending on the car. Typically, with two thermostats, one is connected to your car’s AC system and one to the engine cooling system. The thermostats help circulate coolant either through your car’s engine or AC system, along with other intricate parts.

Can you run water instead of coolant?

Technically speaking yes you can use plain water in your cooling system but it isn’t recommended as a long term solution and certainly not in extreme weather conditions. The problem with using water in your cooling system is that water freezes at 0°C.

How do I know if my coolant is circulating?

One way to check for proper coolant circulation is to check the upper and lower radiator hoses. The upper radiator hose should be hot, around 190–200 °F. (The safest and most accurate way to get this temperature reading is with an infrared thermometer.)

How do I know if my coolant thermostat is stuck open?

A thermostat stuck in the open position constantly pushes coolant into the engine and causes a lower operating temperature. Your temperature gauge will show a needle that barely increases or remains at the lowest setting.

How do you know if your coolant is overheating?

In addition to the presence of smoke or steam coming out from under your hood, some warning signs of an overheating engine include:

1. A hood that is hot to the touch.
2. A warning light or the temperature gauge on your dashboard.
3. A loud ticking noise.
4. Coolant on the ground.

What causes a thermostat to fail?

Thermostat failure can be caused by contaminated fluid or simply an old thermostat with weakened springs. Contamination happens when incompatible coolants are mixed, old coolant is not changed as recommended or particulate matter from gaskets or elsewhere breaks off.