Thermostat — replacement
Warning: Wait until the engine is completely cool before beginning this procedure. Warning: Do not allow antifreeze to come in contact with your skin or painted surfaces of the vehicle. Rinse off spills immediately with plenty of water. Antifreeze is highly toxic if ingested. Never leave antifreeze lying around in an open container or in puddles on the floor; children and pets are attracted by its sweet smell and may drink it. Check with local authorities on disposing of used antifreeze. Many communities have collection centers, which will see that antifreeze is disposed of safely. Never dump used antifreeze on the ground or into drains.
1. Disconnect the cable from the negative battery terminal (see Engine electrical systems).
2. Raise the front of the vehicle and sup- port it securely on jack stands, then remove the lower engine covers and the lower inner fender corner splash shield (s).
3. Drain the engine coolant (see Tune-up and routine maintenance). Disconnect the radiator hose from the thermostat housing or water inlet pipe.
Four-cylinder engines
4. On 2010 and later models, remove the alternator (see Engine electrical systems).
5. Disconnect the radiator hose from
the thermostat housing (see illustration), then unbolt the thermostat housing from the engine.
4.5 Typical four- cylinder thermostatdetails
A Thermostat housing
B Radiator hose spring clamp
C Radiator hose
D Thermostat mounting nuts
6. Remove the thermostat, noting the direction in which it was installed in the housing, and thoroughly clean the sealing surfaces.
7. Install a new gasket to the thermostat (see illustration). Make sure it is evenly fitted all the way around.
4.7 The thermostat gasket, which is actually a grooved sealing ring, fits around the edge of the thermostat
8. Install the thermostat into the engine, with the jiggle valve positioned at the highest point. Install the thermostat housing and proceed to Step 15.
9. Remove the front engine mount bracket and control rod assembly (see V6 engine).
10. Remove the drivebelt (see Tune-up and routine maintenance).
11. Remove the idler pulley assembly (see V6 engine).
12. Disconnect the radiator hose from the thermostat housing.
13. Remove the thermostat housing mounting fasteners and housing from the coolant inlet housing. Remove the thermostat, noting the direction in which it was installed in the housing, and thoroughly clean the sealing surfaces.
14. Install a new gasket to the thermostat (see illustration 4.7). Install the thermostat into the inlet housing, with the jiggle valve positioned at the highest point. Install the thermostat housing and proceed to the next Step.
All models
15. Tighten the housing fasteners to the torque listed in this Chapter’s Specifications and reinstall the remaining components in the reverse order of removal.
16. Refill the cooling system (see Tune-up and routine maintenance). Run the engine and check for leaks and proper operation.