- Replacement thermostat (OEM or high-quality aftermarket)
- Pliers or adjustable wrench
- Flathead screwdriver
- 5/8-inch socket wrench
- 10 mm socket wrench
- 1/4-inch socket wrench
- Funnel
- Coolant (antifreeze/water mixture)
- Clean rags
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Vehicle:
- Turn off the engine and let it cool down completely.
- Open the hood of your Chrysler Voyager.
2. Locate the Thermostat Housing:
- The thermostat housing is located on the front side of the engine, typically near the top.
- It's usually made of plastic or metal and has two coolant hoses connected to it.
3. Disconnect the Battery (Optional):
- While it's not strictly necessary, you may want to disconnect the negative (–) terminal of the battery as a safety precaution.
- This will prevent any accidental electrical shorts during the procedure.
4. Drain the Coolant:
- Locate the drain plug or petcock at the bottom of the radiator.
- Place a drain pan underneath to collect the coolant.
- Open the drain plug and allow the coolant to drain.
5. Disconnect the Coolant Hoses:
- Use pliers or an adjustable wrench to loosen the hose clamps securing the coolant hoses to the thermostat housing.
- Gently remove the hoses from the housing.
6. Remove the Thermostat:
- Use a flathead screwdriver or a 10 mm socket wrench to remove the bolts or screws holding the thermostat housing in place.
- Be careful not to drop the bolts into the engine bay.
- Once the bolts are removed, carefully remove the thermostat housing.
- The old thermostat should be located inside the housing.
7. Inspect the Thermostat:
- Check the old thermostat for signs of wear or damage, such as corrosion, cracks, or sticking.
- If the thermostat is faulty, replace it with the new one.
8. Reinstall the Thermostat:
- Place the new thermostat into the housing, ensuring that it's properly seated and facing the correct direction (usually indicated by an arrow marking).
- Reinstall the thermostat housing and secure it using the bolts or screws you removed earlier.
- Tighten the bolts or screws securely.
9. Reconnect Coolant Hoses:
- Reattach the coolant hoses to the thermostat housing and secure them with the hose clamps.
- Make sure the hoses are properly seated and the clamps are tight.
10. Refill the Coolant:
- Use a funnel to add new coolant to the radiator or coolant reservoir, depending on your vehicle's specific design.
- Refill the coolant to the recommended level indicated in your vehicle's owner's manual.
11. Test the System:
- Start the engine and let it run for a few minutes.
- Check for leaks around the thermostat housing, coolant hoses, and radiator.
12. Check the Temperature Gauge:
- As the engine warms up, observe the temperature gauge on your dashboard.
- Make sure the temperature stays within the normal operating range.
13. Reconnect Battery (If Disconnected):
- If you disconnected the battery earlier, reconnect the negative terminal.
14. Clean Up:
- Clean up any spilled coolant using a rag.
- Dispose of the old coolant properly.
Your Chrysler Voyager's thermostat should now be successfully replaced. Test the vehicle's cooling system and ensure proper operation before driving. If you encounter any issues or have doubts, it's always best to consult a professional mechanic for assistance.
