Tools and materials needed:
- New thermostat (OEM or equivalent)
- Thermostat gasket
- Coolant (Nissan Genuine Coolant or equivalent)
- Funnel
- Screwdriver
- Pliers
- Wrench set
Procedure:
1. Park your Frontier on a level surface and allow the engine to cool down completely.
2. Open the hood of your Frontier.
3. Locate the thermostat housing. On the 2.4L engine, it is typically found near the top of the engine, on the driver's side.
4. Place a drain pan under the thermostat housing to catch any coolant that may spill.
5. Remove the upper radiator hose from the thermostat housing. Use pliers or a screwdriver to loosen the hose clamp and then gently pull the hose off the housing.
6. Remove the thermostat housing bolts. There are usually two or three bolts that hold the thermostat housing in place. Use a wrench to loosen and remove these bolts.
7. Remove the thermostat and gasket. Once the housing bolts are removed, the thermostat and gasket can be removed from the housing. Be careful not to drop the thermostat into the engine.
8. Inspect the thermostat and housing. Look for any signs of damage or corrosion on the thermostat or housing. If the thermostat is stuck open or closed, it will need to be replaced.
9. Install the new thermostat and gasket. Make sure that the new thermostat is installed in the correct orientation and that the gasket is properly seated.
10. Reinstall the thermostat housing bolts and tighten them securely.
11. Reattach the upper radiator hose to the thermostat housing and secure it with the hose clamp.
12. Fill the radiator with coolant. Use a funnel to add coolant to the radiator until it is full.
13. Start the engine and let it run for a few minutes. Check for any leaks around the thermostat housing.
14. Turn off the engine and let it cool down completely.
15. Recheck the coolant level and add more coolant if necessary.
Your thermostat should now be successfully replaced. If you encounter any problems or have doubts about the procedure, it's best to consult a professional mechanic to ensure the job is done correctly.