Tools Required:
- 5mm Hex key
- Phillips screwdriver
- Flat head screwdriver
- 10mm socket wrench
- 12mm socket wrench
- Pliers
- New Thermostat
- Coolant (G12 if available)
1. Park the car in a safe area, turn off the engine, and allow it to cool down completely. Failure to do so could result in severe burns.
2. Locate the thermostat housing. It is usually located on the front of the engine, near the top.
3. Remove the coolant expansion tank cap to help speed up the drainage of the coolant from the system.
4. Place a drain pan under the car to catch the coolant that will drain out.
5. Locate the drain plug on the radiator. It is usually a plastic or metal plug located near the bottom of the radiator.
6. Remove the drain plug and allow the coolant to drain out completely. This may take several minutes.
7. Once the coolant has drained out, replace the drain plug.
8. Remove the bolts holding the thermostat housing in place. There are typically two or three bolts.
9. Carefully remove the thermostat housing. Be careful not to spill any remaining coolant.
10. Remove the old thermostat from the housing. It is usually held in place by a gasket.
11. Install the new thermostat. Make sure that the gasket is properly seated.
12. Reinstall the thermostat housing. Tighten the bolts snugly.
13. Refill the cooling system with coolant.
14. Check the coolant level and add more if necessary.
15. Start the engine and let it run for a few minutes.
16. Check for leaks and fix any that you find.
*Additional Tip: Since a considerable amount of coolant was lost when draining the system, it is imperative to bleed the cooling system of any air bubbles.
- With the car parked on a level surface and the engine off, turn the heater to the maximum heat setting.
- Locate the bleeder screw on the thermostat housing and carefully loosen it with a flathead screwdriver.
- Allow air bubbles to escape until fluid begins streaming out. Be cautious with this step as fluid may be very hot.
- Tighten the bleeder screw and ensure the coolant reservoir is full.
