1. Gather the necessary tools and materials.
* New thermostat (OEM or equivalent)
* Thermostat gasket (if not included with the thermostat)
* 5/8-inch wrench
* Phillips head screwdriver
* Flathead screwdriver
* Funnel
* Coolant (premixed or concentrated, as specified in your vehicle's owner's manual)
* Rags or shop towels
2. Prepare the vehicle.
* Park the vehicle on a level surface and allow the engine to cool down completely.
* Engage the parking brake.
* Open the hood of the vehicle.
3. Locate the thermostat housing.
* The thermostat housing is usually located on the front side of the engine, near the top. It is a round or square housing with one or two coolant hoses connected to it.
4. Remove the coolant hoses.
* Using the 5/8-inch wrench, loosen the clamps securing the coolant hoses to the thermostat housing.
* Carefully remove the hoses from the housing, allowing the coolant to drain into a catch pan.
5. Remove the thermostat housing.
* Using the Phillips head screwdriver, remove the screws securing the thermostat housing to the engine block.
* Gently pry the thermostat housing off the engine block, taking care not to spill any remaining coolant.
6. Remove the old thermostat.
* The old thermostat is located inside the thermostat housing. It is a round, metal disc with a spring-loaded valve in the center.
* Use the flathead screwdriver to pry the old thermostat out of the housing.
7. Install the new thermostat.
* Place the new thermostat in the thermostat housing, ensuring that the spring-loaded valve is facing the engine block.
* If your thermostat came with a gasket, place the gasket on the housing before installing the thermostat.
8. Reinstall the thermostat housing.
* Carefully place the thermostat housing back onto the engine block.
* Secure the housing with the screws you removed earlier.
9. Reattach the coolant hoses.
* Reattach the coolant hoses to the thermostat housing and tighten the clamps.
10. Add coolant.
* Using the funnel, add coolant to the radiator until the level reaches the "Full" mark on the reservoir.
* Reinstall the radiator cap.
11. Start the engine.
* Start the engine and allow it to run for a few minutes.
* Check for any leaks around the thermostat housing. If there are no leaks, turn off the engine and allow it to cool down completely.
12. Recheck the coolant level.
* Once the engine has cooled down, check the coolant level in the reservoir again. Add more coolant if necessary to bring the level up to the "Full" mark.
That's it! You have now successfully replaced the thermostat on your 1996 Chevy Beretta.
