![]() It controls the flow of coolant between the engine and the radiator. Some manufacturers recommend updating the engine computer software if the trouble codes that caused the Check Engine light are related to the thermostat, after it has been replaced.The thermostat is a crucial part of your car's cooling system because it plays a significant role in regulating the engine's temperature. The thermostat is also often replaced together with a water pump, especially if they are located in the same area. Should the thermostat be replaced as part of regular maintenance? It's not necessary, however, it might be a good idea to replace a thermostat when the engine is rebuilt or replaced. Lack of heat at idle can be caused by air pockets inside the cooling system. The cooling system will need to be properly bled to remove all air pockets.Īfter servicing the cooling system, it's always important to verify that the fans come on when the engine is fully warmed up and the heating system inside the car can provide a good heat at idle. When the thermostat is replaced, the engine will need to be refilled with fresh coolant (antifreeze). The new thermostat usually comes with a new gasket. In some cars, access to the thermostat is difficult, requiring more labor. In an average vehicle replacing a thermostat may cost $150-370 parts and labor. If there is a suspicion that the thermostat is stuck closed, it's usually replaced. If the thermostat is stuck closed, the engine might overheat, which can result in expensive repairs. Of course, lack of flow through the radiator can be caused by many other reasons besides a stuck-closed thermostat. If the thermostat was stuck closed, there would be no flow even after the engine reached the operating temperature, and the lower radiator hose would remain cool. If the thermostat was stuck open, the lower radiator hose would start warming up as soon as the engine is started. The thermostat in this car is working properly. ![]() At about 204☏ (96☌), the radiator fan comes on and the temperature drops a few degrees. As the thermostat opens and coolant starts flowing through the radiator, the temperature of the lower radiator rises quickly close to the temperature of the upper hose. In this Honda in the chart, the thermostat starts opening at about 185☏ (85☌). The thermostat opens at 185☏ (85☌) and the temperature of the lower radiator hose (blue line) becomes almost the same as the temperature of the upper radiator hose (red line). The yellow line is the engine temperature. The most common Check Engine light codes related to the thermostat are P0128 and P0126. In most cases, if the thermostat is stuck closed or open, the Check Engine light will come on. In modern cars, the operation of the thermostat is monitored by the engine computer (PCM). At the temperature marked on the thermostat, it would start opening. In the old days, testing of the thermostat involved removing and heating it while submerged in water. Read more: how to check the coolant level. When dealing with any cooling system problem, the coolant level is checked first. As we mentioned, one sign that the thermostat is stuck open (or missing) is when the engine temperature drops below normal when driving on the highway in cold weather. A heater may also not be as strong as in older cars with a larger engine. In many newer cars it takes up to 20-25 minutes of driving before you can get decent heat going in winter. In addition, newer technologies that reduce friction inside the engine also reduce the amount of heat generated by friction. This means they burn less fuel and as a result, produce less heat. Many late-model cars have smaller fuel-efficient engines. Signs of automatic transmission problems.How to check the engine when buying a used car.How to get the best deal on a used car?.Buying a Used Car: 10 Common Mistakes to Avoid. ![]()
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