what happens if a 2001 Malibu runs without a thermostat?

Answer 1

Depending on a bunch of different things, it never warms up, or it overheats. You don't want to do that.

Answer 2

Why do you want to run it with out a Thermostat?

Is your engine over heating? I would recommend a Fail/Safe 180 to 192 degree thermostat, Fail/Safe cost a bit more but are better should they break again in the future.

Plus being a GM product I would keep and eye on your coolant/ Fan sensor switches they are known to malfunction on many GM, Ford and Chysler 90's early 2000's vehicles .

Without an accurate reading you could be driving and overheated engine vehicle and not even know it till it blows a head gasket then you will be stuck with a $3,000 plus engine repair bill.

These sensors are cheap and well worth replacing every 2 years. So no I wouldn't drive to far without a thermostat unless it's 40 below outside.

Answer 3

Mr.KnowitAll is correct about the engine not reaching operating temperature,and also about the engine either not going into closed loop operation or not staying in closed loop.
This will also cause the service engine light to come on and set a P0128.
The engine also won't run at peak efficiency as far as the fuel mixture and ignition timing is concerned.
It needs a thermostat!

Answer 4

Your engine will never reach operating temperature, and never go into "closed loop" in the computer.

Poor performance, poor gas mileage.

Thermostats are cheap, replace it.

ADDED: "pokerface" is an idiot. That's harsh..I should have said he's wrong.

Answer 5

i would bet after about 15-20 minutes, you'll get a check engine light.

at high speeds, you won't get any heat either.
if stuck in @#$$%^ traffic, you'll probably overheat quickly.

lots of performance issues.

Answer 6

thermostats only function is for the heater. nothing more

Answer 7

dont know