I drive an '01 Dodge Stratus and after researching the symptoms, it seems that the thermostat is stuck open. I realize that some auto work requires a professional, but some things (changing oil, replacing spark plugs, etc.) any guy can handle.
So, where does replacing a thermostat fall? I've heard its pretty expensive to get it replaced by a technician. Should I cut out the middle man and just do it myself?
Anybody have any resource for how to do work like this?
2007-12-18 03:20:18 · 18 answers · asked by Comfy! 3 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Thermostats are generally pretty easy to fix and most 'shade tree mechanics' can do it in less than an hour. You should be able to do this with no problem.
My suggestion: Go to your local auto parts store and purchase the Haynes or Chilton repair manual for your vehicle. These books illustrate and give step by step instruction on how to fix just about anything on your vehicle. Since your car is getting older there will be more repairs in the future and this book will pay for itself over time.
Good luck and I hope this helps!
2007-12-18 03:24:44 · answer #1 · answered by wrkey 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
If the level is fine, and the heat is fine, then the cooling system seems to be working fine. It's most likely just a bad temperature sensor sending a false signal, this happens when engine sensors go bad. It is not an expensive part, and not a complicated job to do, but I would recommend replacing it soon because the Temperature sensor informs your computer how much fuel needs to be used to make ideal air fuel mixture for the engine. If you're computer is receiving a cold signal, then the car uses more fuel. Prolonged operation with this issue could result in engine damage. Look up ETC Remove and Replacement and perform this job. It's not difficult nor expensive. I would also recommend bleeding the air out of the cooling system as well. Other note: the people below mentioned the thermostat was bad, that is false, because if the thermostat was stuck closed, you wouldn't have heat, and if it were stuck open, you car would operate normal, just take longer to warm up. A thermostat helps the car warm up quicker.
2016-05-24 21:46:20 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Some thermostats are very easy to get to....if you do an google search on replacing Thermostat for 01 Stratus you'll probably find a step by step. A thermstat doesn't cost too much.
2007-12-18 03:24:18 · answer #3 · answered by ifyahaftas 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Follow the top radiator hose to what they call a "water outlet" and unbolt the two bolts and pull that apart to find the thermostat and gasket there
Now sand the old gasket off to the metal and apply the new gasket and the new thermostat...first drain a lil'water from it,so it doesnt go on the drive way
2007-12-18 03:30:12 · answer #4 · answered by who 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is NOT difficult for somebody who has certain amount of experience working on cars.
If this is your first time, forget about it. If you install the thermostat backward, it will never open.
Like so many things in this world you should only work your way up. Learn by doing simple stuff first (changing tires, replace brake pads, etc.) Then you'll be ready to save big bucks on big jobs.
Good Luck.
2007-12-18 03:25:42 · answer #5 · answered by Lover not a Fighter 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The hardest part of changing it is usually getting to it. Most vehicles have out in the open and easy to get to but not all. It's usually remove three bolts remove old gasket thoroughly replace thermostat and gasket tighten down evenly replace old coolant bleed air out of coolant, done
2007-12-18 03:33:59 · answer #6 · answered by ? 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is a relatively easy repair
A thermostat cost about $5 and only require a few simple basic tools.
Buy a Haynes Manual on your car.
2007-12-18 03:32:48 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Changing a thermostat usually involves unclipping three tubes from the old themrmostat and plugging them on the new thermostat. A topup of colling fluid is needed afterwards. In itself pretty easy if you can reach it which in some cars is difficult.
2007-12-18 03:24:44 · answer #8 · answered by psychopiet 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
sometimes tapping on the side of the thermostat housing with a screwdriver handle will help. ONLY a temporary fix, however. Just remove the housing cover and replace it. SHould only be two bolts,
2007-12-18 03:24:22 · answer #9 · answered by Insuranceman 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
The main thing you need to be careful of when working on the cooling system is to prevent it from leaking. You need to make sure all surfaces are clean to prevent leakage. Remove any traces of the old gasket and/or sealer and torque the fasteners properly to make sure you don't warp the housing. They aren't hard to do, just be thorough.
2007-12-18 03:53:51 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋