How to Change the Thermostat in a Pontiac Grand Prix

Pontiac introduced the Grand Prix as a "personal luxury car," which means a big coupe with a big engine, a fancy interior and an exterior that sometimes bordered on the flamboyant. Grand Prix maintains its popularity over the years as its niche is a sensible family sedan with various engine options.

Things You'll Need

  • Mechanic's toolset, including a full socket set, wrenches and screwdrivers
  • Replacement thermostat, new or rebuilt
  • New gasket for thermostat

Remove the Thermostat

  • Drain about half the engine coolant into a sealable container. Disconnect the negative battery cable.

  • Take the hose clamps from the water inlet housing with a pair of hose clamp pliers. Remove both the radiator hose and the heater hose from the water inlet housing.

  • Disconnect the clamp on the surge tank inlet hose. Take the hose from the water inlet housing.

  • Loosen the bolts that secure the water inlet housing then remove them. Lift out the water inlet/thermostat assembly.

Install the Thermostat

  • Clean the sealing surfaces to remove all traces of gasket material and dirt. Position the new inlet-thermostat assembly on the engine.

  • Apply RTV Sealer GM#1052366 or a similar product to the bolts before installing them. Tighten the bolts to 80 inch pounds.

  • Connect the hoses to the surge tank, the heater and the radiator to the inlet housing. Fill the cooling system with the proper type and mix of coolant.

  • Reattach the negative battery cable. Start the engine and allow it to run until the thermostat opens.

  • Allow the engine to cool. Test the coolant level and add coolant as needed.