Replacing the thermostat in your vehicle requires replacing the gasket that sits around the mating surfaces. This gasket is responsible for preventing coolant from leaking out as it builds up in the housing. The gasket will have baked on to the housing surfaces, so it will require scraping off. Once the old material is scraped off, the new gasket can be placed on the surface. This will prevent coolant leaking under the hood of your car.
Open the hood to access the engine compartment. Locate the upper radiator hose.
Trace the radiator hose to the engine. The hose will be clamped on the inlet pipe of the thermostat housing.
Unclamp the hose from the inlet pipe with a flat tip screwdriver. Pull the hose off the inlet pipe.
Unbolt the housing cover from the thermostat housing with a socket wrench. Pull the housing cover off the housing to expose the gasket and the thermostat.
Replace the thermostat by pulling the old one out of the housing. Insert the new thermostat with the spring end facing down.
Scrape the old gasket material off the surface of the thermostat housing. Scrape any gasket material off the cover as well.
Lay the new gasket material on the housing cover. Ensure the bolt holes on the gasket match up with the housing. Some models have the studs that protrude from the housing and the gasket can be set down on to the housing.
Place the housing cover down on the housing. Tighten the two bolts with the socket wrench.
Attach the radiator hose by sliding it on the pipe. Pull the hose clamp over the hose where it overlaps with the pipe. Tighten the hose clamp with a flat tip screwdriver.
Twist the radiator cap off to check the coolant level on the radiator. Fill with coolant, if necessary.
Tighten the cap on to the radiator. Ensure the cap is tight.
Start the car to inspect for leaks. Check around the thermostat housing to see if any coolant is leaking through the housing.
Turn off the car. Close the hood.
