The thermostat in the Suzuki Esteem regulates the engine temperature of the car. As the engine gets hot, the thermostat will open and allow the coolant to flow through the engine. This will cool down the engine enough to close the thermostat. When the thermostat goes bad, the engine will overheat, which in time will cause severe engine troubles. Replacing the thermostat will ensure your car runs smoothly.
Open the hood for access to the lower radiator hose. Place a drain pan under the lower radiator hose.
Undo the hose clamp at the engine side of the hose clamp with a pair of pliers. Slide the hose off the inlet pipe by hand. Allow all of the coolant to drain into the pan.
Unbolt the thermostat housing with a socket wrench. There will be three bolts to loosen. Separate the thermostat housing to expose the thermostat. Take the thermostat out by hand.
Place the new thermostat into the housing. Scrape the old gasket off the surface of the thermostat housing with a razor scraper. Ensure that all of the black material is scraped off as this will cause the housing to leak if it's not. Place the new gasket to the assembly, ensuring that the bolt holes match up to the bolt holes on the surface of the assembly.
Bolt the housing together with a socket wrench. Slide the hose onto the inlet pipe of the thermostat housing. Slide the hose clamp down over the pipe by holding the tabs together with a pair of pliers. Release the clamp once it's situated over the pipe and the hose.
Open the radiator cap and fill the radiator with coolant. The coolant will be visible at the neck of the radiator.
Start the car and allow it to idle. As the car warms up, the coolant level will go down. Pour coolant in until the fluid level is visible. Tighten the radiator cap back onto the radiator.
