If your Ford Expedition or Crossover is overheating, the most common cause is a bad thermostat. When this happens, you need to replace the thermostat as soon as possible. If you fail to change it in a timely manner, other more expensive repairs, such as a blown head gasket, may result. The repair will take an average person about 30 minutes to complete. A thermostat is not an expensive part, and there is no need to take the Expedition or Crossover to a repair shop, since it is easy enough to take care of in your driveway.
Instructions
- 1
Open the Ford's engine compartment and prop the hood with the prop rod. Make sure the engine is completely cool before you begin, to prevent burns. Loosen the nut on the negative battery terminal with a wrench and remove the cable from the battery. This will prevent accidental shorting of any of the electrical components when you are using your tools.
2Open the valve on the bottom of the radiator, using a wrench, and drain the engine coolant into a drain pan. Place the drain pan out of reach of household pets (as they might try to drink the coolant). Locate the thermostat housing by following the upper radiator hose to it. Remove the housing bolts, using a wrench.
3Remove the housing from the engine block, along with the thermostat. Clean the old gasket material away from the engine block and thermostat housing, using a scraper. Insert the new thermostat into the engine. Be sure it goes in the same way the old one came out. Place a new gasket on the engine block. Attach the thermostat housing to the engine block.
4Tighten the mounting bolts, using a wrench. Refill the radiator and reservoir with engine coolant. Attach the negative cable to the battery and tighten the terminal nut, using a wrench. Start the vehicle and allow it to reach operating temperature, to be sure the thermostat was the cause of overheating. Check for leaks before closing the hood.
