The thermostat on a 1998 Dodge Stratus with a 2.5L V6 engine acts as a gateway between the radiator and the engine. It opens and closes in accordance with the temperature of the coolant, making sure that the car will never overheat. When the thermostat fails, it either sticks open or closed, either of which can cause overheating. To fix the problem, you have to replace the thermostat.
Instructions
- 1
Allow the engine to cool, at least 4 hours from the last time it was driven. Place a drain pan under the front bumper, right below the radiator. Open the petcock and drain approximately a gallon of coolant from the radiator, then close the petcock.
2Disconnect the radiator hose to the thermostat, which is next to the positive post of the battery, using the pliers. Unbolt the thermostat housing from the engine block using a 3/8-inch ratchet and socket, then pull the housing and thermostat off of the block. Discard the thermostat.
3Clean the mounting surfaces on the thermostat housing using a gasket scraper. Install the replacement thermostat gasket and thermostat in the housing, making sure the tiny bleed hole is pointing up in the housing. Use the ratchet to install the housing, then reconnect the radiator hose using the pliers.
4Fill the radiator with the 50-50 pre-diluted coolant. Turn the heater controls to high, then start the Stratus and allow it to run for 15--20 minutes. Turn off the car, allow it to sit for an hour, then add any additional coolant needed to the radiator.
