The thermostat is a critical component of any automobile's engine cooling system. From time to time, thermostats fail and must be replaced. Vehicle owners can perform this task themselves once they become familiar with the basic procedures.
Locate the Thermostat Housing
Trace the upper and lower radiator hoses back from the radiator to the engine. One of these hoses will lead to a semi-dome shaped housing that is held to the engine with two or three bolts.
Don't Spill the Coolant
Drain the coolant in the radiator so that no coolant will spill when the thermostat housing is removed.
Replace the Thermostat
Remove the nuts that hold the thermostat housing and pull out the old thermostat. Insert the new thermostat in the same orientation as the old, and replace the housing.
Finish the Job
Refill the radiator with coolant. Start the engine and warm it up until the coolant circulates. Top off the coolant level once the air bubbles have vented from the system.
