Things You'll Need:
- Mechanics gloves
- Rags
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Step 1
Check your coolant level first, before you blame the thermostat for your engine heating problem. Before turning the engine on look at your coolant level. Make sure that the coolant is at the fill line for a cold engine. If not fill the coolant to the "Cool Fill Line."
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Step 2
Turn the engine over and watch the engine temperature gauge. If the engine is taking forever to heat up, the thermostat may be in the full open position and stuck there. Turn engine off and replace the thermostat.
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Step 3
Turn off the engine if your engine temperature gauge is super hot. Using your hand check the upper radiator hose. If the upper radiator hose is stone cold it means that no coolant is flowing, and the engine is overheating. Therefore the thermostat is stuck in the closed position. Replace the thermostat.
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Step 4
Turn the engine on again after all replacements are made. Check your engine temperature gauge ensuring the engine is running in the normal band. After you've ensured this, turn the engine off.
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Step 5
Check your upper radiator hose. If the upper radiator hose is hot, that means the coolant is flowing into the engine keeping it cool and the thermostat is open at the correct setting.
