How to Change the Thermostat in a Saturn VUE

The Saturn Vue was the first "home grown entry" by Saturn and General Motors into the small, car-based SUV market. Established competition forced Saturn to come out swinging: the Vue offered a roomy cabin, extensive options, a number of drivetrain options and an attractive price tag. Saturn has paid close attention to consumer responses and needs and improved the Saturn according. The following information guides the do-it-yourself repairperson through the installation of the thermostat.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Mechanic's toolset, including a full socket set, wrenches and screwdrivers
• Replacement thermostat, new or rebuilt
• New gasket for thermostat

Remove the Thermostat

1. Pull the negative battery cable from the terminal. Drain the engine coolant. Remove the bolts that hold the exhaust heat shield and then remove it.

2. Raise the vehicle on a lift or secure supports. Release the coolant from the water pump drain plug. Collect the coolant into a suitable container.

3. Loosen and remove the bolts that secure the thermostat housing. Lift off the thermostat housing and discard the O-seal.

4. Take the water pipe from the water pump assembly, and then remove the water pipe seals and throw them away.

5. Remove the inner thermostat sleeve. Lift out the thermostat assembly.

Install the Thermostat

6. Position the thermostat cartridge into the housing. Align the cartridge tangs with the housing bolt holes to assure proper installation into the inner sleeve. Line up the notch on the inner sleeve and insert the sleeve into the housing.

7. Put a new O-seal on the water pipe. Use a bit of silicon gel to lubricate the seals as needed. Set the water pipe into the water pump assembly.

8. Fit the water feed O-seal by pushing it toward the water pump while twisting it gently so as not to damage or tear the O-ring.

9. Place the thermostat housing cover on the water pipe. Set the new thermostat housing cover seal into the recess groove.

10. Set the thermostat housing cover in place. Install the bolts to the cover and torque them to 89 inch pounds.

11. Lower the vehicle. Install the exhaust heat shield and bolt it in place. Torque the bolts to 17 foot pounds. Make sure to close the radiator drain valve and the water pump drain.

12. Fill the engine with coolant. Reconnect the negative battery cable. Start the engine and test for leaks.

Tips & Warnings

• Dogs and cats will drink coolant left in open containers or on the floor and ingestion is usually fatal.

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