How to Change a 1999 Camaro Thermostat

The thermostat on a Camaro can fail with age.

Changing a 1999 Chevrolet Camaro thermostat will keep the car operating at the right temperature. Engine thermostats regulate the temperature at which coolant enters the engine from the radiator. Thermostats can fail in an open or closed position. A thermostat that fails open will keep the engine from warming up fully, while a thermostat that fails in the closed position will cause the engine to overheat quickly, which can cause further engine damage. In either case, change the thermostat as soon as possible.

Things You'll Need

• Flat-head screwdriver
• Drain pan
• Ratchet and socket set
• Thermostat

Instructions

1. Loosen the upper radiator hose clamp, using a screwdriver.

2. Place a drain pan under the upper radiator hose so that coolant will not drip on the ground. Remove the upper radiator hose from the engine side, and support it by setting it against the engine. This will prevent more coolant from coming out of the hose. With the upper radiator hose removed, you will see the thermostat housing, which is bolted to the engine underneath the area that was covered by the hose.

3. Unbolt the thermostat housing by pulling out the bolts holding it in place, using a ratchet and socket.

4. Remove the old thermostat. It should pull off easily, but you may need to use a small screwdriver to break the thermostat loose.

5. Fit the new thermostat, replacing it in the same orientation as the one you removed.

6. Place the thermostat housing over the thermostat, tightening the bolts with the ratchet and socket. Avoid over-tightening, as this will make them difficult to remove the next time the thermostat requires service.

7. Place the end of the upper radiator hose back over the thermostat housing on the engine. Secure the hose by tightening the hose clamp with a screwdriver.

8. Add coolant to the overflow bottle to replace the coolant that leaked out when you removed the radiator hose. Reuse the coolant from the drain pan, or add new coolant if the old coolant is old or discolored.

References

• Samarins: Thermostat
• AutoMedia: Thermostat Replacement