VW

Disconnect battery and place the vehicle on a flat surface with the vehicle parking brake on and in park (auto) or in reverse (manual trans)

1) Place a large drain pan under the vehicle to collect the coolant.
2) Remove the radiator cap and drain the cooling system.
3) Loosen one bolt at a time from the thermostat housing until coolant begins to flow.
4) Remove both bolts and remove the thermostat.
5) Pay attention to the direction the t-stat is mounted so you can replace the new one the same way.

To install:

1) Clean housing and engine block and install the new O-ring.
2) Torque the housing the bolts to 7 ft. Lbs.
3) Refill cooling system start engine with heater on high.
4) Add coolant until the system remains full.
5) Check for leaks.

I have attached pictures of the location of the t-stat.

I know this is an old post, but in case someone else is reading
this. To get to the thermostat, you need to first remove the
power steering pump.

Once the power steering pump is out of the way (leave the hydraulic
lines attached), the thermostat can be accessed.

Thomas