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Thermostat Change

Tiny
RANFERI
  • MEMBER
  • 2008 DODGE AVENGER
Engine Cooling problem 4 cyl Two Wheel Drive Automatic 43528 miles

How to change a thermostat and how to flush the cooling system?
Tuesday, June 22nd, 2010 AT 2:59 PM

10 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 42,878 POSTS
Hello,

There is a primary and secondary thermostat in the 4 cylinder engine. Here is a guide to help you see what you are in for when replacing the thermostat.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/replace-thermostat

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/coolant-flush-and-refill-all-cars

Here are some diagrams (below) of the thermostat location in all three engine (below).

Please let us know if you need anything else to get the problem fixed.

Cheers, Ken
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Monday, November 20th, 2017 AT 3:02 PM
Tiny
FTDS1991
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
  • 2008 DODGE AVENGER
  • 3.5L
  • V6
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 151,000 MILES
I need to replace the coolant thermostat and I need to know where to find it
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Monday, November 20th, 2017 AT 3:03 PM (Merged)
Tiny
HMAC300
  • MECHANIC
  • 48,601 POSTS
Should be where upper radiator hose connects to radiator on intake manifold. I have included a picture of it. See picture.
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Monday, November 20th, 2017 AT 3:03 PM (Merged)
Tiny
FTDS1991
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Is it on the left side? Top or bottom? And is it easily accessible?
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Monday, November 20th, 2017 AT 3:03 PM (Merged)
Tiny
POLECATNF
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
  • DODGE AVENGER
I have a 1998 Dodge Avenger, Automatic Transmission, 2.5L V6, with 96147K. It takes a long time to heat up. I was going to change the thermostat as it has never been done on this car before, I have owned this car since new. Where is it located on this car? Thanks.
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Monday, November 20th, 2017 AT 3:03 PM (Merged)
Tiny
MERLIN2021
  • MECHANIC
  • 17,250 POSTS
Follw the upper radiator hose. It will take you right to it.
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Monday, November 20th, 2017 AT 3:03 PM (Merged)
Tiny
POLECATNF
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
The job was completed and all went well, no leaks and I have heat. One thing Though, I followed the upper rad hose but it wasn't there, it was actualy at the end of the lower rad hose which seemed kind of strange, dosn't the thermostat hold the water in the engine to heat up and then release it to flow from the top of the rad to the bottom thereby cooling it?
Anyway, Thank you very much for your help.
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Monday, November 20th, 2017 AT 3:03 PM (Merged)
Tiny
MERLIN2021
  • MECHANIC
  • 17,250 POSTS
Yes exactly so! Unless there is a TEE formation in the hoses! See even the pro's can learn something!
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Monday, November 20th, 2017 AT 3:03 PM (Merged)
Tiny
A VALADE
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1996 DODGE AVENGER
  • 4 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
Need to change thermostat in a 1996 dodge avenger, I need the location and any special tools needed?
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Monday, November 20th, 2017 AT 3:03 PM (Merged)
Tiny
BLUELIGHTNIN6
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,542 POSTS
1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.

2. Drain the cooling system.

3. Disconnect the upper radiator hose from the water outlet.

4. Remove the thermostat housing.

5. Remove the thermostat, taking note of its original position in the housing.

To install:

6. Thoroughly clean the thermostat housing and cylinder head mating surfaces.

7. Install the thermostat so its flange seats tightly in the machined recess in the thermostat housing. Refer to its position prior to removal.

8. Clean the bolt threads well. Bolts that thread into openings exposed to the coolant may have a build-up of rust and corrosion. Clean threads are necessary to effectively tighten bolts. Install the water outlet to the thermostat housing with a new gasket. Tighten the housing mounting bolts to 16 ft. Lbs. (22 Nm). Do not overtighten, or the thermostat housing and/or water outlet may crack.

9. Connect the lower hose and fill the system with coolant.

10. Connect the negative battery cable. With the radiator cap off, start the engine and allow it to run until the thermostat opens. Add coolant as necessary to fill the radiator completely. Watch the coolant temperature gauge ( if equipped) for signs of overheating.

11. Once the vehicle has cooled, recheck the coolant level in the radiator and the coolant overflow tank.
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Monday, November 20th, 2017 AT 3:03 PM (Merged)

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