Thermostat Replacement?

Tiny
PGRACER
  • MEMBER
  • 2010 CHEVROLET MALIBU
  • 3.6L
  • V6
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 181,000 MILES
Water pump froze on grandson's "new/used" car and local shop replaced it, said car was fine. Car got hot on drive home by gauge, not pegged and air through radiator was cold indicating a stuck thermostat to me. I am a disabled/retired VW Master Tech with a bad back and severely arthritic hands, 1) do you think I can physically handle replacing the t-stat myself and 2) where is the t-stat located on this beast? Thank-you for for being here!
Wednesday, September 24th, 2025 AT 2:33 AM

5 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Hi:

The process is straightforward, but you will have a few clamps to remove, which can be a pain. If you look below, I attached the directions from Alldata. Take a look and see if you are comfortable doing it.

On the other hand, this could be a great learning experience for your grandson. With you there to guide and explain what is needed, chances are he could do it.

Take a look below and let me know your thoughts or questions.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below
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Wednesday, September 24th, 2025 AT 8:15 PM
Tiny
PGRACER
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Thank you very much for your response! Yes, I agree about having him do the work, at least the most physical parts (not mechanically inclined, LOL). I took a few minutes yesterday to look things over and am happy I still have a spring-clamp tool from my time with VW! That looks like the worst of it for my arthritis, and the best for him to do. Having the torque spec is awesome, I was always retentive about that. Thanks again!
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Thursday, September 25th, 2025 AT 1:20 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,137 POSTS
JACOBANDNICKOLAS is one of our best! Please use 2CarPros anytime we are here to help.
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Friday, September 26th, 2025 AT 8:35 AM
Tiny
PGRACER
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Great group! After five years in retirement/disability my confidence wasn't where it should be, but y'all simply put good information in front of me and this morning I took care of the thermostat. Took me five hours, accounting time resting to unlock fingers (the boy had to work) but it's done, bled and test driven! THANKS!
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Friday, September 26th, 2025 AT 10:42 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 54,137 POSTS
You are welcome, please use 2CarPros anytime we are here to help.
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Friday, September 26th, 2025 AT 6:13 PM

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