Where is the cooling system thermostat located?
Most thermostats are located where the top radiator hose joins the engine, so these steps deal with this type. If your thermostat is in the bottom radiator hose, the principle is the same.
How do you check if the thermostat is working in your car?
Checking your car’s thermostat
- Have your car on level ground and make sure the engine and radiator are cool.
- Open the car hood and find the thermostat.
- Next, you will need to test your car thermostat.
- If you find the coolant is flowing, it means the thermostat valve is open.
How do I get my thermostat unstuck?
How to Fix a Sticking Thermostat
- Park your car on a flat surface and have the emergency brake on.
- Wait until the morning or a few hours after driving.
- Open your car hood after your car has had some time to cool off.
- Find the thermostat.
- Remove the radiator cap.
- Have someone else start the car for you.
How can you tell if your thermostat is stuck open?
Symptoms of a bad thermostat Thermostat stuck open: When the thermostat is stuck open, the engine temperature drops below normal when driving, especially on the highway in cold weather. A stuck-open thermostat can also cause lack of heat from the heating system. The Check Engine light may come on too.
What would cause a thermostat to stop working in a car?
Still, a failing thermostat is not the only cause for an abnormal engine operating temperature. Other reasons include low coolant level, a bad water pump, a worn out or loose water pump belt, cooling system leaks, a clogged radiator, a failed radiator fan and a collapsed radiator hose.
How can I test my thermostat without removing it?
How to Test Car Thermostat without Removing?
- Put your car into the park and lift the hood. Set the brake-in emergency.
- The moment the engine has cooled down, detach the radiator cap and run it again.
- Lift the hood and set the break-in emergency.
- Run the engine of the car to make it reach its normal temperature.
What happens if you drive without a thermostat?
If you drive without a thermostat, your engine will never reach its optimal operating temperature and your heater may blow cold air. It happens because driving without a thermostat tricks your engine into thinking it is cold outside, causing it to adjust the gas mixing valve and push more fuel to the engine.
How do I know if my coolant isn’t circulating?
After your engine is warm, feel the radiator near the bottom. If it’s still cool but the top part of it is hot, you’re not circulating coolant. That could also mean a stuck thermostat though.