Think thermostat is bad. How to replace - Cars & Trucks

Does the engine make a bad noise, like it is not getting oil? If not, I would try replacing the oil pressure switch. I have had to do this twice in the past three years that we have owned my wife's 02 Buick.

Sounds like new belt wasn't tightened properly. Have your tech retighten PS belt. (hardly likely a bad pump)

No code will tell you about coolant levels
or thermostat
In fact, codes do not tell you anything is wrong

They direct you to one of the vehicles systems,
that has a sensor out of range.

Then you have to component test,to find out
why the code was set

What code is there now?
Who is diagnosing the vehicle?

I think you missed the issue and changed the etc sensor

its not easy. so make sure its bad. Have a shop scan the engine computer while you think the engine is at normal engine temp. it should be 190-195f if its lower than that, yes the thermostat may be bad. but its a job to replace.

before you think the thermostat is bad, first look in the fuse/relay box. lift the lid and look inside the lid for the correct location for the cooling fan fuse/relay. also if that is ok then unplug the cooling fan and use jumper wires to jump from the fan to the battery. if the fan runs then the relay maybe bad or the coolant temperature sensor may be going bad. rule of thumb if the car has run for awhile and got hot u can touch the upper radiator hose, if its hot then the water is circulating. if the upper hose feels cold then the thermostat is stuck open. replace the thermostat.

Before I would suspect bad solenoids, I would first suspect a sticking-open thermostat. The OverDrive is prohibited from operating until the engine coolant reaches 177 degrees F. If your temp gauge is reading below 1/2, I would consider replacing the thermostat.

Yes, your thermostat is bad, and it's incredibly easy to fix. Go to PepBoys (or whatever), get the part, open the cap when the engine is cold, and switch the part. My mother can do it.

The pressure sending unit is located on the passenger side rear of the engine just above and slightly to the left of the filter and filter housing.

Did you try checking or replacing the coolant sensor? I think you should replace it along with the thermostat. Are there any problems like sputtering or any unusual noises or symptoms? Smoke, anything?

the thermostat is located just above the fan shaft, or ontop of the water pump. at least on the 2.2? and 4.3l engines. Which i think was only available. You may have to remove the plastic Vortec cover to see it.