Need to gain access to thermostat so i can replace it

You will need to find access to the headlight. On some vehicals, the grille may need to be removed to gain access. Once access is gained, unscrew the light that needs to be replaced and replace it.

The thermostat on this vehicle's In-line 6 cylinder engine is on the driver's side of the engine, below & behind the alternator. You have to remove the alternator to gain access to the thermostat housing. You also need to disconnect the battery before you remove the alternator to avoid sparks and shorts.

Most directions outline removal of the alternator to gain easy access to the hose clamps, bolts and housing of the thermostat. I have located a site that after free registration, has detailed instructions on how to do this job, and the link below that describes an easier method with photos. Check out:

http://forums.trailvoy.com/showthread.php?t=54225&highlight=replace+thermostat

I have a 4 cyl engine in my galant and the thermostat is found by following the LOWER radiator hose. You will need to remove the battery in order to gain access to the thermostat housing mounting bolts. There is a video on Youtube.com showing the removal and replacement of the thermostat and radiator for a 1999 mitsubishi galant.

http://youtu.be/Er1szRKrk7c

It is behind the alternator. You will need to remove the alternator slightly to gain access to the thermostat housing. Best example, follow the bottom radiator hose to the block. Hope this is helpful. I just finished replacing mine.

It is in the rear of the engine by the firewall and the intake manifold will need to be removed to gain access t it.

Engine Coolant Thermostat Replacement (LA3, LY9) Removal Procedure

1. Remove the thermostat housing. Refer to Engine Coolant Thermostat Housing Replacement .




2. Complete the following in order to remove the thermostat from the thermostat housing:
2.1. Depress the ears on both sides of the thermostat. 2.2. Rotate the thermostat until it clears the retaining feature of the housing. 2.3. Release the pressure from the thermostat. 2.4. Pull the thermostat from the thermostat housing.

Installation Procedure

1. Complete the following in order to Install the thermostat into the thermostat housing:
1.1. Align the thermostat pin to the thermostat housing orifice. 1.2. Depress the ears on both sides of the thermostat. 1.3. Rotate the thermostat until it aligns with the retaining feature of the housing. 1.4. Release the pressure from the thermostat.
2. Install the thermostat housing. Refer to Engine Coolant Thermostat Housing Replacement .

it is a little bit tricky, but certainly do-able. you need to remove the throttle body to gain access to the thermostat housing, so make sure you buy a new throttle body gasket. to take this job on, you will need a few flex sockets and some extensions. make sure you are well equipped before starting this job. good luck!

The exhaust manifold between the tran and engine has a sheild over it. I would remove that sheild to gain access to the thermostat housing or remove the exhaust manifold to have an easier access to it

2.3L Engine

1. Raise and safely support the vehicle.
   
2. Drain the cooling system.
   
3. Remove the 3 bolts and reposition the thermostat housing to gain access to the hose clamps.
   
4. Remove and discard the gasket.
   
   • To install, tighten the bolts to 10 Nm (89 lb-in).
     
5. Disconnect the heater hose from the thermostat housing.
   
6. Disconnect the lower radiator hose from the thermostat housing and remove the thermostat housing.
   

Thermostat housing and related components—2.3L engine

To install:

1. To install, reverse the removal procedure.
   
2. Install a new thermostat housing gasket.
   
3. Fill and bleed the cooling system
   

Drain coolant at the radiator drain. Remove air intake hose and MAF sensor assembly. remove throttle cable bracket and disconnect cable linkage. Remove throttle body bolts and disconnect coolant hoses to throttle body. Loosen heater hose pipe and remove heater hose from rear of pipe. Remove radiator hose from thermostat housing. Remove top thermostat housing bolt. Loosen and almost remove lower thermostat bolt. You will need to slide your wrench and hand under the exhaust crossover pipe to gain access. Loosen the bolt until you can remove the thermostat housing, it should be slotted to clear the bolt. Replace the thermostat and reassemble. Bleed cooling system using the two bleed screws (one on thermostat housing and the other on the passenger side of the engine where the heater hose pipe comes out above the water pump.