2003 Pontiac Grand Prix Logo
Posted on Jan 25, 2010
Answered by a Fixya Expert

Trustworthy Expert Solutions

At Fixya.com, our trusted experts are meticulously vetted and possess extensive experience in their respective fields. Backed by a community of knowledgeable professionals, our platform ensures that the solutions provided are thoroughly researched and validated.

View Our Top Experts

Replace thermostat on 2003 grand prix gtp with

How do you replace thermostat on 2003 grand prix gtp with supercharger and 3.8 motor

1 Answer

Mike LaPres

Level 3:

An expert who has achieved level 3 by getting 1000 points

All-Star:

An expert that got 10 achievements.

MVP:

An expert that got 5 achievements.

Vice President:

An expert whose answer got voted for 100 times.

  • Pontiac Master 757 Answers
  • Posted on Feb 27, 2010
Mike LaPres
Pontiac Master
Level 3:

An expert who has achieved level 3 by getting 1000 points

All-Star:

An expert that got 10 achievements.

MVP:

An expert that got 5 achievements.

Vice President:

An expert whose answer got voted for 100 times.

Joined: Mar 30, 2009
Answers
757
Questions
0
Helped
278389
Points
2002

The thermostat housing is located in the upper radiator hose. You will see a metal elbow secured by two bolts into what I remember is the upper intake manifold...don't quote me on that but you will see it regardless of whatever I call it. Anyways, GM decided it was a good idea to put stainless steel bolts in there but that makes it easy to strip the threads in the bolt hole so I think it's best when you put your wrench on the bolt to just tap on the handle till you vibrate it loose, then turn it.
When you pull off the housing you'll lose a little coolant and it will create an air pocket which we'll address. It's a 50/50 chance that the thermostat housing gasket will either stick to the housing or the engine...it may be torn, cracked or flaking in either case clean both contact surfaces before you replace the gasket. I recommend an oil impregnated poly material gasket.
Note the position of the thermostat in the hole and place the new one in as such.
I recommend a 180 degree thermostat...stock is 195 but the GTP runs better with the 180.
Put on gasket and reinstall the hose/housing assembly, alternate from one bolt to the other so the housing mates flat and cannot cause a leak.
Next, fill the coolant overflow bottle to the "HOT" mark. If the bottle is dirty and hard to see just put a light on top of the bottle...GM didn't mark it very well so if it's not squeaky clean you can hardly see a damn thing.
*IMPORTANT** if your car still has Dexcool in it, DUMP IT. It will eventually destroy the motor.
If not...continue on. Start the car. Go back to the thermostat housing and place a rag on top of, and twist the peacock valve on top of it to let the air out until it starts to get coolant on the rag. Done.

Add Your Answer

×

Uploading: 0%

my-video-file.mp4

Complete. Click "Add" to insert your video. Add

×

Loading...
Loading...

Related Questions:

0helpful
1answer
2helpful
1answer

HOW DO I REPLACE FREEZE PLUGS ON 04 3.8?

R&R motor. Knock out old freeze plugs and replace. 20+ job. Good luck.
0helpful
1answer

Would replacing a power steering pump in a 2002 Grand Prix GTP Supercharger cause the SuperCharger belt to break.

No.

The supercharger belt is on the main drive, the water pump is on the accessory drive. Provided that they are both properly installed of course.
1helpful
1answer

What kind of motor does a Pontiac Grand Prix have?

Depends on what sub-model you have. If you have an SE its a 3100 3.1L Engine. If its a GT its a 3800 3.8L Engine. If its a GTP its a 3800 3.8L but with a supercharger.
0helpful
1answer

2000 Grand Prix GTP supercharger fluctuates when accelerating

There is no wastegate.

Change the spark plugs and pay special attention to the plug on bank 3. Look for physical damage on the electrode...cracked, bent etc.
Use Autolite 605's copper core gapped to .055" and NEVER run less than 92 octane.
0helpful
1answer

I have a 2003 Grand Prix GTP and when I start the car there is a loud metal-on-metal screaming noise coming from the supercharger area. I assume this is bad news for the supercharger but is it safe to...

Have it towed as the blower has probably lost one or more bearings. If metal shavings enter the cylinders, there could be serious damage there as well. Good luck!
0helpful
1answer
2helpful
1answer

2003 and Prix GTP - Leaking Oid

It could be the Oil pressure sensor is bad and leaking oil, There know to go bad and will leak worst when driving as the oil pressure goes up.
Good luck and hope this helps.
Not finding what you are looking for?

1,437 views

Ask a Question

Usually answered in minutes!

Top Pontiac Experts

ZJ Limited
ZJ Limited

Level 3 Expert

17989 Answers

Thomas Perkins
Thomas Perkins

Level 3 Expert

15088 Answers

Brad Brown

Level 3 Expert

19187 Answers

Are you a Pontiac Expert? Answer questions, earn points and help others

Answer questions

Manuals & User Guides

Loading...