Need a New Thermostat? Here's Your Replacement Guide

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Chevrolet Camaro Thermostat Replacement Costs

AutoNation Mobile Service offers upfront and competitive pricing. The average cost for Chevrolet Camaro Thermostat Replacement is $345. Drop it off at our shop and pick it up a few hours later, or save time and have our Delivery mechanics come to you.

Car
Location
Price
2016 Chevrolet Camaro
3.6L V6 • 70,140 miles
CA 90706
$316 - $386
2017 Chevrolet Camaro
3.6L V6 LS • 52,018 miles
CA 95050
$617 - $754
2017 Chevrolet Camaro
3.6L V6 • 71,000 miles
TX 76244
$306 - $374
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How Is a Car Thermostat Replaced?

Unless you have automotive experience, it’s best to avoid replacing the car thermostat yourself and consult a professional instead. Auto repair professionals have the tools and expertise to handle the thermostat and engine cooling system safely. 

Moreover, thermostat replacement is a complex task, and an improper DIY installation can lead to engine overheating or severe engine damage

Here’s how a mechanic will replace the thermostat and ensure optimal performance:

  1. Locate the old thermostat. It’s usually found where the upper radiator hose connects to the engine.

  2. Remove the radiator cap to release pressure and drain the engine coolant (antifreeze) through the drain plug.

  3. Place a bucket or drain pan under the area to catch escaping fluid.

  4. Loosen and remove the clamp securing the upper radiator hose to the thermostat housing (if necessary, remove the clamp securing the lower radiator hose, too.)

  5. Pull off the hose to allow the remaining fluid to drain into the bucket.

  6. Remove the bolts (using a screwdriver) holding the thermostat housing in place.

  7. Lift the old thermostat from its housing.

  8. Scrape off any remaining old gasket material carefully without letting debris fall into the engine block opening.

  9. Place the new thermostat with the spring-side facing down and secure it by tightening the bolts.

  10. Reconnect the upper radiator hose and lower radiator hose. Next, tighten the clamp securely.

  11. Add the engine coolant back or replace it if it’s old.

  12. Reinstall the radiator cap and make sure it is securely tightened.

  13. Check for engine coolant leaks around the thermostat housing and hoses.

  14. Ensure the thermostat problem is resolved by running the engine and checking if the temperature gauge is reading fine. Check if the engine reaches the proper operating temperature without overheating.

How Much Does a Car Thermostat Replacement Cost?

The average cost to replace your car thermostat can fall between $480 and $570

A. Cost Breakdown:

The estimated cost includes:

  • Parts costs: $350 to $400
  • Labor costs: $130 to $170 per hour

B. Factors Affecting Cost

The following factors can affect your total bill:

  • Car make and model: The cost can vary greatly depending on the vehicle. Luxury or high-performance cars often require specialized, more expensive parts.
  • Type of engine thermostat: There are three main types of thermostats — electronic, thermal, and variable. Electronic thermostats are advanced models that typically cost more to replace. Traditional mechanical thermostats are simpler and affordable. Variable thermostats offer superior control over engine temperature but are the most expensive option.
  • Type of service required: The cost of fixing a bad thermostat can also depend on whether you’re repairing or replacing it. Repairing a car’s thermostat typically costs between $200 and $500, though this can vary based on the vehicle and specific issue. If a complete replacement is needed, the cost will increase.
  • Location: Labor charges depend on the car repair shop’s location and the mechanic’s hourly rate. For example, auto repair shops in big cities charge more and have higher labor fees than car repair centers in small towns.
  • Additional repairs: Your mechanic might suggest related repairs such as a coolant flush ($140 to $250), hose replacement ($90 to $514), air conditioning compressor replacement ($810 to $1,210), or water pump replacement ($400 to $925). All these services can increase your overall thermostat replacement cost.

NOTE: Before you head to a repair shop, it’s always a good idea to check if your car insurance policy covers these replacements.

What Are the Symptoms of a Faulty Thermostat?

The following issues may signal that your car has a thermostat problem:

  • Illuminated check engine light
  • Erratic temperature change, i.e., sudden and extreme rises in engine’s temperature (detected on the temperature gauge
  • Irregular gauge readings, such as no movement or sudden spikes
  • Rumbling, knocking, boiling, or gurgling sounds from overheating engine
  • The car overheats quickly and stays hot despite refilling the coolant
  • Rapid or drastic changes in coolant level, whether too high or too low
  • Car heater blows cold air. If the thermostat is stuck in the open position, the coolant may continuously circulate, preventing the engine from reaching the optimal temperature.
  • High fuel consumption and poor mileage

Can You Drive with a Broken Thermostat?

Driving with a faulty thermostat isn’t recommended.

A vehicle’s thermostat unit is crucial for maintaining the engine’s optimal operating temperature by regulating the coolant system, which directly affects performance and fuel efficiency.

If you have a malfunctioning thermostat, it can cause overheating and severe engine damage

For instance, extreme engine temperature or hot air can warp parts like the cylinder head or damage the head gasket, which is quite expensive to repair. A failing thermostat can also cause the car’s engine to run too hot or too cold, leading to higher emissions due to incomplete combustion.

Replacing a bad thermostat is significantly cheaper than repairing damage caused by prolonged engine overheating. It also helps reduce energy costs by ensuring the car operates at its optimal performance level.

So, if you see signs of a thermostat issue, such as an erratic temperature change or high fuel consumption, it’s best to have it inspected and replaced immediately by a trusted auto repair professional.

NOTE: Since a malfunctioning thermostat prevents an engine from reaching its optimal temperature, it can also impair the ability of your catalytic converter to minimize harmful emissions, harming the environment.

When Should You Replace the Thermostat?

You should replace your car thermostat every 100,000 miles or 10 years. However, regular driving in hot weather or heavy stop-and-go traffic can shorten its lifespan due to increased stress.

Other factors that can cause a car’s thermostat to fail prematurely include:

  • Aging or material degradation due to repeated heat cycles and exposure to coolant.
  • The thermostat can get stuck in either open or closed position due to mechanical failure or corrosion.
  • Contaminants or degraded coolant can cause sediment or deposits to build up, impairing the thermostat’s operation.

4 FAQs About Thermostat Replacement

Here are the answers to some commonly asked questions about thermostats:

1. How Does a Thermostat Work?

The thermostat unit maintains your engine’s optimal operating temperature by regulating the coolant temperature. It prevents your car’s engine from overheating and is an important part of your vehicle’s cooling system components.

Here’s how it works:

When you start your car, the thermostat valve is closed, preventing the coolant flow from reaching the radiator and cooling the engine. It traps the engine heat, helping it quickly heat up to the right temperature. This, in turn, promotes efficient fuel use and saves energy costs.

Once the engine reaches the optimal temperature (usually around 195°F), the thermostat valve opens, allowing hot coolant to flow into the radiator. As the hot coolant circulates through the radiator, it cools down and is recirculated back into the engine. This helps maintain the engine’s optimal temperature, preventing overheating.

2. How Long Does a Car Thermostat Replacement Take?

Most car thermostats typically take 1 to 3 hours to be replaced.

However, it can take up to five hours or more for vehicles with complex engine layouts or components that obstruct access to the thermostat.

3. How to Prolong the Life of a Thermostat

These simple practices can maximize the lifespan of your vehicle’s thermostat, ensuring optimal performance and fuel efficiency:

  • Perform routine checks of the entire engine cooling system – the radiator, hoses and water pump, to ensure everything is functioning properly.

  • Keep track of coolant levels and promptly address coolant leaks (if any).

  • Always use the recommended coolant for your vehicle and avoid mixing different types of coolants, as this can damage the thermostat.

  • Prevent the engine from overheating by keeping an eye on the temperature gauge.

4. What Could Cause a Car to Overheat Even After Replacing the Malfunctioning Thermostat?

Sometimes, a car may still overheat after replacing a failing thermostat due to the following reasons:

  1. A new thermostat could be defective and not function properly.

  2. A blown head gasket can cause erratic overheating.

  3. A radiator clogged with sludge or debris can obstruct coolant flow, resulting in a slow, steady increase in the engine’s temperature.

  4. Coolant that’s old or contaminated may not cool the engine efficiently.

  5. A faulty radiator fan clutch or problems with the electric fan (e.g., poor electrical contacts or a broken relay) can prevent proper cooling.

  6. A leaking or failing water pump can cause inadequate coolant circulation.

  7. A coolant leak from hoses, the radiator, or other components can lead to a low coolant level and cause engine overheating.

  8. Problems with the air conditioning, such as a failing compressor or refrigerant leaks, can lead to an overheating engine despite replacing a broken thermostat.

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