Does the thermostat open when the water reaches that temp? Effects: slow warm-up and overheating. Next, put it in a pot of water and bring the water to a boil. Is it rusty? There's a small stamp on the thermostat reflecting the temperature it should open at. Then, remove the thermostat for inspection. Question: How do I check to see if the thermostat is stuck closed, and what are the possible effects of this?Īnswer: One simple way to check the thermostat is to remove the housing, which is usually located on the top, front and near the center of the engine. Check to see that the hoses are in place, too. Coolant isn't reaching one side of the engine. I'd look into a blockage in your cooling lines. Question: Would a bad thermostate cause some heat only on one side of vehicle other side cold?Īnswer: I wouldn't suspect the thermostat. A warped engine must be removed and either resurfaced, if the damage isn't terribly bad, or completely replaced. Replacing it is far less costly than repairing a warped engine.

The thermostat is such a vital component to the well-being of your vehicle, yet it is so cheap. If it opens at the designated temperature, then the thermostat is just fine. If it does not, or if it doesn't open until reaching a different temperature (hotter usually), then the thermostat is bad and should be replaced. When the temperature rises to the number you recorded in step #6, the thermostat will start to open.

Place the thermostat into the cold water.

Fill a pot with cold water and a thermometer and place on a stove burner.

Locate and write down the temperature stamped on the lip of the thermostat.

Drain some of the coolant (a gallon should be enough) so the fluid won't pour out when you perform the next step.

If you are still unsure whether the thermostat is stuck, perform the following procedure to get an accurate diagnosis. Keep reading, however, to find out how to be sure that your thermostat is the problem. The thermostat and housing together cost less than $20.

Engine error steam is not running