Why is my 2009 Pontiac G6 overheating?
While there are a variety of reasons your Pontiac G6 is overheating, the most common 3 are a coolant leak (water pump, radiator, hose etc.), the radiator fan, or a failed thermostat.
Where does the thermostat housing meet the radiator?
The thermostat housing is right where the radiator hose meets the engine housing. It looks like half of a metal baseball. When the thermostat becomes stuck, it is reasonable to simply replace it. Also, when the thermostat housing is removed, the housing gasket should be replaced even if you’re just checking it.
What should I do if my car thermostat is stuck?
Watch the thermometer. When the temperature rises to the number you recorded in step #6, the thermostat will start to open. 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.
How much does it cost to replace a thermostat housing?
Also, when the thermostat housing is removed, the housing gasket should be replaced even if you’re just checking it. A housing gasket needs to be able to seal fully, and it won’t if it’s been used. The thermostat and housing together cost less than $20.
Why is the engine thermostat in the closed position?
The flow of coolant does not cycle through the radiator unless it is hot and needs to be cooled. When an engine is cold, the radiator fluid is cold, so the thermostat is in the closed position. When the engine starts up, and the coolant warms.
What happens if your car thermostat is stuck closed?
Learn more… Your vehicle’s thermostat opens to allow coolant to flow through the radiator and cool the engine down. However, if the thermostat gets stuck in the closed position, the coolant can’t flow through the radiator and can make your engine overheat.
Where is the thermostat located on a car?
The thermostat housing is usually under the upper radiator hose. Unbolt the housing and remove the thermostat, using a screwdriver and pliers. Take the thermostat inside. There will generally be a number somewhere on the body, giving it’s opening temperature usually between 160 to 190°F or 70 to 90°C.
How can I get the thermostat out of my car?
The thick black hose runs from the side of your radiator and attaches to the top or side of your engine block with a tube clamp. Use a screwdriver to loosen the nut on the tube clamp and then pull the hose off of the engine. Set the end of the hose aside for now so you can access the thermostat housing on your engine.
How can I tell if my thermostat is open or closed?
Take the thermostat out of the pot to see if it’s opened. Pull the thermostat out of the water with your tongs and set it on paper towels to dry it off. As the thermostat heats up, the spring should compress and the center ring will separate from the outer ring to make a gap in the middle.