Cars & Vehicles Auto Parts & Maintenance & Repairs

How to Replace a Thermostat in a 1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee

    • 1). Disconnect the negative cable from the battery.

    • 2). Engage the emergency brake and block the back tires with a brick, or something similar.

    • 3). Allow the vehicle to cool down if it has been driven recently.

    • 4). Place a clean bucket under the radiator drain plug. On a V-6 the radiator drain plug is located on lower right side of the radiator. On a V-8 the drain plug is located on the lower left side. (If the coolant is new or in good condition, save it and reuse it.)

    • 5). Attach a 3/8-inch hose to the drain fitting, if possible, to make it easier for the coolant to flow into the container.

    • 6). Open the drain fitting with a pair of pliers.

    • 7). Open the radiator cap, after the coolant tank is empty. Let the radiator drain.

    • 8). Position the container under the drain plugs on the engine block, if you've decided to flush the entire system. (If not, move on to Step 9.) On a V-8 engine, both sides of the engine block have a drain plug. On a V-6 engine, the drain plug is on the right side of the engine block.

    • 9). Check for cracked or broken hoses while the coolant is draining. Check the clamps to ensure tightness so water or coolant does not leak from the fittings.

    • 10

      Follow the upper radiator hose to engine to locate the housing for the thermostat.

    • 11

      Loosen the hose clamp using pliers to squeeze the tabs on the clamp together, for a spring clamp. For a clamp with a screw, use a flathead screwdriver. Pull the hose free of the thermostat housing.

    • 12

      Remove the bolts, on the radiator housing, using a socket and ratchet or a wrench. Pull the housing free of the engine block.

    • 13

      Remove the thermostat, paying attention to which end is facing out.

    • 14

      Stuff a clean rag into the opening to keep debris out of the engine.

    • 15

      Remove the old gasket from both surfaces with a gasket scraper or putty knife.

    • 16

      Remove the rag. Clean the surfaces with acetone or lacquer thinner.

    • 17

      Install the new thermostat in the correct direction. The end with the spring normally faces down.

    • 18

      Apply a thin layer of RTV sealant to both sides of the new gasket. Place the gasket on the thermostat housing.

    • 19

      Install the cover and bolts. Tighten the bolts. Attach the hose to the housing. Tighten the hose clamp.

    • 20

      Place a water hose in the opening of the radiator, if you are flushing the system. If not, move on to Step 23. Allow the water to run until the water coming out of the drain runs clear.

    • 21

      Remove the overflow hose from the coolant reservoir and flush with water from the garden hose. Reinstall the hose.

    • 22

      Close and tighten the radiator drain plug. Reinstall the engine block drain plug.

    • 23

      Fill the radiator with coolant--a 50/50 mixture of water and antifreeze. Start the engine and turn the heater on. Add coolant to the lowest mark on the coolant reservoir. Let the engine run until the thermostat opens up. (Coolant will flow through the radiator and upper radiator hose.) Top the radiator off.

    • 24

      Turn the engine off and allow engine to cool down. Add more coolant mixture to the radiator to bring the level up to the filler neck.

    • 25

      Replace the radiator cap. Start the engine, allowing it to reach normal operating temperature. Check for leaks at the drain plugs, hoses and clamps.

SHARE
RELATED POSTS on "Cars & Vehicles"
How to Rebuild an Outboard
How to Rebuild an Outboard
How to Increase the HP on a '98 Camaro
How to Increase the HP on a '98 Camaro
How to Tune an Edelbrock 1406 Carburetor
How to Tune an Edelbrock 1406 Carburetor
How to Change the Alternator on a 1987 Ford Ranger
How to Change the Alternator on a 1987 Ford Ranger
How to Get Your Car Out of the Snow
How to Get Your Car Out of the Snow
DIY: How To Replace Your Torque Converter Clutch Solenoid (GM)
DIY: How To Replace Your Torque Converter Clutch Solenoid (GM)
How to Remove the Back Seat of a Ford F-150
How to Remove the Back Seat of a Ford F-150
How to Use Rearview Mirror Adhesive?
How to Use Rearview Mirror Adhesive?
How to Replace the Brake Pads on a Mercury Mountaineer
How to Replace the Brake Pads on a Mercury Mountaineer
How to Wire Voltmeter Gauges on a Car
How to Wire Voltmeter Gauges on a Car
How to Replace Water Pump
How to Replace Water Pump
Ways to Check the Engine Block for Cracks
Ways to Check the Engine Block for Cracks
2WD Silverado vs. 4WD
2WD Silverado vs. 4WD
Master Cylinder Specs
Master Cylinder Specs
How to Set Rocker Arms
How to Set Rocker Arms
How to Replace a Broken Side View Mirror
How to Replace a Broken Side View Mirror
2003 Winnebago Itasca Spirit Specs
2003 Winnebago Itasca Spirit Specs
Neon Light Installation
Neon Light Installation
How to Fix Dragging Brakes
How to Fix Dragging Brakes
How to Change the Alternator in a 2000 Cougar
How to Change the Alternator in a 2000 Cougar
How to Service a Rear-Window Defogger in a Plymouth Neon
How to Service a Rear-Window Defogger in a Plymouth Neon
How to Remove the Taillight Lens on a 1998 Honda Accord
How to Remove the Taillight Lens on a 1998 Honda Accord
How to Test Car Engine Pistons
How to Test Car Engine Pistons
How to Remove the Brake Rotors on a 2004 Nissan Xterra
How to Remove the Brake Rotors on a 2004 Nissan Xterra

Leave Your Reply

*