Expert: Kevin - 10/2/2009

Question
where is the themostat located ? How to replace it? Is there
anything I need to do before draining it?

Answer
THERMOSTAT - 2.5L ENGINE
REMOVAL
WARNING: DO NOT LOOSEN THE RADIATOR DRAINCOCK WITH THE SYSTEM HOT AND PRESSURIZED. SERIOUS BURNS FROM THE COOLANT CAN OCCUR.

DO NOT WASTE reusable coolant. If the solution is clean, drain the coolant into a clean container for reuse.

Disconnect battery negative cable.
Drain the coolant from the radiator until the level is below the thermostat housing.
Remove radiator upper hose and heater hose at thermostat housing.
Disconnect wiring connector at engine coolant temperature sensor.
Remove thermostat housing mounting bolts, thermostat housing, gasket and thermostat 2.5LThermostat Removal/Installation Discard old gasket.
Clean the gasket mating surfaces.
INSTALLATION
Install the replacement thermostat so that the pellet, which is encircled by a coil spring, faces the engine. All thermostats are marked on the outer flange to indicate the proper installed position.
Observe the recess groove in the engine cylinder head Thermostat Recess
Position thermostat into this groove with arrow and air bleed hole on outer flange pointing up
Install replacement gasket and thermostat housing
CAUTION: Tightening the thermostat housing unevenly or with the thermostat out of its recess may result in a cracked housing.

Tighten the housing bolts to 20 N·m (15 ft. lbs.) torque.
Install hoses to thermostat housing.
Install electrical connector to coolant temperature sensor.
Connect battery negative cable.
Be sure that the radiator draincock is tightly closed. Fill the cooling system to the correct level with the required coolant mixture. Refer to Cooling System - Draining and Refilling in this group.
Start and warm the engine. Check for leaks.