Overheating, need to change the thermostat?

Hello,

Here is a guide to help you change the thermostat out with instructions in the diagrams below to show you how on your car.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/replace-thermostat

Check out the diagrams (Below). Please let us know what happens.

Hello,
To better assist you, could you please list the engine size? 3.4L or 3.6L engine? Also, the eighth digit of VIN number will be helpful as well.

Thanks for using 2carpros. Com!

Great, thanks for that information.

Below are the removal/installation instructions for your thermostat:

REMOVAL:
Remove the air cleaner and duct assembly.
Drain the coolant until the coolant level is below the thermostat.
Remove the crossover exhaust pipe.
Remove the radiator hose from the thermostat housing.
Remove the thermostat housing bolts and clean any sealer from the bolt threads.

(Removing the housing bolts)

Remove the thermostat housing and gasket.
Remove the thermostat.
Clean the mating surfaces.

(The removal and installation of the thermostat)

INSTALLATION:
Install the thermostat.
Install the thermostat housing and gasket.

NOTE: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

Install the thermostat housing bolts and tighten them to 18 ft. lbs. (25 Nm).
Install the radiator hose to the thermostat housing.
Install the crossover exhaust pipe.
Install the air cleaner and duct assembly.
Fill the cooling system.

Hope this helps..
Thanks for using 2carpros.com!

Just because there is coolant in the reserve tank does not mean the radiator is automatically full. I don't know why you are changing the thermostat but you have other issues there that need to be found. You need to pressure test test the cooling system to find out wheere that coolant went and pray you didn't blow a head gasket already from overheating it.

Not having enough coolant will give the same symptoms.

You just said no coolant came out when you removed the hoses. That completely disproves that.

Remove the air cleaner and duct assembly.
Drain the coolant until the coolant level is below the thermostat.
Remove the crossover exhaust pipe.
Remove the radiator hose from the thermostat housing.
Remove the thermostat housing bolts and clean any sealer from the bolt threads.
Remove the thermostat housing and gasket.
Remove the thermostat.
Clean the mating surfaces.

Install the thermostat.
Install the thermostat housing and gasket.
Install the thermostat housing bolts and tighten them to 18 ft. lbs. (25 Nm).
Install the radiator hose to the thermostat housing.
Install the crossover exhaust pipe.
Install the air cleaner and duct assembly.
Fill the cooling system.

With the engine at full operating temp, locate the 2 heater hoses where they go into the firewall and feel them to see if they are both hot to the touch.
If you find that they are both too hot to hold, then the heat in that vehicle is controlled by a blend door that regulates heated air flow. It is operated by an electric motor/actuator. The problem can be that the actuator is stripped or inoperative or the door itself could be damaged. This is what needs to be determined by examining the actuator and see if it is responding to heat change commands or not.

Radiator cap?
About the only thing that is going to cause is coolant loss. It has nothing to do with circulation but has everything to do with the system drawing the fluid from the reservoir when the engine cools down.