23 malibu thermostat access?

2023 CHEVROLET MALIBU
50,000 MILES • 1.5L • 4 CYL • TURBO • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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FISHERLR777
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I'm looking to replace the thermostat in my girlfriends 23 malibu, as we are having serious heating issues in the 0°F Midwest winters. I haven't yet been able to find any youtube videos of people doing this repair.

It seems impossible to access from the top without removing the turbo, so i'm wondering if i can remove some panels from the bottom to access it?

Any help would be appreciated. Thank you.
Feb 4, 2026 at 6:41 PM
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STRAILER
  • ASE Certified Mechanic
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  • ASE Certified Mechanic
Yep, it is under the exhaust manifold, but it does looks like you can get to it from under the car, drain the cooling system first and disconnect the battery. Here is the location of the thermostat so you can change it out. If it is stuck open the engine will not heat up ie: no internal cabin heat. Check out the images (below). Please upload an image or a short video in your response, so I can see what's going on
Feb 5, 2026 at 10:20 AM
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