Thermostat replacement?

Tiny
DAKOTA2001
  • MEMBER
  • 2001 DODGE DAKOTA
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 153,000 MILES
How do I change the thermostat?
Sunday, January 18th, 2009 AT 9:18 PM

13 Replies

Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
I am attaching the process from the manual. Let us know if you have other questions.

Also, here are some guides that will help as well:

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

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-an-engine-thermostat-works
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Friday, November 27th, 2020 AT 6:18 PM
Tiny
VALERIEGLUS
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 2001 DODGE DAKOTA
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 120,000 MILES
NEED TO LOCATE AND CHANGE
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Saturday, November 28th, 2020 AT 8:38 AM (Merged)
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,747 POSTS
Follow the upper rad hose back to the engine. Where is ends is the t-stat housing. The t-stat is under the housing.

Let me know if you have other questions.
Joe
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Saturday, November 28th, 2020 AT 8:38 AM (Merged)
Tiny
SIDVISH
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1998 DODGE DAKOTA
When I start the truck it runs fine, but when I put it in gear the engine overheats and all of my coolant leaks out of the overflow. Does this mean my thermostat is bad?
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Saturday, November 28th, 2020 AT 8:39 AM (Merged)
Tiny
BLUELIGHTNIN6
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,542 POSTS
Engine may overheat for several reasons. Start troubleshooting by ensuring coolant level is correct. If OK, remove thermostat and test for proper operation. To learn how to do this, follow link below..

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

Thanks for using 2CarPros.com!
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Saturday, November 28th, 2020 AT 8:39 AM (Merged)
Tiny
FORDDUDE
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1998 DODGE DAKOTA
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 80,000 MILES
How hard is it to change the thermostat. Does the alternator & ac compressor have to be removed. Any help or direction would be greatly appreciated
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-1
Saturday, November 28th, 2020 AT 8:40 AM (Merged)
Tiny
BLUELIGHTNIN6
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,542 POSTS
Locate the thermostat. This is located in a housing on the engine side of the upper radiator hose for all engines except the 4.7L. On the 4.7L engine, the thermostat is located on the engine side of the lower radiator hose.
Disconnect the negative battery cable (both batteries on diesels).
Drain the engine coolant from the block until the level is below the thermostat.
On V-10 engines, remove the support rod.
On most V-6 and V-8 models, the alternator must be removed or repositioned for access to the thermostat housing.
Remove the radiator hose from the thermostat housing.
Disconnect any sensors fitted to the thermostat housing.
Remove the retaining bolts from the thermostat housing. Note the lengths and location of each bolt for ease of installation.
Remove the thermostat housing, thermostat, and gasket, if fitted.
Note the relative positions of all components, especially gaskets and seals. Note the orientation of the thermostat in the housing.

To install:

Be sure the new thermostat is the correct one for your engine.
On V-10 engines, note that there is a rubber lip-type seal with a metal shoulder pressed into the intake manifold beneath the thermostat. The thermostat should fit snugly in the seal.
Clean the gasket or seal mating surfaces.
Paper gaskets must be replaced.
Install the thermostat, gasket or seals.
Install the thermostat housing on the engine.

NOTE
The thermostat housing may have the word FRONT on it (3.9L, 5.2L, 5.9L); this goes towards the front of the vehicle.

Be sure all components are properly seated before tightening.
Tighten the housing bolts to 18 ft. Lbs. (24 Nm). Fasteners should be tightened evenly to avoid leaks or damage.
Reinstall the radiator hose onto the housing.

NOTE
Ensure that you have secured the system drain plug(s) before refilling with coolant.

Refill the radiator with a proper coolant mixture.
Connect the negative battery cable(s).
Start the engine and bleed the cooling system.
Ensure that the thermostat is operational (by checking the upper radiator hose for warmth), and that there are no leaks.
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-2
Saturday, November 28th, 2020 AT 8:40 AM (Merged)
Tiny
THERMAMAN
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
  • DODGE DAKOTA
I do work on cars and my buddy is new to working on them. He has a 2003 4.7 Dakota. He needs to replace the thermostat. I am in a different state and trying to help him save the $80.00 an hour shop charge. Most vehicles the thermostat is located at the end of the upper radiator hose as it connects to the engine block. He said it is not located there and I also read something that said it is off the lower radiator hose on the lower side of the engine block. Is this true and does anyone know of where I can view a diagram for this? Also the auto parts store told him that they don't make a Chiltons manual for 2003 Dakotas? What? Because that is the dummy manual for auto repairs, it is a helpful book.
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Saturday, November 28th, 2020 AT 8:41 AM (Merged)
Tiny
CHEVY22
  • MECHANIC
  • 1,375 POSTS
Does that help? Left lower side of block #3.

Jim
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Saturday, November 28th, 2020 AT 8:41 AM (Merged)
Tiny
THERMAMAN
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Yes it does man, thanks I appreciate it. He said he thought he saw it down in that area, but I wanted to check and see. I do thank you man.
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Saturday, November 28th, 2020 AT 8:41 AM (Merged)
Tiny
CHEVY22
  • MECHANIC
  • 1,375 POSTS
No problem at all.
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Saturday, November 28th, 2020 AT 8:41 AM (Merged)
Tiny
JEREMY RODDA
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
  • 1995 DODGE DAKOTA
How do I get to the thermostat bots. They're stuffed down under the inlet hose from the radiator, heater core hose, and the a/c hoses. They'res a bracket that holds the a/c hoses connected to the top of the motor with double nuts that I can't budge.
Also I can't get to the back bolt of my starter because it is behind the front diff. The bolts are tight how do I get the bolts loose w/o breaking them?
Please help!
3.9L V6
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Tuesday, March 2nd, 2021 AT 8:40 AM (Merged)
Tiny
BLUELIGHTNIN6
  • MECHANIC
  • 16,542 POSTS
REMOVAL:
Drain the cooling system to below the level of the thermostat.

CAUTION
When draining the coolant, keep in mind that cats and dogs are attracted by ethylene glycol antifreeze, and are quite likely to drink any that is left in an uncovered container or in puddles on the ground. This will prove fatal in sufficient quantity. Always drain the coolant into a sealable container.

For 1994-96 V6 and V8 models equipped with air conditioning:
Remove the support bracket (rod) located near the rear of the alternator.
Remove the drive belt.
Partially remove the alternator by removing the necessary alternator bolts. If equipped with 4WD, unplug the 4WD indicator lamp harness (at the rear of the unit).
Remove the alternator. Position it to gain access for thermostat gasket removal.

Remove the upper radiator hose from the thermostat housing. Note the positioning of the thermostat. It is important that the thermostat is correctly installed.
Withdraw the housing bolts and remove the housing and the thermostat.

INSTALLATION:
To install, use a new gasket and position the thermostat so that its pellet end (the part with the spring) is toward the engine block. On the 3.9L engine, the vent hole must be up. Refit the thermostat housing and tighten its securing bolts to 25-30 ft. lbs. (34-41 Nm).
Connect the upper radiator hose.
On 1994-96 V6 and V8 models, install the alternator.
On 2.5L engines, remove the hex-head plug or vacuum switching valve on the thermostat housing. Fill the radiator with coolant until the coolant come out the plug hole. Install the plug or valve and continue to fill the radiator.

On V6 and V8 engines, fill the cooling system to 1.25 in. (32mm) below the filler neck with the correct water and antifreeze mixture. Warm the engine and inspect the upper radiator hose and the thermostat housing for leaks.

Exploded view of the thermostat and water box-2.5L engine


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/261618_0900c15280070b9f_1.jpg



To loosen bolts easier, soak them with penetrating oil such as WD-40 for a few minutes before trying to remove bolt.
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Tuesday, March 2nd, 2021 AT 8:40 AM (Merged)

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