Thermostat Replacement?

2010 CHEVROLET MALIBU
181,000 MILES • 3.6L • V6 • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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PGRACER
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Water pump froze on grandson's "new/used" car and local shop replaced it, said car was fine. Car got hot on drive home by gauge, not pegged and air through radiator was cold indicating a stuck thermostat to me. I am a disabled/retired VW Master Tech with a bad back and severely arthritic hands, 1) do you think I can physically handle replacing the t-stat myself and 2) where is the t-stat located on this beast? Thank-you for for being here!
Sep 24, 2025 at 2:33 AM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi:

The process is straightforward, but you will have a few clamps to remove, which can be a pain. If you look below, I attached the directions from Alldata. Take a look and see if you are comfortable doing it.

On the other hand, this could be a great learning experience for your grandson. With you there to guide and explain what is needed, chances are he could do it.

Take a look below and let me know your thoughts or questions.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below
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Sep 24, 2025 at 8:15 PM
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PGRACER
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Thank you very much for your response! Yes, I agree about having him do the work, at least the most physical parts (not mechanically inclined, LOL). I took a few minutes yesterday to look things over and am happy I still have a spring-clamp tool from my time with VW! That looks like the worst of it for my arthritis, and the best for him to do. Having the torque spec is awesome, I was always retentive about that. Thanks again!
Sep 25, 2025 at 1:20 AM
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STRAILER
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS is one of our best! please use 2CarPros anytime we are here to help.
Sep 26, 2025 at 8:35 AM
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PGRACER
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Great group! After five years in retirement/disability my confidence wasn't where it should be, but y'all simply put good information in front of me and this morning I took care of the thermostat. Took me five hours, accounting time resting to unlock fingers (the boy had to work) but it's done, bled and test driven! THANKS!
Sep 26, 2025 at 10:42 AM
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STRAILER
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You are welcome, please use 2CarPros anytime we are here to help.
Sep 26, 2025 at 6:13 PM