How long does it take to change a car thermostat?

Author: Mr. Camryn Bruen  |  Last update: Tuesday, March 4, 2025

Car thermostat replacement time is 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the make of the car. It will cost you around $190 to $350, including labor. Thermostat repairs usually take more time, requiring extra time to diagnose and analyze the vehicle's thermostat. It can take up to 2 hours.

Is a car thermostat easy to replace?

Most automobile thermostats are fairly easy to change. Just follow the upper radiator hose leading to the engine and it should be there at the end of the hose. Usually just two bolts.

How much does it cost to change a thermostat on a car?

Generally, repairing a thermostat costs around $200 to $500. This is the price range you'll find for most vehicles, although some may be higher or lower depending on the circumstances. But if we're talking complete replacement, expect the price to increase by $50.

Can you drive a car with a faulty thermostat?

Driving with a bad thermostat can lead to several issues, so it's generally not advisable. Here are some potential consequences: Overheating: A malfunctioning thermostat can cause your engine to overheat, as it may not open to allow coolant flow when needed. This can lead to serious engine damage.

How long does it take for a new thermostat to adjust?

Your thermostat should adjust to new settings as soon as you input them into the system. Usually, once you make the change to the settings, you'll hear the HVAC system respond right away.

How to Replace a Bad Thermostat in Your Car

How long does it take to put a new thermostat in a car?

Car thermostat replacement time is 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the make of the car. It will cost you around $190 to $350, including labor. Thermostat repairs usually take more time, requiring extra time to diagnose and analyze the vehicle's thermostat. It can take up to 2 hours.

How do I know if my thermostat is bad?

7 Ways to Tell Your Thermostat Is Broken
  1. The Thermostat Has No Power. ...
  2. The AC or Furnace Won't Turn On. ...
  3. The Heater or AC Won't Turn Off. ...
  4. The Thermostat Reading Doesn't Match the Room Temperature. ...
  5. The Thermostat Doesn't Respond. ...
  6. The HVAC System Is Short Cycling. ...
  7. The Thermostat Forgets Programmed Settings.

What are the symptoms of a stuck thermostat in a car?

Here are five easily recognizable signs that will alert you that the thermostat needs fixing.
  • You Notice Erratic Temperature Changes. ...
  • You Find Incorrect Readings on the Temperature Gauge. ...
  • Your Vehicle Makes Concerning Noises. ...
  • You Find Coolant Leaks. ...
  • You Notice Problems with the Heating System.

What is the lifespan of a car thermostat?

A car thermostat is designed to last a long time – typically around 100,000 miles or 10 years. However, various factors can impact its lifespan. First, driving conditions play a role. If you regularly drive in hot weather or stop-and-go traffic, your thermostat may suffer additional stress.

Will a stuck thermostat throw a code?

A stuck thermostat will also trigger several indicators, warnings, and fault codes. As you read above, you'll first notice the blue low-temperature indicator that constantly stays on.

Can I replace my thermostat myself?

In most cases, installing a new thermostat is a relatively simple do-it-yourself project that can result in improved comfort and convenience and one that can help you save energy.

How hard is it to fix a thermostat in a car?

Thermostat replacement normally involves the removal of other parts, such as throttle housing and throttle body, as well as draining and refilling the cooling system, but should take a home mechanic around a couple of hours or so.

How much should I pay to install a thermostat?

The cost to install a thermostat is $182 on average, but you could pay between $113 and $264.

What damages car thermostat?

Corrosion occurs, among other things if a wrong coolant is used. The corrosion attacks the thermostats aluminum parts that almost "etch away" (see figures 1 and 2). But also mixing of different coolants can cause corrosion. Therefore avoid mixing different types of coolant together.

Do I need to drain coolant before replacing my thermostat?

Loosen the top hose clip, then ease off the hose. Partially drain the cooling system first. With a normal top-mounted thermostat you need drain only part of the cooling system .

Who can put a thermostat in my car?

Can I do it myself? It is highly recommended that you let a quality Wrench Mobile Mechanic perform the thermostat replacement. We will take care of all the dirty work while you sit back and relax.

Can I drive a car with a bad thermostat?

If you drive with a bad thermostat, your car could overheat, causing severe and expensive engine damage. And while it's technically possible to drive without a thermostat, we don't recommend it. Your car will not reach an acceptable operating temperature, resulting in higher fuel consumption and excessive engine wear.

How many hours does it take to replace a thermostat?

Installation typically takes about 1 hour.

What is the life expectancy of a radiator?

The average lifespan of a car radiator is between 60,000 and 80,000 miles, while many can function even beyond 100,000 miles. However, this number will change based on how well you care for your car and its radiator.

How can you tell if a thermostat is bad?

A bad thermostat can be detected when your AC or furnace is not turning on, your HVAC systems are not turning off, the thermostat not responding, your HVAC system is short-cycling, the room temperature not matching the temperature displayed on the thermostat, and the programmed setting resetting themselves.

What are the symptoms of a bad head gasket?

Common Signs of a Bad Head Gasket
  • Coolant Loss: Keep an eye on your coolant levels — a significant drop is a red flag. ...
  • White Smoke from the Tailpipe: Some white smoke from the exhaust pipe of a cold engine is normal. ...
  • Engine Knocking: Blown head gaskets can lead to poor compression. ...
  • Milky Oil: Check your engine's oil.

Does the thermostat affect the AC in a car?

The thermostat is responsible for regulating the temperature of the AC system. If the thermostat is not working properly, it won't be able to regulate the temperature properly, which will cause warm air to be blown into your car.

How do you tell if you need a new thermostat in your car?

If you notice that the temperature gauge moves from normal to hot quickly or fluctuates unexpectedly, it's a clear indication that your thermostat may be malfunctioning. Engine Overheating: An engine running hotter than usual is a red flag.

Will AC work if the thermostat is bad?

The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system in your home is controlled by your thermostat. If your thermostat isn't working, your furnace, whole-house fan, and AC unit are probably not functioning correctly, either.

Will you get a code if your thermostat is bad?

The P0128 code is likely to appear once your coolant thermostat or temperature sensor fails. Of course, as was mentioned earlier, there are other potential causes for the code, as well. When the code pops up, bring your vehicle to your trusty mechanic and have it checked.

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