How much is it to replace a thermostat in a car?

Author: Shea Moen  |  Last update: Sunday, June 7, 2026

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 much does replacing a car thermostat cost?

The average cost for car thermostat replacement is $661 to $747. Enter your vehicle's information to see how much thermostat replacement costs in your local area.

Can I drive a car with a bad thermostat?

Driving a car with a broken thermostat is not advisable. The thermostat regulates the engine's temperature by controlling the flow of coolant. If it's stuck closed, the engine can overheat, leading to severe damage such as a blown head gasket or warped cylinder head.

How do I know if my car thermostat is bad?

5 Signs Your Thermostat Is Broken
  1. You Notice Erratic Temperature Changes. ...
  2. You Find Incorrect Readings on the Temperature Gauge. ...
  3. Your Vehicle Makes Concerning Noises. ...
  4. You Find Coolant Leaks. ...
  5. You Notice Problems with the Heating System.

Is it worth replacing a thermostat?

Replacing your thermostat offers several benefits, such as: Modern features: New thermostats often feature programmable options for different times of the day or week, allowing your system to automatically adjust when you're at work or school, arriving home, or asleep.

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How many hours does it take to replace a 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.

Can I replace a 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.

What is the lifespan of a car thermostat?

However, most car experts recommend car thermostat replacement after 10 years. However, this is an optimistic number. Thermostats are more likely to stop working much earlier than a decade. Some factors that induce an early thermostat failure include harsh weather, rough driving, bad engine or thermostat parts.

Will you get a code if your thermostat is bad?

P0128 is an extension of OBD-II code P0 which indicates a problem with your car's coolant thermostat.

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.

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.

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.

How to tell if your thermostat or water pump is bad?

Here are signs you've got a bad pump or thermostat.
  1. Corroded Cooling System Parts. Both of these cooling system parts can get corroded if they start to leak slowly. ...
  2. Leaking Engine Coolant. ...
  3. Erratic Temperature Changes. ...
  4. Poor Coolant Circulation. ...
  5. Overheating Constantly.

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.

Can I replace my car thermostat myself?

Luckily, it only takes a few minutes and a couple of tools to change your thermostat yourself. Our guide will show you how to remove the bad thermostat and replace it with a new one!

Can a car run with a broken 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 far can I drive with a bad thermostat?

The furthest you can drive an overheating car is about a ¼ mile before you risk irreversible engine damage. While some vehicles could still make it as far as 20 miles, we would never recommend driving very far with an overheating engine.

How much is it to fix a thermostat in 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.

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

Accurate Auto lists these signs below.
  • Odd Temperature Gauge Readings. Your temperature gauge should register cold when you first start your car and slowly build up to normal as the engine warms up. ...
  • Air Temperature Changes. ...
  • Coolant Leaks. ...
  • Strange Sounds. ...
  • Heater Problems.

How many hours does it take to replace a thermostat?

Installation typically takes about 1 hour.

Can I drive my car if the thermostat needs to be replaced?

This small but essential device regulates your engine's temperature, ensuring it operates within the optimal range. But what happens when your thermostat starts to fail? Can you still drive your car with a bad thermostat? Technically, yes, but it's not advisable.

Can I just buy a new thermostat?

You can typically just replace the outdated thermostat with a new thermostat – assuming the latter is compatible with your HVAC system. There are a few things you should know, however, when upgrading your thermostat.

How to fix a thermostat in a car?

A very brief summary of the task:
  1. Make sure the engine is cold and raise the vehicle on jackstands.
  2. Drain the coolant. Remove and examine the hose(s)
  3. Remove the thermostat housing.
  4. Remove the old gasket/seal and replace with new.
  5. Install the new thermostat and refill the system.

How to reset a thermostat?

Most modern thermostats will have a clearly marked reset button inside the panel. It's usually small and recessed, so you might need a pointed object like a paperclip to press it. For those wondering specifically how to reset air conditioner thermostat models, the process is generally the same.

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