How much does it cost to replace a coolant thermostat?

But for the average car owner, you can expect to pay between $140 and $300 for a professional mechanic to replace the thermostat in your vehicle for you. The cost of the actual thermostat unit itself is usually between $20 and $80 but can be more for luxury or sports cars.

Can I drive with a bad coolant thermostat?

Can I Still Drive with a Bad Thermostat? The easy answer to this question is no. While your car may be physically able to move and get you from Point A to Point B, you will want to refrain from operating your vehicle. This can lead to more parts of your vehicle being damaged, especially if the engine is overheating.

What are the symptoms of a bad thermostat?

How long does it take to change a car thermostat?

It will take a mechanic between 1 to 2 hours to complete a thermostat replacement service. Depending on the shop you go to, labor can cost between $65 and $100 per hour, so call ahead to get a repair estimate.

What happens when a coolant thermostat goes bad?

A faulty thermostat will result in strange temperature changes during engine operation. In this case, the thermostat will not get stuck in one position, but there will still be false readings causing control issues. The engine temperature will change unpredictably and the radiator coolant will not flow normally.

How to Replace a Bad Thermostat in Your Car

Will a bad thermostat make the check engine light come on?

the most noticeable issues occur when the thermostat gets stuck in either the open or closed position. a malfunction can result in a trouble code, generated by the engine's computer, which can turn on your check engine light.

Is it hard to change a car thermostat?

Replacing a car's thermostat (or T-stat) is an easy and inexpensive repair, and in most cases will cure an overheating or no-heat problem, sparing the time and expense needed for expert diagnostics.

How much should it cost to replace a car thermostat?

But for the average car owner, you can expect to pay between $140 and $300 for a professional mechanic to replace the thermostat in your vehicle for you. The cost of the actual thermostat unit itself is usually between $20 and $80 but can be more for luxury or sports cars.

How much do thermostats cost?

Thermostat Type

The most inexpensive options are manual thermostats, which only cost about $15 to $30, while smart thermostats are typically the most expensive, ranging from $130 to $300 or more.

What causes a thermostat to fail?

Thermostats fail because they become weak, stuck open or stuck closed. When a thermostat is stuck open, coolant constantly circulates and the engine takes longer to reach operating temperature.

How do I know if my thermostat or water pump is bad?

How do I know if I need a new thermostat?

How can I test my car thermostat without removing it?

Start your car's engine and allow it to idle. Look through the radiator filler neck to see if the coolant flows. At this time, it should not be flowing as your car has not reached the operating temperature to cause the thermostat to open. If you find the coolant is flowing, it means the thermostat valve is open.

Can a bad thermostat cause a blown head gasket?

A blown head gasket can happen for any number of reasons, from low-quality parts to old age. One particular reason is a stuck closed thermostat that prevents the coolant flow through the radiator, causing engine overheating. The extreme heat can warp the cylinder head, which leads to a blown-up head gasket.

Why do car thermostats go bad?

Sometimes the valve fails to close and gets stuck in the open position. This is a separate issue and can happen due to a piece of debris or when the return spring breaks. This allows coolant to keep flowing through the thermostat.

How long should a car thermostat last?

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.

Can I replace a thermostat myself?

It is possible to save some money by installing or replacing your thermostat yourself, but you will need: Basic electrical knowledge. A general understanding of the type of equipment being used.

Where can I get my car thermostat replaced?

How long does it take to install a thermostat?

How long does a New Thermostat installation take? Professionals estimate that the installation of a programmable thermostat takes just under two hours.

Is a car thermostat expensive?

Unfortunately, thermostats play an essential role in your car. So fixing a car thermostat will usually cost somewhere in the range of $200 to $300. But you'll need to speak with your mechanic to get a more exact estimate. More than labor costs, the price will depend on your car.

Do I have to drain coolant when replacing thermostat?

With a normal top-mounted thermostat you need drain only part of the cooling system . Do not drain it while the engine is hot — you may be scalded. Wait for the engine to cool. Drain the coolant from the radiator tap, or from the bottom hose, until it is below the level of the thermostat housing.

What to do after replacing a thermostat?

After replacing a thermostat, the technician should ensure all air pockets are removed from the cooling system. Otherwise, the vehicle will be more likely to overheat. After replacing the thermostat, refill antifreeze. Leave the radiator cap off, and start the vehicle.

What does a bad thermostat sound like?

Another sign that your thermostat is going bad is strange sounds. You may hear rumbling sounds coming from the engine, and these sounds could be coming from the radiator because the coolant is boiling. It may also sound like boiling or knocking. Sometimes the sound can also be gurgling.

How do I know if my coolant temp sensor is bad?