How to Change the Thermostat in a 2001 Dodge Stratus
by Jonathan Ryan
A bad thermostat will cause over- or under-cooling problems. The thermostat housing in your 2001 Dodge Stratus is easy to reach, making replacement a quick and easy process. You shouldn't need more than twenty minutes to replace the thermostat. A replacement can be purchased from most auto-parts stores.
2.0L and 2.4L Engines
Step 1
Locate the thermostat by following the upper radiator hose if your car has a four-cylinder engine, or the lower hose if your car has a six-cylinder engine. The hoses are thick rubber hoses that run from the radiator. The other end of the appropriate hose attaches to the engine block at the thermostat housing. Place a drain pan below the thermostat housing, then disconnect the hoses from the housing. To remove the hoses, squeeze the tabs on the clamps with a pair of pliers. Make sure that the coolant drains into the pan.
Step 2
Unbolt the coolant outlet connector from the thermostat housing to reveal the thermostat. It is held in place by two bolts. Remove and replace the thermostat and gasket underneath. Bolt the connector back in place and reattach all hoses you disconnected in the previous step.
Step 3
Refill the coolant tank with the drained coolant. Run the engine with the radiator cap removed for at least ten minutes to bleed air from the system. Replace the cap.
References
- "MOTOR Auto Repair Manual, Vol. 1;" MOTOR Information Systems; 2003
Things You'll Need
- Drain pan
- Pliers
- Socket wrench
- Socket set, metric
Warnings
- Never work on the coolant system of a vehicle while the engine is hot or overheated. Allow the engine to cool first.
Writer Bio
In 2009, Jonathan Ryan began writing design documents describing digital marketing promotions for clients such as Heinz Ketchup and Kellogg's. His work also appears on eHow. In addition to working with all things computer-related, he has experience with home improvement and auto repair. Ryan holds a Master of Science in computer science from Western Michigan University.
