How to Change a Toyota Thermostat

by Nathaniel Miller

Thermostats are the internal valves that control the flow of coolant inside the internal workings of your Toyota's engine. Without the thermostat to regulate coolant flow, the engine could easily overheat or not run efficiently because of running too cool. Toyota engines are known for being reliable and relatively easy to work on, but it is sometimes necessary or advisable to change the thermostat just to make sure the valve is not sticking closed or open at the wrong times. Toyota thermostats are strategically placed between the engine of your car and the cooling system and are relatively easy to change.

Step 1

Crawl under the car and find the drain plug at the passenger side, bottom of the radiator. Use the socket set to loosen and remove the plug, allowing the coolant to drain out of the system into the catchpan.

Step 2

Locate the inlet hose running from the radiator to the engine block. Where the hose connects to the engine block, remove the hose clamps with the flathead screwdriver and then pull the hose off of the metal housing. Use the socket set to remove the two mounting screws holding the housing to the engine.

Step 3

Pull the housing away from the engine and then remove the thermostat located below. Install the new thermostat in its place and then secure the housing back in place with the socket set. Slide the hose back onto the housing and secure with the hose clamp.

Step 4

Fill the radiator with a 50/50 solution of water and coolant. Turn the car on and continue to fill with water until the specified level is reached in the overflow reservior located behind the radiator. Watch the in-dash gauges to make sure the car is cooling down as it should.

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