How to Replace the Thermostat in a 1999 Ford Taurus

You may have noticed that your 1994 Ford Taurus has not been heating up properly when it’s cold outside. Sludge that accumulates over years of use in the cooling system can cause a thermostat to “fail safe.” This means that the thermostat will break in the open position, which allows coolant to flow through the engine at full speed. This keeps the engine from overheating but also keeps the inside of the car from heating up properly. If this has happened to your Taurus, then you’ll want to take a few minutes to swap out the thermostat in your engine.

Locate the thermostat cover by following the radiator hose that extends from the top of the radiator to the engine intake manifold. The hose connects to the thermostat cover.

Remove the cover by taking the two mounting bolts that hold the cover onto the intake manifold. Pull the cover off of the intake and push it off to the side. You will not have to remove the radiator hose.

Pull the thermostat out of the intake manifold by pulling upward. The thermostat is not bolted into place but may be pressed tightly into the intake manifold. Remove the paper thermostat gasket and discard both items.

Position the new thermostat into the intake manifold and set a new thermostat gasket into place. The thermostat should stay dry in the thermostat housing to prevent damage to the gasket and possible leaking once the Ford is warmed up to operating temperature.

Bolt the thermostat housing back into place with an adjustable wrench and the original mounting bolts.

Turn on the engine and allow it to warm up to normal operating temperature. Check the thermostat cover and the area where the gasket is located for any leaks. If you see leaks, tighten the cover to eliminate them.