How to Replace a Nissan Thermostat
by Cassandra Tribe
If your Nissan is running hot, or if your temperature gauge isn't reading a temperature at all, it's time to replace your thermostat. You won't need any special tools to replace a Nissan thermostat, just a few basic ones you probably already have. Go online or to your local auto parts store and order the correct replacement thermostat and gasket for your year and model Nissan. Once you have that, an hour or two will be enough to replace a Nissan thermostat and get you back on the road.
Step 1
Park your car on a level surface. With the engine cool, place a bucket under the draincock of the radiator (located on the driver's side of the radiator) and open the drain. Allow the radiator to drain for 10 minutes (you do not have to drain all of the fluid).
Step 2
Follow the upper hose off your radiator to where it connects to the engine block. The hose is connected to the thermostat housing. Use a flat-head screwdriver to undo the hose clamp and remove the hose from the thermostat housing.
Step 3
Remove the two bolts holding the thermostat housing in place using a socket wrench. Remove the bolts and then pull the housing off. Remove the old gasket. You may need to use a paint scraper to remove all of the old gasket from the surface of the housing.
Step 4
Pinch the raised portion of the thermostat with your thumb and forefinger and pull the thermostat from its seat. Replace the thermostat by inserting your new one in the same manner that the old one came out, making sure that the spring coil on the thermostat is inside the seat.
Step 5
Place your new gasket on the housing, return the thermostat housing to its original position, and reattach the bolts and hose. Close the draincock of the radiator and top off your coolant fluid.
References
Tips
- Remove the air cleaner to give yourself easier access to the thermostat housing.
Things You'll Need
- Bucket
- Screwdriver
- Socket set
- Paint scraper
- Coolant fluid
Warnings
- Never disconnect any part of the car's cooling system while the engine is still hot. The coolant inside will be under pressure and can cause serious injuries or burns if released from the system.
Writer Bio
Cassandra Tribe has worked in the construction field for over 17 years and has experience in a variety of mechanical, scientific, automotive and mathematical forms. She has been writing and editing for over 10 years. Her areas of interest include culture and society, automotive, computers, business, the Internet, science and structural engineering and implementation.
