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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.
What are the symptoms of a bad thermostat?
Bad Thermostat Symptoms Overheating Engine. If the thermostat stays closed, the engine’s coolant cannot reach the radiator and, therefore, cannot cool down. Temperature Fluctuations. Heater fluctations. Possible Leakages & Steam from engine. Rising Temperature and Full Expansion Tank.
How much does it cost to repair thermostat?
Most homeowners spend between $110 and $305 to repair a thermostat. Exact costs range from about $50 to $500, with a national average of $207. The price may will depend on factors like the model you own and whether it has a warranty.
Can you drive a car with a bad 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.
Can a stuck car thermostat fix itself?
You can either replace the valves with new ones or work the valves back into a position where they can move up and down more freely. Replace the thermostat. This is the last thing you want to do, but if the hoses do not show a blockage or coolant hindrance then the thermostat itself may be malfunctioning.
Do I need to replace my car thermostat?
Aside from this type of preventive maintenance, a thermostat doesn’t need to be replaced unless it stops opening and closing when it’s supposed to. If it sticks in the closed position, that traps coolant in the engine so that it overheats.
Can you replace a car thermostat yourself?
Replacing a car’s thermostat (or T-stat) is an easy and inexpensive repair. In most cases it will cure an overheating or no-heat problem, sparing the time and expense needed for expert diagnostics.
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.
What happens when car thermostat fails?
By keeping coolant from entering the engine, the engine will overheat. If a thermostat fails as it is stuck partially or completely open, the vehicle may be unable to reach its full operating temperature, which uses more fuel and can prevent the cabin heater from reaching full heat.
How do I know if my car thermostat is bad?
To be sure, remove the thermostat from the engine and drop it into a bucket of boiling water (over 200 degrees). The thermostat should open while it’s submerged close once it’s pulled out. If it fails this test, the thermostat is defective and should be replaced immediately.
How do you test a car thermostat?
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.
How long does 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.
How much does a thermostat cost?
Thermostat Costs The national average cost is $175. The thermostat will run between $15 and $300, depending on the type and its features. A licensed electrician can typically set one up in fewer than two hours at a rate of $65 to $100 per hour.
What happens if you don’t replace thermostat?
Keep in mind that the main function of the thermostat is to allow hot coolant to move through to the radiator. If the thermostat remains open, however, the coolant will continually move through regardless if it is hot or not. This will cause a cold engine, which can cause mechanical issues with the car.
How do I know if my thermostat or water pump is bad?
You should be able to turn on your heating or cooling system from the thermostat, or change operation back and forth from heating to cooling. If you make changes at the thermostat and get no response whatsoever from your furnace, air conditioner, or heat pump, it could mean the thermostat is bad.
Do I need to drain radiator to change thermostat?
You don’t need to drain the entire cooling system with a normal top-mounted thermostat. If the engine is hot, don’t drain it. The thermostat housing should be below the level of the radiator tap or bottom hose.
Is it difficult to replace a thermostat?
Upgrading to a thermostat that automatically changes the indoor temperature setting is fairly easy, and it can trim about $180 off your annual heating and cooling costs, according to the EPA. Simple models that only control heat are sold at home centers for around $25.
Can a thermostat cause a car to overheat?
The thermostat controls the flow of the coolant. Once the engine reaches operating temperature, the valve will open and coolant will begin to flow through the engine. A faulty thermostat might remain closed even when the engine is hot, which can quickly lead to overheating.
