How Do I Change the Thermostat on My 1994 Honda Civic Lx?

If the engine operating temperature on your 1994 Honda Civic LX has been running hotter than normal, the thermostat that regulates the amount of fluid that flows through the engine may be starting to weaken. Over time, the thermostat becomes corroded and clogged with engine coolant sludge. This prevents the thermostat from opening and closing properly. The end result, and the reason the thermostat must be replaced, is engine warping. Engine warping can cost thousands to repair; in most cases, a new engine is needed.

Instructions

1

Place the Honda Civic Lx onto a set of front end ramps and secure the parking break to keep it from rolling off of the ramps.

2

Place a radiator drain pan under the radiator drain valve located on the bottom of the radiator. With a pair of pliers, turn the drain valve counterclockwise to drain the radiator fluid into the drain pan. With all of the fluid drained out of the radiator, turn the drain valve clockwise to close the drain.

3

Remove the radiator hose from the thermostat housing. To locate the housing, trace the upper radiator hose to the location where the hose connects to the Civic's intake manifold. The metal housing that the hose secures to is called the thermostat housing. To remove the hose, loosen the band clamp with a screwdriver and pull the hose off the housing.

4

Remove the bolts that secure the thermostat housing to the intake manifold and then pull the old thermostat out of the intake manifold.

5

Remove the old gasket and O-ring and replace them with new ones.

6

Place the new thermostat into the intake manifold of the Civic with pin facing the thermostat housing.

7

Place the thermostat housing back onto the intake manifold and bolt it back into place.

8

Reconnect the radiator hose to the thermostat housing and tighten the band clamp with a screwdriver.

9

Remove the radiator fill cap and place a funnel into the radiator. Fill the radiator with radiator fluid. Close the cap.