How Do I Change a Thermostat in a 2003 Chevrolet Venture?

The thermostat in the 2003 Chevrolet Venture regulates the temperature of the coolant in the engine. If it stops working properly, the resulting failure can cost thousands in repairs. The thermostat is mechanical, consisting of a spring and a pin. When pressure builds up, it pushes the spring down, and that allows more fluid to flow through the engine. Sludge inside of the engine can cause the spring to stop working.

Instructions

1

Place a large drain pan under the radiator then open the drain plug with a ratchet to drain the radiator fluid. After the radiator has drained, replace the drain plug.

2

Follow the upper radiator hose to the location where the hose mounts to the thermostat cover on the Venture's engine. Remove the upper radiator hose from the engine by loosening the radiator clamp with a flat head screwdriver. Pull the hose off the thermostat cover.

3

Remove the two bolts that secure the thermostat cover onto the engine. Lift the cover off the engine to access the thermostat.

4

Lift the thermostat out of the engine and discard.

5

Stuff a shop rag into the hole where the thermostat was and scrape the old thermostat gasket off the engine. Wipe the surface clean of any debris then pull the rag out of the hole. Inspect the bottom of the thermostat cover for any gasket material and clean it off.

6

Position the spring end of the new thermostat into the engine then place a gasket onto the engine block. Position the thermostat cover on top of the gasket and secure it into place with the bolts.

7

Replace the radiator hose onto the thermostat cover and secure it with the band clamp.

8

Add the old radiator fluid back into the radiator. If the fluid looks dirty or cloudy, replace the fluid with a 50/50 mix of radiator fluid and distilled water.