How to Replace a 2001 Dodge Neon's Thermostat

In 1995, Dodge released a new compact car into the marketplace: the Neon. In the 2000 model year, Dodge redesigned the Neon, giving it a slightly more refined appearance. The 2001 Neon came standard with a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine that produced 132 horsepower and had an optional "high-output" 2.0-liter that produced 150 horsepower. Regulating the engine's temperature was a mixture of antifreeze and water. A thermostat regulated the flow of the antifreeze and water, by opening when the engine needed cooling and closing when the engine cooled off. Replacing the thermostat in the standard and "high-output" engine requires a similar process.

Instructions

1

Raise the front of the Neon, using a floor jack, and place jack stands under the Dodge's subframe.

2

Crawl under the Neon's radiator and position a drain pan under the radiator petcock. Open the petcock by twisting it counterclockwise with your fingers, and allow all of the coolant to drain from the radiator into the drain pan. Twist the petcock clockwise to close it once the radiator is empty.

3

Raise the Neon off the jack stands, using a floor jack, and remove the jack stands. Lower the vehicle to the ground.

4

Trace the upper radiator hose until you reach the metal tube connecting the radiator hose to the engine -- this is the thermostat housing. Remove the two thermostat housing bolts, using a ratchet and socket, and pull the housing from the engine.

5

Grab the thermostat and pull it from the engine.

6

Scrape the mating surfaces on the engine and the thermostat housing, using a plastic gasket scraper.

7

Install the thermostat seal -- included with the thermostat -- around the perimeter thermostat, with the tab in line with the thermostat jiggle valve, if not already installed.

8

Install the thermostat in the engine, with the spring part facing the engine. Position the tab on the thermostat seal in the notch on the engine. Failure to position the thermostat correctly may cause heating and cooling malfunctions, as well as trapping air inside the cooling system.

9

Reinstall the thermostat housing and tighten the bolts to 9 to 10 foot-pounds, using a torque wrench and socket.

10

Open the radiator cap and fill the radiator to the base of the filler neck with 50-50 premixed coolant. Start the engine and allow it to warm up. Add coolant each time the level drops. Once the coolant level remains steady and the engine is warm, close the radiator cap and shut the engine down.

11

Allow the engine to cool, then restart the engine. Allow the engine to reach operating temperature and check that the coolant level is within the "Warm" range on the coolant overflow tank. Add 50-50 premixed coolant, as needed. In total, the 2001 Neon holds 1.6 gallons of 50-50 premixed coolant.

12

Take the old antifreeze to a used automotive fluid recycling center. Many auto parts stores take used antifreeze free of charge.