How to Replace a Thermostat on a VW Jetta 2001

If the engine in your 2001 Volkswagen Jetta overheated or the inside of your car does not heat up, the likely cause is a defective thermostat. Depending on what happened to cause the thermostat not to work, both symptoms can be a sign of bigger issues if the thermostat is not replaced. If the engine overheats, the alloy block can warp, causing thousands of dollars in repair bills.

Instructions

1

Locate the thermostat housing by following the upper radiator hose from the radiator to the location where the hose connects to the engine block. The cover that the hose connects to is called the thermostat housing.

2

Remove the radiator hose from the radiator housing. Squeeze the tabs located on the radiator clamp together with a pair of pliers. Slide the clamp upward onto the hose and then pull the hose off the thermostat housing. Lift up on the hose to drain any fluid left in the hose back into the radiator.

3

Remove the thermostat housing by removing the two bolts that hold it into place with a wrench.

4

Take note on how the thermostat is positioned in the intake manifold of the Jetta and then pull it out of the intake by pulling upward on it. Place the new thermostat into place so it is orientated in the same manner as the old thermostat.

5

Pull the old thermostat gasket off of the intake manifold and replace it with a new one.

6

Bolt the old thermostat housing back onto the intake manifold.

7

Secure the radiator hose onto the thermostat housing and secure the radiator hose clamp.