How to Replace the Thermostat on a 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix

The 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix is equipped with a single thermostat to help regulate the temperature of the engine. When the engine is cold, the thermostat prevents the radiator fluid from entering the engine until the engine warms up. For this reason, if the engine quickly overheats and the problem cannot be traced to the water pump or to the radiator, the thermostat is likely not opening and must be replaced.

Instructions

1

Twist off the radiator cap, then rotate the drain bolt at the base of the radiator in a counterclockwise direction with a wrench and allow the radiator fluid to exit into a container until the fluid falls below the level of the thermostat.

2

Unfasten the water outlet's two securing bolts with a wrench and pull the outlet off of the engine to reveal the thermostat. The upper radiator hose attaches to the water outlet on the top of the engine. Squeeze the hose to access both bolts.

3

Withdraw the thermostat from the engine.

4

Discard the old thermostat gasket.

5

Position the new thermostat in place within the engine, then place a new gasket over the thermostat.

6

Press the water outlet over the thermostat and tighten the outlet's two securing bolts with a wrench.

7

Refill the engine with the drained radiator fluid and tighten the cap onto the radiator.