GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Engine Coolant Thermostat Replacement 1.4L/1.6L

Removal Procedure

    Warning: Refer to Radiator Cap Removal Warning in the Preface section.


    Object Number: 1291080  Size: SH
  1. Drain the coolant. Refer to Cooling System Draining and Filling.
  2. Loosen the hose clamp on the upper radiator hose at the thermostat housing.
  3. Disconnect the upper radiator hose from the thermostat housing.
  4. Loosen the clamp on the bypass hose.
  5. Disconnect the bypass hose from the thermostat housing.

  6. Object Number: 1291083  Size: SH
  7. Remove the mounting bolts that hold the thermostat housing to the cylinder head.
  8. Remove the thermostat housing from the head.
  9. Remove the O-ring seal from the head.
  10. Inspect the valve seat for foreign matter that could prevent the valve from seating properly.
  11. Inspect the thermostat for proper operation. Refer to Thermostat Diagnosis.
  12. Clean the thermostat housing and the cylinder head mating surfaces.

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 1291083  Size: SH
  1. Coat the sealing surface of a new O-ring seal with Lubriplate®.
  2. Install a new O-ring seal into the recess in the cylinder head.
  3. Caution: Refer to Fastener Caution in the Preface section.

  4. Secure the thermostat housing to the cylinder head with the mounting bolts.
  5. Tighten
    Tighten the thermostat housing mounting bolts to 20 N·m (15 lb ft).


    Object Number: 1291080  Size: SH
  6. Connect the upper radiator hose to the thermostat housing.
  7. Secure the upper radiator hose to the thermostat housing with a hose clamp.
  8. Connect the bypass hose to the thermostat housing.
  9. Secure the bypass hose with a hose clamp.
  10. Refill the engine cooling system. Refer to Cooling System Draining and Filling.

Engine Coolant Thermostat Replacement 1.8L/2.0L

Removal Procedure

    Warning: Refer to Radiator Cap Removal Warning in the Preface section.


    Object Number: 1291084  Size: SH
  1. Drain the coolant. Refer to Cooling System Draining and Filling.
  2. Loosen the hose clamp on the upper radiator hose at the thermostat housing.
  3. Disconnect the upper radiator hose from the thermostat housing.

  4. Object Number: 1291086  Size: SH
  5. Remove the mounting bolts that hold the thermostat housing to the cylinder head.
  6. Remove the thermostat housing from the cylinder head.

  7. Object Number: 1291087  Size: SH
  8. Remove the seal ring from the thermostat housing.
  9. Remove the thermostat from the thermostat housing by pressing the thermostat mounting flange downward and then rotating the flange clockwise.
  10. Inspect the valve seat for foreign matter that could prevent the valve from sealing properly.
  11. Inspect the thermostat for proper operation. Refer to Thermostat Diagnosis.
  12. Clean the thermostat housing and the cylinder head mating surfaces.

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 1291087  Size: SH
  1. Install the thermostat into the thermostat housing by pressing the thermostat mounting flange downward and then rotating the flange counterclockwise. Rotate the thermostat mounting flange until it is seated in the thermostat housing recesses.
  2. Coat the sealing surface of a new seal ring with Lubriplate®.
  3. Install a new seal ring into the recess in the thermostat housing.

  4. Object Number: 1291086  Size: SH
  5. Install the thermostat housing to the cylinder head.
  6. Caution: Refer to Fastener Caution in the Preface section.

  7. Secure the thermostat housing to the cylinder head with the mounting bolts.
  8. Tighten
    Tighten the thermostat housing mounting bolts to 15 N·m (11 lb ft).


    Object Number: 1291084  Size: SH
  9. Connect the upper radiator hose to the thermostat housing.
  10. Secure the upper radiator hose to the thermostat housing with a hose clamp.
  11. Refill the engine cooling system. Refer to Cooling System Draining and Filling.

Engine Coolant Thermostat Replacement 2.0L Diesel

Removal Procedure


    Object Number: 1962428  Size: SH

    Warning: To avoid being burned, do not remove the radiator cap or surge tank cap while the engine is hot. The cooling system will release scalding fluid and steam under pressure if radiator cap or surge tank cap is removed while the engine and radiator are still hot.

  1. Drain the coolant. Refer to Cooling System Draining and Filling.
  2. Remove the engine cover. Refer to Engine Cover Replacement.

  3. Object Number: 1820434  Size: SH
  4. Disconnect the radiator upper hose from the thermostat housing.
  5. Remove the fuel injection pump-to-rail feeding pipe retaining bolt.
  6. Remove the thermostat housing.
  7. Remove the thermostat with the gasket.

Installation Procedure


    Object Number: 1820434  Size: SH
  1. Install the thermostat with a new gasket.
  2. Install the thermostat housing.
  3. Caution: Refer to Fastener Caution in the Preface section.

  4. Install the fuel pipe-to-common rail retaining bolt.
  5. Tighten

        • Tighten the thermostat housing bolts to 23 N·m (17 lb ft).
        • Tighten the fuel pipe-to-common rail retaining bolt to 10 N·m (88.5 lb in).

    Object Number: 1962428  Size: SH

    Warning: To avoid being burned, do not remove the radiator cap or surge tank cap while the engine is hot. The cooling system will release scalding fluid and steam under pressure if radiator cap or surge tank cap is removed while the engine and radiator are still hot.

  6. Connect the upper radiator hose.
  7. Install the engine cover. Refer to Engine Cover Replacement.
  8. Fill the cooling system. Refer to Cooling System Draining and Filling.