Posted: 8/31/2010 7:36:30 PM EDT
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My temp gauge occasionally does not go up to normal. The code reads low coolant temperature. I assume either the thermorstat is broken and sticks open or else the sending unit is bad.
I guess I am asking if I just need a thermostat and where in the world is it hidden? The car runs great, but does not always start like it should. It will turn over, then nearly die and barely rev back to idle. Is this related or just because of high mileage and a possible old battery? |
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Depends on what engine you have. There was a 2.3L in '03 that had the t-stat somewhere under the A/C compressor. And there were possibly still three versions of the 2.0L made in '03 IIRC. It goes by vin digit to determine which 2.0L you have, but the T-stat is on the back of the motor on the drivers side near cylinder head and it's in a plastic housing that must be replaced at the same time. There are usually two hoses...a small sized hose and a radiator hose. Some housings also have a coolant temp sensor in the hosing as well.
The fix for this particular code is to change the thermostat (with plastic housing) and temp sensor together, fill with fresh coolant and run with heat on low until you get good heat from vents, turn off heat, wait for fan/s to come on once, top off reservoir if needed then cap the system but leave slightly loose. When fan/s come on a second time it's done...you should have all of the trapped air out of the system now. Tighten the cap all the way, make sure you recheck coolant level when motor is cold again. |
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Quoted:
Depends on what engine you have. There was a 2.3L in '03 that had the t-stat somewhere under the A/C compressor. And there were possibly still three versions of the 2.0L made in '03 IIRC. It goes by vin digit to determine which 2.0L you have, but the T-stat is on the back of the motor on the drivers side near cylinder head and it's in a plastic housing that must be replaced at the same time. There are usually two hoses...a small sized hose and a radiator hose. Some housings also have a coolant temp sensor in the hosing as well. The fix for this particular code is to change the thermostat (with plastic housing) and temp sensor together, fill with fresh coolant and run with heat on low until you get good heat from vents, turn off heat, wait for fan/s to come on once, top off reservoir if needed then cap the system but leave slightly loose. When fan/s come on a second time it's done...you should have all of the trapped air out of the system now. Tighten the cap all the way, make sure you recheck coolant level when motor is cold again. Thanks. I have the 16valve 2 liter. I'll buy the assembly and save it for a day when the wife is asleep. |