
Of course, if in doubt, be sure to take your car to a certified professional. The thermostat is a low-cost item, and replacement is a task done by many DIY backyard mechanics. The thermostat is often the first component to go bad in the coolant system, but the water pump can also go bad. The coolant system is one such common issue many users have reported. The Chevrolet Cruze is a great car but does have some common failures. Insert the thermostat and bolt it back in along with attaching the small hose.Place the gasket on the new thermostat.The thermostat should come out when done.Remove the two bolts and small hose attached to the thermostat.Using a screwdriver lift the clip on the hose close to the radiator and pull the hose off.Using a small screwdriver, remove the electrical wiring connection to the thermostat.Using a 7mm socket, remove the air intake hose.


If the thermostat housing is leaking, it is likely bad.
#Bad coolant thermostat symptoms how to
How To Diagnose a Chevy Cruze with a Bad Thermostat


The thermostat is a simple device that opens and shuts, regulating the flow of coolant to maintain the engine temperature. Likewise, if the thermostat has gone bad but is stuck fully open, the vehicle will not heat up, especially in very cold weather. If the thermostat has gone bad and does not open, the car will run hot and likely overheat. When the engine starts to become hot, the thermostat slowly opens and begins to cool the engine. When the engine is cold, the thermostat is closed, which stops all coolant from flowing, and the engine warms up. The thermostat opens and closes, blocking the flow of the coolant, which regulates the temperature. No heat is another symptom many users report when the weather is very cold. Keep in mind the symptoms of a bad thermostat are the same as other failed coolant system components such as the water pump or leaky radiator. When a thermostat fails, the most common symptom is the car overheats with a coolant smell coming from the engine.Īntifreeze used in the vehicle’s coolant system has a distinct smell that is often described as sweet. Symptoms of a Chevy Cruze with a Bad Thermostat The thermostat is a common failure on the Chevy Cruze and also one of the more easier DIY fixes. If you have a Chevy Cruze that is overheating or has no heat, you may have an issue with the thermostat.
