3.5 thermostat replacement......how and where?

[eds9c1]

Anybody here ever replace the stat in their 3.5 engine?

I think i found the housing.......but was wondering how involved it was to chang out.

Ed

[fnkychkn]

from fsm:

3.5L ENGINE



1.Disconnect negative cable.
WARNING: Do not remove pressure cap with the system hot and under pressure because serious burns from coolant can occur.

2.Drain cooling system.
3.Raise vehicle on hoist.
4.Disconnect electrical connectors from engine oil and power steering pressure switches.
5.Disconnect radiator and heater hoses from thermostat housing.
6.Remove thermostat housing bolts.
7.Remove housing, thermostat, and gasket.
NOTE: The OEM thermostat is staked in place at the factory. To ensure proper seating of replacement thermostat, carefully remove the bulged metal from the thermostat housing using a suitable hand held grinder. It is not necessary to restake the replacement thermostat into the thermostat housing.


t-stat housing bolt torque spec: 105 in/lb.

[RodneyUSAF]

How about the 2.7? Does anybody have a diagram? I have to replace mine whenever it gets here. (overseas so it takes awhile) It looks like it will be tricky to get to. The dealer told me that the 2.7s were bad about air pockets and have to be bled whenever the coolant is drained. That must be why they put that big bleeder valve on the hose!

[fnkychkn]

How about the 2.7? Does anybody have a diagram? I have to replace mine whenever it gets here. (overseas so it takes awhile) It looks like it will be tricky to get to. The dealer told me that the 2.7s were bad about air pockets and have to be bled whenever the coolant is drained. That must be why they put that big bleeder valve on the hose!

pm sent

[ChargLex]

Don't do this if all you want is a 180 degree thermostat, as there is an extremely good chance you already have one.

I bought a Jet Chip and their website says it "requires" a 180 degree thermostat... meanwhile my '06 Charger SXT already has one. There should be plenty of old threads with info on how to find out if you already have one.

[RodneyUSAF]

Na, I am having cooling issues. Not worried about 10 degrees one bit. The temp will stay at 1/4 for the first ten minutes, then quickly rise to a little over half. I haven't driven very far since the problem began, so I don't know if it will overheat or not. I just know it's not right. Plus I am getting code 0126.

[fnkychkn]

Na, I am having cooling issues. Not worried about 10 degrees one bit. The temp will stay at 1/4 for the first ten minutes, then quickly rise to a little over half. I haven't driven very far since the problem began, so I don't know if it will overheat or not. I just know it's not right. Plus I am getting code 0126.

P0126?????? not familiar with that one.

[DannyC]

DTC P0126 Insufficient ECT for Stable Operation

[fnkychkn]

DTC P0126 Insufficient ECT for Stable Operation

thanks DannyC. haven't come across that one on any chrysler vehicles yet.

[COLORADOMAGNUM]

Don't do this if all you want is a 180 degree thermostat, as there is an extremely good chance you already have one.

I bought a Jet Chip and their website says it "requires" a 180 degree thermostat... meanwhile my '06 Charger SXT already has one. There should be plenty of old threads with info on how to find out if you already have one.

If you have the "severe duty enging cooling" option, you already have the 180* t-stat. Your dealer can run your VIN # and let you know (it's not on the window sticker).

I found out the hard way. I bought a 180* t-stat, took everything apart, then found out I already had a 180* in my car.

[eds9c1]

Thanks fellas!!

I will check the Vin with the dealer tomorrow.

[AvengerRT]

What kind of temp are you guys running on the 3.5? Right now mine sits just a tad less than middle of the gauge, occasionally reaching the middle but never above. Its been cold out lately, the highest being 40 some degrees. I don't have the evic so I can only go by the guage, but am I running too hot? I checked my codes today and I don't have any set, so I suppose thats good, but I just wondered about the temp.

Thanks in advance!

[ChargLex]

My Charger SXT is at operating temp at the middle of the gauge...

[ZMagnum]

Mine is the same. Middle to just left of middle once warmed up. Middle is 200 degrees BTW.

[Josuave]

Just had the Stealership replace my water pump under warranty. It went on me, they suggested the thermostat stuck closed and caused the seal to go on the pump. They charged me $180CDN for the thermostat and replacement, also said I needed a coolant flush, so another $90 for that.