How to replace the thermostat in the 2013 Dodge Grand Caravan?
By
Elaine Knight
Page last updated:
12/08/2023 |
Next review date:
12/08/2025
In this blog post, we will answer the question: “How to replace the thermostat in the 2013 Dodge Grand Caravan?” We will also touch upon the signs to consider when you need to replace the thermostat for the 2013 Grand Dodge Caravan. At this post’s end, you will learn how to replace a thermostat in less than a day.
How to replace the thermostat in the 2013 Dodge Grand Caravan?
To replace the 2013 Dodge Grand Caravan’s thermostat, you must follow the steps described below.
- Drain the engine coolant
- Locate the radiation hose
- Locate the thermostat
- Remove the clamp
- Remove the radiator hose
- Fix the new thermostat
Drain the engine coolant
- The first and most important step is to drain the engine coolant. Make sure that the Dodge Caravan engine is cooled down to prevent any burns. Once the engine is cooled down, you need to drain the antifreeze through the radiator cap.
- You need to drain enough coolant to bring it below the level of the thermostat housing. Do not drain the engine coolant when the engine is still hot.
Locate the radiation hose
- To find the location of the thermostat housing assembly, you will first need to locate the radiation hose. The 2013 Dodge Grand Caravan has the upper radiator hose on the left. You will notice the engine pulleys under the engine, along with the alternator and power steering pump.
- Another easy tip is to look for the breather box that holds the air filter or fluid. The upper radiator hose is a black rubber hose that connects the radiator to the side of the engine.
- You can pinch the hose behind the thermostat housing with the help of pinch-off pliers.
Locate the thermostat
- The next step is to locate the thermostat. Follow the upper radiator hose that leads to the side of the engine of the Dodge Caravan. You will find a black housing that holds the thermostat. Once you locate the radiation hose, you should be able to find the thermostat.
Remove the clamp
- Next, you must remove the clamp near the thermostat housing. This is the hose clamp, commonly known as the “squeeze clamp” or “spring action clamp”. These clamps are usually replaced immediately once removed. However, you can install a regular hose clamp after changing the thermostat.
- With the help of hose clamp pliers or channel locks, you can easily remove the hose clamp. This is an easy step; all you need to do is remove the hose clamp to have access to the radiator hose.
Remove the radiator hose
- Next, you must remove the radiator hose. The radiator hose is connected to the thermostat housing. Remove the hose to replace the new thermostat. The housing is usually made of plastic material, and you must work carefully to break the channel locks free. Do not add too much pressure, and work your way around gently.
- Next, you need to remove the 10mm bolts to pull the thermostat housing off. Use a 10mm socket to remove both bolts on either side. These bolts secure the housing to the block, and they are finely threaded. Keep them in a safe place once removed since they can easily get lost.
- The house will still be stuck onto the engine even after removing the blots. You should use a small pry bar or shake it a little to get it off. A flat surface screwdriver should be enough to get the job done.
- Note: the remaining antifreeze inside the block will come out once you remove the thermostat housing. It is advised to place a drain pan under the vehicle to collect the coolant. Do not let the coolant drip or fall on the ground since it can be toxic to the environment.
Fix the new thermostat
- The next step is to fix the new thermostat. Remove the old thermostat and ensure that the new thermostat and gasket match the old one. You can also test the new thermostat by placing it in a bucket of boiling water.
- Place the new thermostat in the right manner and ensure it is firm. You must also clear the codes once you install the new thermostat. There are plenty of code scanners that are used for this purpose.
- After fixing the new thermostat, you need to repeat the same steps backward to assemble the cooling system. Be sure to clean the radiator hose properly before installing it once again. If you find that there is too much damage to the old hose, you can go ahead and install a new one.
- Fix a new hose clamp if necessary, and it is also important to replace the thermostat housing in the right manner.
- Check for coolant leaks and replace the radiator cap if you find it damaged or too old. Tighter the cap properly and ensure the temperature gauge is reading fine.
Signs that you need to replace the thermostat for the Dodge Caravan
The 2013 Dodge Caravan is one of those well-known vehicles, but they need to be maintained from time to time. The thermostat is one of those crucial parts of the Dodge Caravan and needs to be maintained like all other components. However, there are plenty of signs to look into when you need to replace the thermostat for the Dodge Caravan.
Overheating engine
- An overheating engine is the most common sign that appears when you need to replace the thermostat. These are mainly for thermostats with a valve stuck closed. You must check the entire cooling system to ensure the engine avoids overheating. In some cases, it can be a blown cylinder head gasket.
- Another important tip to remember is that an overheating engine will cause damage to the thermostat. It is always recommended to change the thermostat if the engine overheats.
Faulty cooling system
- Another sign of changing the thermostat is when the cooling system becomes faulty. Thermostats have a particular lifespan, and they need to be changed occasionally. The water pump of the radiator might need to be replaced in some situations. It is also advised to replace the thermostat along with these components.
- Replace the thermostat if there are any other issues with the coolant system. This simple step can save you time and money.
- Consider installing OEM thermostats since they have better quality. These thermostats are a little expensive, but they are way better than the normal ones.
Wrong temperature gauge reading
- There have been instances where the temperature gauge reads too high or too low. This is an indication of a faulty thermostat. After a year of usage, the thermostat can get sticky, and it can cause the engine temperature to stray from the optimal range. If you find the temperature game reading unstable, be sure to get the thermostat checked.
- Frequent temperature fluctuations are common, and it happens due to incorrect thermostat readings. You can use a thermostat reader to identify the issue, but it is advised to replace the thermostat or contact a mechanic simply.
- Replace the thermostat after three to five years, even if it works fine. It is essential to replace the old thermostat with the new one.
Thermostats are bound to fail at some point due to their limited lifespan and other factors that affect their functionality. Always wear safety gear while replacing the thermostat, and make sure to get in touch with a professional if you do not know how to replace the thermostat in the 2013 Dodge Grand Caravan.
Conclusion
In this blog post, we have answered the question: “How to replace the thermostat in the 2013 Dodge Grand Caravan?” We have also touched upon the signs to consider when you need to replace the thermostat for the 2013 Dodge Grand Caravan.
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